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Kesler SR, Franco-Rocha OY, De La Torre Schutz A, Lewis KA, Aziz RM, Henneghan AM, Melamed E, Brode WM. Altered functional brain connectivity, efficiency, and information flow associated with brain fog after mild to moderate COVID-19 infection. Sci Rep 2024; 14:22094. [PMID: 39333726 PMCID: PMC11437042 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-73311-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is associated with increased risk for cognitive decline but very little is known regarding the neural mechanisms of this risk. We enrolled 49 adults (55% female, mean age = 30.7 ± 8.7), 25 with and 24 without a history of COVID-19 infection. We administered standardized tests of cognitive function and acquired brain connectivity data using MRI. The COVID-19 group demonstrated significantly lower cognitive function (W = 475, p < 0.001, effect size r = 0.58) and lower functional connectivity in multiple brain regions (mean t = 3.47 ±0.36, p = 0.03, corrected, effect size d = 0.92 to 1.5). Hypo-connectivity of these regions was inversely correlated with subjective cognitive function and directly correlated with fatigue (p < 0.05, corrected). These regions demonstrated significantly reduced local efficiency (p < 0.026, corrected) and altered effective connectivity (p < 0.001, corrected). COVID-19 may have a widespread effect on the functional connectome characterized by lower functional connectivity and altered patterns of information processing efficiency and effective information flow. This may serve as an adaptation to the pathology of SARS-CoV-2 wherein the brain can continue functioning at near expected objective levels, but patients experience lowered efficiency as brain fog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelli R Kesler
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Oscar Y Franco-Rocha
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Alexa De La Torre Schutz
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Kimberly A Lewis
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rija M Aziz
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ashley M Henneghan
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Esther Melamed
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - W Michael Brode
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Lopes-Santos LE, de Lacerda Ferreira D, de Angelis G, Foss MP, Trevisan AC, de Lacerda KJCC, Tumas V, Bellissimo-Rodrigues F, Wichert-Ana L. How Mild Is the Mild Long COVID? A Comprehensive Neuropsychological Assessment of Patients with Cognitive Complaints. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2024:acae071. [PMID: 39244203 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acae071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The global impact of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has extended beyond physical health, leading to widespread mental health issues. Beyond respiratory symptoms, there is a growing concern about long-term cognitive effects, particularly in individuals who experienced mild cases of the infection. We aimed to investigate the neuropsychological aspects of long-term COVID-19 in non-hospitalized adults compared with a control group. This cross-sectional study included 42 participants, 22 individuals with a history of mild COVID, and 20 healthy controls. The participants were recruited from the community and underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Participants from the mild COVID group reported cognitive symptoms persisting for an average of 203.86 days and presented a higher frequency of psychological treatment history (81.8%) compared with the control group (25.0%). History of anxiety disorders was more prevalent in the mild COVID group (63.6%) than in the control group (20.0%). Significant reductions in verbal working memory were observed in the mild COVID group. Levels of anxiety were found to have a significant impact on difficulties with visual recognition memory. This study reveals important neuropsychological alterations in individuals following mild COVID-19, emphasizing executive functions deficits. Our findings underscore the persistence of these deficits even in non-hospitalized cases, suggesting potential inflammatory mechanisms in the central nervous system. The study highlights the need for comprehensive assessments and targeted interventions to address the diverse cognitive impacts on individuals recovering from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Emmanuel Lopes-Santos
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Diego de Lacerda Ferreira
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Geisa de Angelis
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Paula Foss
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Trevisan
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Vitor Tumas
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Lauro Wichert-Ana
