Impact of COVID-19 on cognitive change

We hypothesize that cognitive impairment in humans after COVID-19 is due to a change in the epigenetic regulation of brain neurons due to the activation of retroelements under the influence of SARS-CoV-2 virus. In order to confirm the role of transposons in changing the functioning of the brain in patients with COVID-19, the scientific literature and the results of meta-analyses over the past 3 years were studied. As a result, we found that SARS-CoV-2 affects the brain not only through its direct effect, induction of inflammation and coagulopathy, but also through the activation of retroelements, the transcripts of which are processed into microRNAs. This is reflected in changes in the epigenetic regulation of genes in brain neurons, which is reflected in cognitive functions. The mechanisms of integration of the cDNA of SARS-CoV-2 virus into the human genome with the help of retroelement enzymes are described, which is reflected in the development of long-term changes in cognitive functions after COVID-19.

Psychophysiological Correlates of Coping Behavior in Adolescents Who Have Undergone COVID-191

The global nature of the epidemiological situation associated with the spread of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 and the multidisciplinary nature of the problem of psychophysiological disorders in people who have suffered from this disease has led to the need for a comprehensive study of the factors affecting postcovid recovery. Taking into account the nature of the problem posed, the purpose of the presented work was to study the relationship of psychophysiological parameters with indicators of stress-overcoming (coping) behavior in adolescents who have undergone COVID-19. The study included 54 students of Kemerovo State University, who were divided into a group of COVID-19 patients and a group without symptoms of the disease. To assess coping behavior, the questionnaire «Ways of Coping Questionnaire» was used (Folkman, Lazarus;adaptation of Kryukova et al.). An automated computer complex "PFK” was used to study psychophysiological indicators. The following psychophysiological indicators were evaluated: simple visual-motor reaction, complex visual-motor reaction, anticipations and delays in assessing the reaction to a moving object, concentration and volume of attention, brain performance, the level of functional mobility of nervous processes, short-term memory for numbers and words, random access memory. According to the results of the correlation analysis, the interrelations between avoidant forms of coping behavior, such as "distancing”, "escape-avoidance”, "positive reassessment” with indicators of memory, attention, mobility of nervous processes, the number of inaccurate reactions to a moving object and the working capacity of the brain were recorded, which indicates a link between the increase in psychophysiological and cognitive disorders and preference in choosing care from stressful situations after a disease. Deterioration of memory and functioning of the nervous system lead to more frequent requests for support from others to receive additional help from them. The weakening of the nervous system also leads to more frequent use of productive coping strategies "taking responsibility” and "planning problem solving”, which, at the same time, additionally make it possible to compensate for cognitive impairments by performing tasks more accurately. In the group that did not have symptoms of COVID-19, no significant correlations were found between coping avoidance strategies and psychophysiological or cognitive impairments. Based on the results obtained, it can be assumed that the restoration of cognitive functions during psychocorrective work will make it possible to actualize the patient's choice of productive coping strategies and switch to a healthy behavior model. © 2022 Tomsk State University. All rights reserved.

Changes in the State of Vital Systems with Long COVID-19

—Long COVID-19 is a chronic disease that continues to be studied. Data on epidemiology and the main symptoms typical for long COVID-19 are presented. Issues related to the pathogenesis of the disease are discussed. At the same time, special attention is paid to the inflammation process (including of the vascular wall endothelium), the state of the immune system (cytokine storm), the hemostasis system (the mechanism for the development of microangiopathy and thrombosis), and oxidative stress. During the analysis, a special place is given to central nervous system disorders (including organic brain damage) and disorders of cognitive functions. In addition, currently known complications from the cardiovascular system and respiratory organs are described. The treatment and rehabilitation of patients with long COVID-19 is not only a medical, but also a significant social problem.

COVID-19 and cognitive functions.

COVID-19 affects not only somatic, but also psychological functions of a person. Cognitive disorder appears to be one of the most striking, although it is very inconsistent and there is a considerable interindividual variability in the cognitive impairment of different patients. The symptoms of cognitive disorder and fatigue syndrome are strongly intertwined with each other. The condition is often described as "brain fog". In most cases, it has a reversible character of a type of a mild disorder of cognitive functions. The causes are discussed - primarily inflammation, but also factors of a psychosocial nature.Copyright © 2023, Czech Medical Association J.E. Purkyne. All rights reserved.

