Self-perception of cognitive sequels in post-COVID-19 individuals.

COVID-19 is an infection, primarily respiratory, caused by the SARS-CoV-2, which can also affect the central nervous system, causing neuropsychological damage. There are studies describing post-COVID-19 cognitive deficits, but it is important to know this outcome in populations with different social, biological, and cultural characteristics. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the self-perception of cognitive sequelae in post-COVID-19 individuals and identify whether there is a possible relationship between the outcome of the participants' self-perception and sociodemographic and clinical data. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, carried out through an online questionnaire on the Google Forms platform, in which sociodemographic data, general health data, clinical manifestations of COVID-19, and post-COVID-19 self-perception of the cognitive domains of memory, attention, language, and executive functions were collected. Results: The final sample consisted of 137 participants, and it was possible to identify that memory and attention were the domains with the highest impression of worsening post-COVID-19, followed by executive functions and language. In addition, it was identified that being female may be related to a worse self-perception of all cognitive functions and that having depression or other psychiatric diseases and obesity can significantly affect at least half of the cognitive domains evaluated. Conclusions: This study pointed to a post-COVID-19 cognitive worsening of the participants.

A COVID-19 é uma infecção, primariamente respiratória, causada pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2, mas que também pode atingir o sistema nervoso central, ocasionando danos neuropsicológicos. Há estudos que descrevem os déficits cognitivos pós-COVID-19, mas é importante conhecer esse desfecho em populações com diferentes características sociais, biológicas e culturais. Objetivo: Avaliar a autopercepção de sequelas cognitivas em indivíduos pós-COVID-19 e identificar se há uma possível relação entre o desfecho da autopercepção dos participantes e dados sociodemográficos e clínicos. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com o uso de um questionário online na plataforma Google Forms, no qual foram identificados dados sociodemográficos, dados de saúde geral, manifestações clínicas da COVID-19 e a autopercepção dos domínios cognitivos de memória, atenção, linguagem e funções executivas pós-COVID-19. Resultados: A amostra final foi composta de 137 participantes, e pôde-se observar que memória e atenção foram os domínios com maior impressão de piora pós-COVID-19, seguidos por funções executivas e linguagem. Além disso, constatou-se que ser do gênero feminino pode estar relacionado com uma pior autopercepção de todas as funções cognitivas pós-COVID-19 e que ter depressão ou outras doenças psiquiátricas e obesidade pode afetar significativamente pelo menos metade dos domínios cognitivos avaliados. Conclusões: Este trabalho apontou para a piora cognitiva pós-COVID-19 dos participantes.

Fighting social isolation of vulnerable people with dementia through remote group meetings: An experience report.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: With the COVID-19 pandemic (WHO, 2020), social distancing became a crucial means to prevent further spread of the disease (Wendy et al, 2020). This raises concerns for dementia care (Wang et al, 2020), as social distancing leads to reduced cognitive stimulation, exercise, social networking and leisure activities (Brown et al, 2020). Active participation in art has shown positive impacts on the psychosocial wellbeing of stroke survivors (Morris et al, 2019). Additionally, engaging with humor potentially improves the memory, communication and self-esteem of people with dementia (PWD) (Stevens, 2012). This study aims at reporting an innovative, interdisciplinary remote intervention targeted at groups of PWD and stroke survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. These were part of the university community outreach program Playful Living, which aims at promoting digital inclusion, quality of life and equity through artistic group activities. The project began in 2020 and consists of weekly group meetings through online platforms, with different creative practices happening each week. These include dance, gastronomy, storytelling and clowning. There are 32 participants: 13 PWD, 14 stroke survivors and 5 older adults with no diagnosis of neurological conditions. All participants were selected considering social vulnerability determinants: income, race, gender and educational background. Participants were divided into four groups, each with a fixed team (students of Speech Therapy, Psychology, Dance and Dramatic Arts) and moving members. So far, seven meetings took place. The activities have provided different opportunities for sharing memories, experiencing and expressing emotions through art. Participants reported looking forward to the meetings, with increasing participation and bonding. A major concern has been digital inclusion: stable internet access, camera and microphone management. Those aspects directly affect participants' ability to engage in group dynamics and potentially impact their self-esteem and well-being. However, improvements are observed on a daily basis, thanks to the combined efforts of team members and caregivers. The project has provided participants with means for self-expression and social interaction in a safe environment. Perceived difficulties thus far point toward the need for continued efforts in terms of social and digital inclusion for this population currently and beyond the pandemic setting.