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Koterba CH, Considine CM, Becker JH, Hoskinson KR, Ng R, Vargas G, Basso MR, Puente AE, Lippa SM, Whiteside DM. Neuropsychology practice guidance for the neuropsychiatric aspects of Long COVID. Clin Neuropsychol 2024:1-29. [PMID: 39177216 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2024.2392943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Objective: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has had a profound global impact on individual health and well-being in adults and children. While most fully recover from COVID-19, a relatively large subgroup continues to experience persistent physical, cognitive, and emotional/behavioral symptoms beyond the initial infection period. The World Health Organization has termed this phenomenon "Post-COVID-19 Condition" (PCC), better known as "Long COVID." Due to the cognitive and psychosocial symptoms, neuropsychologists often assess and recommend treatment for individuals with Long COVID. However, guidance for neuropsychologists' involvement in clinical care, policy-making, and research has not yet been developed. The authors of this manuscript convened to address this critical gap and develop guidance for clinical neuropsychologists working with patients presenting with Long COVID. Method: Authors include pediatric and adult neuropsychologists with expertise in Long COVID and behavioral health. All authors have been engaged in clinical and research efforts examining the impact of COVID-19. Authors summarized the literature-to-date pertinent to the neuropsychiatric sequelae of Long COVID and developed guidance for neuropsychologists working with individuals with Long COVID. Conclusions: Research findings regarding neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with Long COVID are mixed and limited by methodological differences. As they practice and conduct research, neuropsychologists should remain mindful of the evolving and tenuous nature of the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine H Koterba
- Department of Neuropsychology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ciaran M Considine
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jacqueline H Becker
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristen R Hoskinson
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rowena Ng
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gray Vargas
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael R Basso
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Sara M Lippa
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Douglas M Whiteside
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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de Pádua Serafim A, Saffi F, Soares ARA, Morita AM, Assed MM, de Toledo S, Rocca CCA, Durães RSS. Cognitive performance of post-covid patients in mild, moderate, and severe clinical situations. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:236. [PMID: 38671529 PMCID: PMC11046800 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01740-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studying individuals with varying symptoms, from mild to severe, can provide valuable insights into the spectrum of cognitive outcomes after COVID-19. We investigated the cognitive performance of adults who recovered from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) without prior cognitive complaints, considering mild (not hospitalized), moderate (ward), and severe (intensive care unit) symptoms. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 302 patients who recovered from COVID-19 (mild, n = 102; moderate, n = 102; severe, n = 98). We assessed intellectual quotient (IQ), attention, memory, processing speed, visual-constructive ability, as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, at least eighteen months after infection. The mean length of hospitalization was Mdays=8.2 (SD = 3.9) and Mdays=14.4 (SD = 8.2) in the moderate and severe groups, respectively. RESULTS Cognitive difficulties were present in all three groups: mild (n = 12, 11.7%), moderate (n = 40, 39.2%), and severe (n = 48, 48.9%). Using Multinomial Logistic Regression and considering the odds ratio, our results indicated that a one-point increase in sustained attention, visual memory, and working memory might decrease the odds of being categorized in the severe group by 20%, 24%, and 77%, respectively, compared to the mild group. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide empirical evidence regarding the long-term cognitive effects of COVID-19, particularly in individuals experiencing severe manifestations of the disease. We also highlighted the need for a comprehensive, multidimensional approach in rehabilitation programs to address the enduring cognitive impacts of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabiana Saffi
- Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Sandro de Toledo
- Institute of Psychology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo S S Durães
- Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute of Psychology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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5
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Garmoe W, Rao K, Gorter B, Kantor R. Neurocognitive Impairment in Post-COVID-19 Condition in Adults: Narrative Review of the Current Literature. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 39:276-289. [PMID: 38520374 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acae017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus has, up to the time of this article, resulted in >770 million cases of COVID-19 illness worldwide, and approximately 7 million deaths, including >1.1 million in the United States. Although defined as a respiratory virus, early in the pandemic, it became apparent that considerable numbers of people recovering from COVID-19 illness experienced persistence or new onset of multi-system health problems, including neurologic and cognitive and behavioral health concerns. Persistent multi-system health problems are defined as Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC), Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19, or Long COVID. A significant number of those with PCC report cognitive problems. This paper reviews the current state of scientific knowledge on persisting cognitive symptoms in adults following COVID-19 illness. A brief history is provided of the emergence of concerns about persisting cognitive problems following COVID-19 illness and the definition of PCC. Methodologic factors that complicate clear understanding of PCC are reviewed. The review then examines research on patterns of cognitive impairment that have been found, factors that may contribute to increased risk, behavioral health variables, and interventions being used to ameliorate persisting symptoms. Finally, recommendations are made about ways neuropsychologists can improve the quality of existing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Garmoe
