Neurocognitive Profiles in Patients With Persisting Cognitive Symptoms Associated With COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• A subset of individuals experience persistent cognitive and medical symptoms following COVID-19.
• Early research indicates attention and executive function deficits in the acute phase of the illness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cognitive functioning in individuals with persistent cognitive complaints approximately 5.5 months after COVID-19 infection.

Main Methods:

• Observational study involving comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for patients with confirmed COVID-19 and ongoing cognitive complaints.
• Exclusion of patients with pre-existing neurological disorders.
• Analysis of demographic and clinical data, including hospitalization, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and delirium rates.

Main Results:

• Mild cognitive deficits observed in attention, processing speed, and executive function.
• High prevalence of pre-existing mood disorders (70%) and current moderate to severe mood symptoms (35-40%).
• Significant fatigue reported by 85% of participants.

Conclusions:

• The pattern of mild cognitive deficits aligns with findings from the acute illness stage.
• Psychological factors, fatigue, and other persistent symptoms likely contribute to subjective cognitive complaints post-COVID-19.
• Patients may benefit from interventions addressing mood symptoms and cognitive compensatory strategies.