Monitoring cognitive and psychological alterations in COVID-19 patients: A longitudinal neuropsychological study.

BACKGROUND: SARS-COV-2 infection has been associated to long-lasting neuropsychiatric sequelae, including cognitive deficits, that persist after one year. However, longitudinal monitoring has been scarcely performed. Here, in a sample of COVID-19 patients, we monitor cognitive, psychological and quality of life-related profiles up to 22 months from resolution of respiratory disease. METHODS: Out of 657 COVID-19 patients screened at Manzoni Hospital (Lecco, Italy), 22 underwent neuropsychological testing because of subjective cognitive disturbances at 6 months, 16 months, and 22 months. Tests of memory, attention, and executive functions were administered, along with questionnaires for depressive and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, psychological well-being and quality of life. Cross-sectional descriptives, correlational, as well as longitudinal analyses considering COVID19-severity were carried out. A preliminary comparison with a sample of obstructive sleep apneas patients was also performed. RESULTS: Around 50% of COVID-19 patients presented with cognitive deficits at t0. The most affected domain was verbal memory. Pathological scores diminished over time, but a high rate of borderline scores was still observable. Longitudinal analyses highlighted improvements in verbal and non-verbal long term memory, as well as attention, and executive functioning. Depression and PTSD-related symptoms were present in 30% of patients. The latter decreased over time and were associated to attentional-executive performance. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive dysfunctions in COVID-19 patients may extend over 1 year, yet showing a significant recovery in several cases. Cognitive alterations are accompanied by a significant psychological distress. Many patients displaying borderline scores, especially those at higher risk of dementia, deserve clinical monitoring.

Psychophysiological Correlates of Coping Behavior in Adolescents Who Have Undergone COVID-19

The global nature of the epidemiological situation associated with the spread of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 and the multidisciplinary nature of the problem of psychophysiological disorders in people who have suffered from this disease has led to the need for a comprehensive study of the factors affecting postcovid recovery. Taking into account the nature of the problem posed, the purpose of the presented work was to study the relationship of psychophysiological parameters with indicators of stress-overcoming (coping) behavior in adolescents who have undergone COVID-19. The study included 54 students of Kemerovo State University, who were divided into a group of COVID-19 patients and a group without symptoms of the disease. To assess coping behavior, the questionnaire << Ways of Coping Questionnaire >> was used (Folkman, Lazarus;adaptation of Kryukova et al.). An automated computer complex "PFK" was used to study psychophysiological indicators. The following psychophysiological indicators were evaluated: simple visual-motor reaction, complex visual-motor reaction, anticipations and delays in assessing the reaction to a moving object, concentration and volume of attention, brain performance, the level of functional mobility of nervous processes, short-term memory for numbers and words, random access memory. According to the results of the correlation analysis, the interrelations between avoidant forms of coping behavior, such as "distancing", "escape-avoidance", "positive reassessment" with indicators of memory, attention, mobility of nervous processes, the number of inaccurate reactions to a moving object and the working capacity of the brain were recorded, which indicates a link between the increase in psychophysiological and cognitive disorders and preference in choosing care from stressful situations after a disease. Deterioration of memory and functioning of the nervous system lead to more frequent requests for support from others to receive additional help from them. The weakening of the nervous system also leads to more frequent use of productive coping strategies "taking responsibility" and "planning problem solving", which, at the same time, additionally make it possible to compensate for cognitive impairments by performing tasks more accurately. In the group that did not have symptoms of COVID-19, no significant correlations were found between coping avoidance strategies and psychophysiological or cognitive impairments. Based on the results obtained, it can be assumed that the restoration of cognitive functions during psychocorrective work will make it possible to actualize the patient's choice of productive coping strategies and switch to a healthy behavior model.

Green thumb 2.0: a new resource for active aging

The horticulture can positively affect the well-being of older people, counteracting physical and cognitive decline and improving the overall quality of life. Modern technologies provide valuable support to encourage such activities and promote an active lifestyle. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of community horticultural activities, supported by a digital platform, in a mixed sample of participants aged over 60 years in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants took part in a six-month study, divided into two periods. During the first three months, participants just completed a set of questionnaires investigating the following psychological variables: self-esteem, loneliness, depression, quality of life, affects, social support and cognitive functioning. In the following three months, participants were involved in a digital-supported horticulture program, which was followed by the detection of the same psychological variables. The effects of horticulture were evaluated by comparing surveys responses at the two timepoints. The results show an improvement in the quality of life, in cognitive functions and, to a lesser extent, in subjective well-being of participants. Participants who are married or cohabiting generally show a better quality of life, and after intervention are less likely to express negative emotional states. There was no evidence of depression. Digitally assisted horticulture can improve the quality of life of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Copyright © FrancoAngeli.