- Director of Psychology, MedStar National Rehabilitation Network, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kavitha Rao
- Clinical Neuropsychologist, MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bethany Gorter
- Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Fellow, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rachel Kantor
- Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Fellow, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
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Seighali N, Abdollahi A, Shafiee A, Amini MJ, Teymouri Athar MM, Safari O, Faghfouri P, Eskandari A, Rostaii O, Salehi AH, Soltani H, Hosseini M, Abhari FS, Maghsoudi MR, Jahanbakhshi B, Bakhtiyari M. The global prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder among patients coping with Post COVID-19 syndrome (long COVID): a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:105. [PMID: 38321404 PMCID: PMC10848453 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05481-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post COVID-19 syndrome, also known as "Long COVID," is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects individuals who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to comprehensively assess the global prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder in individuals coping with Post COVID-19 syndrome. METHODS A rigorous search of electronic databases was conducted to identify original studies until 24 January 2023. The inclusion criteria comprised studies employing previously validated assessment tools for depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, reporting prevalence rates, and encompassing patients of all age groups and geographical regions for subgroup analysis Random effects model was utilized for the meta-analysis. Meta-regression analysis was done. RESULTS The pooled prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients coping with Post COVID-19 syndrome was estimated to be 23% (95% CI: 20%-26%; I2 = 99.9%) based on data from 143 studies with 7,782,124 participants and 132 studies with 9,320,687 participants, respectively. The pooled prevalence of sleep disorder among these patients, derived from 27 studies with 15,362 participants, was estimated to be 45% (95% CI: 37%-53%; I2 = 98.7%). Subgroup analyses based on geographical regions and assessment scales revealed significant variations in prevalence rates. Meta-regression analysis showed significant correlations between the prevalence and total sample size of studies, the age of participants, and the percentage of male participants. Publication bias was assessed using Doi plot visualization and the Peters test, revealing a potential source of publication bias for depression (p = 0.0085) and sleep disorder (p = 0.02). However, no evidence of publication bias was found for anxiety (p = 0.11). CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate a considerable burden of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, among individuals recovering from COVID-19. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive mental health support and tailored interventions for patients experiencing persistent symptoms after COVID-19 recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Seighali
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Abdollahi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Arman Shafiee
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Javad Amini
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Omid Safari
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Community Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Parsa Faghfouri
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Alireza Eskandari
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Omid Rostaii
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Salehi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hedieh Soltani
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mahsa Hosseini
- Student research committee, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Faeze Soltani Abhari
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Maghsoudi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Bahar Jahanbakhshi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mahmood Bakhtiyari
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Community Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
