BMC Neurology (Aug 2023)

COVCOG: Immediate and long-term cognitive improvement after cognitive versus emotion management psychoeducation programs - a randomized trial in covid patients with neuropsychological difficulties

  • Sylvie Willems,
  • Vincent Didone,
  • Carmen Cabello Fernandez,
  • Gael Delrue,
  • Hichem Slama,
  • Patrick Fery,
  • Julien Goin,
  • Clara Della Libera,
  • COVCOG Group,
  • Fabienne Collette

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-023-03346-9
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 1
pp. 1 – 14

Abstract

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Abstract Background Cognitive difficulties are a frequent complaint in long COVID and persist for more than a year post- infection. There is a lack of evidence-based data on effective intervention strategies. Non-pharmacological intervention programs that are used with other neurological populations have not yet been the subject of controlled trials. COVCOG is a multicentric, randomized trial comparing cognitive intervention and a cognitive-behavioural counselling. Methods/design Patients with long covid are selected and recruited at least three months post-infection. Patients are randomised in a 1:1 ratio into the cognitive (neuropsychological psychoeducation) and affective (emotion management with cognitive-behavioural counselling) intervention arms. The inclusion of 130 patients is planned. The cognitive intervention includes psycho-educational modules on fatigue and sleep, attention and working memory, executive functions and long-term memory. The affective intervention includes modules on emotion recognition and communication, uncertainty management and behavioral activation. The main objective is to reduce cognitive complaints 2 months after the intervention. A Follow-up is also planned at 8 months. Discussion Given the long-term effects of Covid on cognition and the negative effects of cognitive impairment on quality of life and social participation, it is important to determine whether low-dose, non-pharmacological interventions can be effective. The trial will determine which of the usual types of intervention is the most effective. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov Number: NCT05167266 (21/12/ 2021).

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