Attention and memory after COVID-19 as measured by neuropsychological tests: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

COVID-19 is associated with a range of sequelae, including cognitive dysfunctions as long-standing symptoms. Considering that the number of people infected worldwide keeps growing, it is important to understand specific domains of impairments to further organize appropriate rehabilitation procedures. In this study we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate specific cognitive functions impacted by COVID-19. A literature search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Academic Search Premier, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and preprint databases (OSF and PsyArXiv via OSF Preprints, medRxiv, bioRxiv, Research Square). We included the studies that compared cognitive functioning in COVID-19 reconvalescents and healthy controls, and used at least one validated neuropsychological test. Our findings show that short-term memory in the verbal domain, and possibly, visual short-term memory and attention, are at risk in COVID-19 reconvalescents. The impact of COVID-19 on cognitive functioning has yet to be studied in detail. In the future more controlled studies with validated computerized tests might help deepen our understanding of the issue. PSYCINFO CLASSIFICATION: 3360 Health Psychology & Medicine.

The predictive role of fatigue and neuropsychological components on functional outcomes in COVID-19 after a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the impact of altered cognitive functioning and higher levels of mental fatigue, both reported after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), on rehabilitation treatment outcomes. METHODS: In this real-practice retrospective pre-post intervention cohort study, cognitive functioning, measured through standardized neuropsychological measures, and individual levels of fatigue, depression and anxiety symptoms, were evaluated at admission to a rehabilitation program in individuals who had been hospitalized for COVID-19. The rehabilitation program effectiveness was measured through the Functional Independence Measure. RESULTS: Among the patient sample (n = 66), 87.88% reported experiencing high levels of fatigue at admission, while 16.67% reported depressive symptoms, and 22.73% reported anxiety symptoms. After rehabilitation, the sample displayed a significant decrease in the level of disability, in both the motor and cognitive subscales. Neuropsychological and psychological functioning did not play a predictive role. The 45 patients who received mechanical ventilation during intensive care, representing 68.18% of the sample, benefited more from rehabilitation treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the importance of an early rehabilitation program after COVID-19 infection, independent of the initial neuropsychological and psychological functioning. Respiratory assistance may represent a crucial factor for short-term neuropsychological disease after-effects. Future studies on the long-term neuropsychological effect of COVID-19 infection on individual levels of disability are necessary.

Pre-Existing and New-Onset Cognitive Impairment in Patients with COVID-19

Recently, many reports have been available related to neuropsychiatric complications in the course of COVID-19 infection, and its long-term consequences. Many of them are related to psychological factors, such as: isolation, change of existing habits, fear of getting sick and dying, fear of losing a job and fears related to the financial situation, which resulted in an increase in the occurrence of diseases and mental disorders such as adaptation and anxiety disorders, depression. t has been also reported that treatment in conditions of intensive care unit lead to high prevalence of psychiatric disorders like PTSD in discharged patients. In our own studies we observed that patients with new appearing psychiatric symptoms were mostly those, who were professionally active, but did not work remotely. The time the patients spent at home had a negative impact on their well-being, they generally felt worse, their family life suffered more frequently. The most common cognitive symptoms, which are reported embrace: problems with short- and longterm memory, lack of mental clarity, feeling eclipsed, lightheaded, poor concentration, mental fatigue. We also present here a series of post-acute COVID cases from the examined population and provide a concise comparison of observed symptomatology with previous reports.

A non-randomized comparative study of olfactory and gustatory functions in children who recovered from COVID-19 (1-year follow-up).