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Aceituno H, Barrancas A, Quiroz-Bravo F, Rigaud D, Pérez-Cuesta D, Tobar-Bustamante A, Osores-Espinoza M, Figueroa-Torres C, Rojas-Catejo C, Cisneros-Zamora J. The Impact of Long COVID on Cognitive Performance and Sleep Quality: An Analysis of the Rancagua Chilean Study (RACHIS). Cureus 2024; 16:e55089. [PMID: 38558691 PMCID: PMC10978153 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can lead to prolonged symptoms post-recovery, commonly known as long-term coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or "long COVID." Neuropsychiatric consequences of long COVID include cognitive dysfunction and sleep disturbances, which significantly impair daily living. This study aimed to explore the impact of long COVID on cognitive performance and sleep quality in patients receiving outpatient care. Material and methods This study involved a random sample of 138 of 363 patients, corresponding to 38% of the cohort, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) between May 2020 and April 2021. These unvaccinated, non-hospitalized individuals, predominantly exhibiting mild disease symptoms, were prospectively assessed 11 months post-positive PCR test. After informed consent, demographic data, memory, and concentration impairment levels were collected through interviews. Participants reporting cognitive symptoms underwent the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Statistical analyses were conducted, including Student's t-test, Chi-square, Fisher's test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Pearson correlation coefficient, with a significance threshold set at p<0.05. Results Of the 138 participants, 76 (55.1%) were female and 62 (44.9%) were male. The mean age was 45.9 years (± 13.0), with an average educational attainment of 10.4 years (± 3.7). Roughly 50% of the patients reported significant memory and concentration issues (p<0.001). Thirty-three participants underwent detailed cognitive assessments, revealing a 2:1 female-to-male ratio and a significantly higher prevalence of depression in female participants. Cognitive deficits were diagnosed in five (15.2%) participants via the MMSE and in 26 (78.8%) via the MOCA test, with notable deficits in visuospatial/executive functions, language repeat, and deferred recall (p<0.001). A lower educational level was correlated with higher cognitive deficits (p=0.03). Conclusion The study findings reveal that cognitive impairments, as a consequence of COVID-19, can persist up to 11 months post-infection. The MOCA test proved more effective in diagnosing these deficits and requires adjustments based on educational background. Sleep parameters remained largely unaffected in this cohort, likely attributed to the mild nature of the initial symptoms and the outpatient management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Aceituno
- Neurological Surgery, Hospital San Juan de Dios, Curico, CHL
| | - Andrea Barrancas
- Neurology, Hospital Regional Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins, Rancagua, CHL
| | | | - Dairene Rigaud
- Surgery, Hospital Regional Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins, Rancagua, CHL
| | - Denis Pérez-Cuesta
- General Medicine, Centro de Salud Familiar N°1 (CESFAM N°1), Rancagua, CHL
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Morawa E, Krehbiel J, Borho A, Herold R, Lieb M, Schug C, Erim Y. Cognitive impairments and mental health of patients with post-COVID-19: A cross-sectional study. J Psychosom Res 2023; 173:111441. [PMID: 37544160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent cognitive complaints belong to the most frequent symptoms after COVID-19. This study explored the neuropsychological profile, mental health and risk factors for cognitive impairment in post-COVID-19 patients. METHODS The patients were recruited consecutively in the Post COVID Center of the University Hospital of Erlangen between 12/2022 and 05/2023. They underwent an extensive neuropsychological assessment including the Verbal Learning Memory Test (VLMT), the digit span backwards from the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R), the Trail Making Test (TMT) Part A and B, the d2 Test of Attention and the Regensburger Verbal Fluency Test (RWT). For each cognitive domain we calculated the frequency of age-adjusted scores below the measure-specific norms. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Patient-Health-Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Logistic regression analyses were computed. RESULTS In 110 patients (mean age: 42.5 ± 11.9 years; 68.2% women), the most frequent cognitive deficits were observed for verbal fluency, working speed, delayed recall and attention. In almost every cognitive domain high education levels were associated with a decreased risk for cognitive impairment. Higher age was a risk factor for working speed and delayed recall and a protective factor for verbal fluency. Clinically relevant depressive symptoms were associated with an elevated risk for an impairment regarding some cognitive functions. CONCLUSION Cognitive dysfunctions were common among the post-COVID-19 patients. Differentiated exploration of cognitive impairments is crucial for a proper characterization of the post-COVID syndrome. In future research parameters of cognitive impairment should be correlated to alterations in biological markers of the disease like markers of immunological and microcirculation change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Morawa
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Johannes Krehbiel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; Post COVID Center of the University Hospital of Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Andrea Borho
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Regina Herold
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Marietta Lieb
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Caterina Schug
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Yesim Erim
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; Post COVID Center of the University Hospital of Erlangen, Germany.
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