Proposed protocol for post COVID-19 cognitive rehabilitation for attention and memory

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Long Covid Syndrome, a post-viral condition, frequently presents with neuropsychological symptoms like memory decline and attention deficits.
• These cognitive impairments significantly impact individuals' quality of life and daily functioning after COVID-19 infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and propose a structured cognitive rehabilitation protocol tailored for individuals experiencing cognitive symptoms after COVID-19.
• The protocol specifically targets attention and memory deficits common in post-COVID conditions.

Main Methods:

• A six-month cognitive rehabilitation program was designed, featuring weekly 60-minute sessions focused on attention and memory.
• Training activities were derived from neuropsychological evaluation tests, incorporating homework assignments for continuous practice.
• The protocol systematically trained various attention types (sustained, alternating, selective, divided) and stimulated both short-term and long-term memory.

Main Results:

• While methodologically separating attention and memory, the rehabilitation activities demonstrated indirect benefits for other cognitive functions, including executive function, language, and cognitive flexibility.
• Gradual increases in activity difficulty were implemented across sessions to ensure progressive cognitive challenge.
• The use of computers, paper, and pen facilitated the delivery of training modules and exercises.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive rehabilitation is an established therapeutic approach for various neurological and psychological conditions.
• The proposed protocol offers a promising, evidence-informed strategy for managing cognitive sequelae of COVID-19, potentially aiding Long Covid recovery.