The experimental group included 68 children over 6 years of age who had recovered from COVID-19. The control group included 22 children over 6 years of age who have never had COVID-19. Research methods included neurological examination, verification of cognitive status, examination by an otolaryngologist, and smell and taste assessment. The examination was performed 6-8 weeks after COVID-19 recovery and after 1 year in some patients. Children who recovered from COVID-19 had a reduction in their ability to smell compared to children who had never had COVID-19. The olfactory thresholds and taste identification scores after recovery from COVID-19 were identical, whether the parents had reported anosmia in their children during COVID-19 or not, and irrespective of hyperthermia level and the presence or absence of headache and hyperhidrosis during COVID-19. Analysis of correlation with neuropsychiatric symptoms showed no differences in the olfactory thresholds in children irrespective of the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (tics, tremors, enuresis, compulsive movements, seizures, speech disorders, attention deficit, and easy fatigability) both in general, and in particular among subjects performing or not any compulsive movements, and experiencing or not a combination of easy fatigability and daytime sleepiness. Evidence suggests that in children and adolescents, partial hyposmia is associated with depressive symptoms, varying in severity from low to high, but symptoms of depression were not caused by COVID-19 infection itself. Analysis in subgroups with different degrees of state and trait anxiety did not reveal any significant differences in the olfactory threshold. A re-examination of 21 children was performed after 1 year. An objective olfactometric examination showed that the sensitivity to odorants increased significantly. In 1 year, we compared the thresholds of smell in children who had COVID-19 and those who did not have this disease: olfactory sensitivity after COVID-19 in children is restored to normal values. Schulte correction test showed that none of 14 children with asthenic manifestations in the form of fluctuations or exhaustion when performing the test immediately after COVID-19 had these manifestations after 1 year. Thus, asthenization of cognitive activity was recorded within the next 1.5 months after suffering from COVID-19 but was absent after 1 year.

[Effectiveness of the anxiolytic Anvifen in the treatment of post-COVID brain fog]. / Effektivnost' preparata Anvifen pri lechenii patsientov s sindromom postkovidnogo «tumana v golove¼.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the significance of anxiety disorder and comorbid disorders in patients with post-covid brain fog, to determine the effectiveness of the GABAergic nootropic drug with an anxiolytic effect - Anvifen. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 92 post-COVID-19 patients with no organic brain damage who complain of brain fog 12 weeks after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Group 1 (n=40; 43.4±4.5 years) were treated at home; group 2 (n=32; 44.9±5.5 years) were treated in a hospital without oxygen support; group 3 (n=20; 45.1±4.8 years) were treated in a hospital with oxygen support. Assessment scales: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA); Trail Making Test part B (TMT-B); a scoring questionnaire for the subjective characteristics of sleep; Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). According to the indicated scales, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups, therefore, the data of all patients were combined into one group, the indicators were compared before and after treatment (Anvifen 500 mg three times a day for 21 days). RESULTS: Results before/after treatment: HADS anxiety 10.5 [8.5;12]/7 [5;8] (p=0.000025); HADS depression 5 [4; 7] / 4 [4; 6] (p=0.00003); MoCA 22 [21; 22] / 25 [24; 26] (p=0.00001); TMT-B 281 [279; 290] sec / 231 [220; 236] sec (p=0.00001); FAS 27 [23; 31] / 20 [23; 31] (p=0.00001); questionnaire for scoring the subjective characteristics of sleep 15 [15; 16] / 25 [25; 26] (p=0.00001); SF-36 Physical Health 43.8 [42.3; 47.4] / 53.8 [52.3; 20] (p=0.00001); SF-36 Mental Health 34 [32.5; 35] / 47 [45.5; 48] (p=0.00001). CONCLUSION: The authors conclude that anxiety disorder and asthenia play an important role in the pathogenesis of post-COVID brain fog syndrome. Anvifen effectiveness is considered from the point of view of the participation of GABAergic structures in the pathogenesis of the phenomenon under study.

Neurological Involvement in COVID-19 Among Non-Hospitalized Adolescents and Young Adults.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is prevalent among young people, and neurological involvement has been reported. We investigated neurological symptoms, cognitive test results, and biomarkers of brain injury, as well as associations between these variables in non-hospitalized adolescents and young adults with COVID-19. Methods: This study reports baseline findings from an ongoing observational cohort study of COVID-19 cases and non-COVID controls aged 12-25 years (Clinical Trials ID: NCT04686734). Symptoms were charted using a standardized questionnaire. Cognitive performance was evaluated by applying tests of working memory, verbal learning, delayed recall, and recognition. The brain injury biomarkers, neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAp), were assayed in serum samples using ultrasensitive immunoassays. Results: A total of 405 COVID-19 cases and 111 non-COVID cases were prospectively included. Serum Nfl and GFAp concentrations were significantly elevated in COVID-19 cases as compared with non-COVID controls (p = 0.050 and p = 0.014, respectively). The COVID-19 cases reported more fatigue (p < 0.001) and post-exertional malaise (PEM) (p = 0.001) compared to non-COVID-19 controls. Cognitive test performance and clinical neurological examination did not differ across the two groups. Within the COVID-19 group, there were no associations between symptoms, cognitive test results, and NfL or GFAp levels. However, fatigue and PEM were strongly associated with older age and female sex. Conclusions: Non-hospitalized adolescents and young adults with COVID-19 reported more fatigue and PEM and had slightly elevated levels of brain injury markers, but showed normal cognitive performance. No associations were found between symptoms, brain injury markers, and cognitive test results, but fatigue and PEM were strongly related to female sex and older age.

