Cognitive impairment in patients with coronavirus infection

Abstract

The pathogenesis of the development of cognitive impairment (CI) associated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus is complex and includes the direct neurotoxic effect of the virus, vascular, disimmune factors, artificial lung ventilation, and adverse psychological consequences of social isolation. The relationship between CI and SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to be two-way: patients with premorbid CI have a higher risk of infection, severe illness, and death; on the other hand, past infection with SARS-CoV-2 may stimulate the clinical onset and progression of CI, including Alzheimer's disease. For the treatment of severe CI after COVID-19, memantine (akatinol memantine) is recommended.

Keywords

• coronavirus
• covid-19
• dementia
• alzheimer's disease
• cognitive impairment
• memantine