Post-COVID-19 memory complaints: Prevalence and associated factors

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• COVID-19 survivors frequently report memory complaints impacting quality of life.
• Limited data exists on the prevalence and contributing factors of post-COVID-19 memory loss.
• Understanding these deficits is crucial for patient care and recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of memory complaints in individuals post-COVID-19 infection.
• To identify potential factors associated with memory deficits in COVID-19 survivors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey of 401 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in Bangladesh.
• Utilized the MAC-Q questionnaire to assess memory function.
• Employed binary logistic regression to analyze variables linked to memory complaints.

Main Results:

• 19.2% of post-COVID-19 patients reported memory complaints.
• Steroid and antibiotic treatments were associated with impaired memory.
• Memory deficits were more common in individuals who recovered 6-12 months prior; rural residents showed higher prevalence.

Conclusions:

• Approximately 20% of COVID-19 patients experience memory complaints within a year.
• No significant association was found between COVID-19 severity and memory complaints.
• Further research is needed to understand the long-term neurological impact of COVID-19.