Cognitive performance of post-covid patients in mild, moderate, and severe clinical situations

Abstract

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 M days=8.2 (SD = 3.9) and M days=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.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Long COVID
• Neuropsychological assessment
• Cognitive difficulties