Reducing Isolation and Cognitive Function of Older People at Home by Family Robot 'LOVOT' Intervention

Older people living at home have been reluctant to go out because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Concern has arisen that older people might feel isolated and that their cognitive function might decline. For this study, we used the 'LOVOT' family robot in homes of older people to elucidate factors related to isolation reduction and cognitive function maintenance and improvement. © 2021 IEEE.

Cognitive, Functional, and Emotional Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greek Patients with Neurocognitive Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged periods of social deprivation, such as COVID-19-related lockdowns, are associated with deleterious effects on cognitive functions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to gauge the effect of prolonged social isolation on the cognitive function of older adults with neurocognitive disorders. METHODS: We recruited 125 older adults with minor or major neurocognitive disorders divided into two groups. The control group was tested at the first period of the study (October 2018-May 2019), whereas the experimental group was evaluated at the second chronological period of the study (October 2020-May 2021) during the second wave of COVID-19. Neuropsychological tests were performed at baseline and six months after baseline. RESULTS: In the control group, significant changes in the scores from the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; p = 0.049) and the Functional Rating Scale for Symptoms of Dementia (FRSSD; p = 0.005) were found between baseline and follow-up assessments, whereas no changes were identified in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE; p = 0.229) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS; p = 0.619) scores. In the experimental group, the scores from all neuropsychological tests (MoCA, MMSE, GDS, and FRSSD; p < 0.001 for all) were significantly different at follow-up when compared with those at baseline measurements. Moreover, significant deterioration of specific functions assessed in MMSE and FRSSD was detected, especially in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: This study highlights cognitive functions directly affected by social deprivation of individuals with neurocognitive disorders. The findings can be used in the rehabilitation from confinement and its negative consequences.

AChEI-EL:Prediction of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors Based on Ensemble Learning Model

With the outbreak of the COVID-19, people are eager to develop potential drugs for specific diseases through efficient technological means. Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become one of the top ten causes of death in the world and is a typical neurodegenerative disease. When acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is inhibited, it improves the transmission of cholinergic neurotransmitters in patients and restores cognitive function, so acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) are often considered by researchers as potential drugs for the treatment of AD. Machine learning algorithms and data mining techniques can accelerate drug development and reduce the cost of biological experiments, so it is of great significance to develop models that can accurately predict AChEIs. However, few studies have applied efficient and mature ensemble learning methods to the problem of predicting potential inhibitors of AChE. In this study, we constructed a dataset from a publicly available biological experiment database, and for the first time established an ensemble learning model based on CatBoost and XGBoost to predict potential AChEIs. We demonstrate the advantages of ensemble learning models in building AChEIs predictor based on imbalanced, heterogeneous data through a comprehensive evaluation. Afterwards, we also combined the best-performing models into a blending model AChEI-EL for case studies, and obtained the top-ranked potential inhibitors that have been shown to have the potential to inhibit the AChE. These results suggest that our method has a promising application in the field of AD. Finally, we developed a WEB online prediction platform based on the best model for the use and reference of researchers. © 2022 IEEE.

Association of social isolation and smartphone use on cognitive functions.

BACKGROUND: The number of socially isolated older adults has increased owing to the coronavirus disease pandemic, thus leading to a decrease in cognitive functions among this group. Smartphone use is expected to be a reasonable preventive measure against cognitive decline in this social context. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the influence of social isolation and smartphone use on cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: We divided 4,601 community-dwelling older adults into four groups based on their levels of social isolation and smartphone use. Then, we conducted cognitive functions tests including a word list memory task, trail-making test, and symbol digit substitution task. Social isolation was defined when participants met two or more of the following measures: domestic isolation, less social contact, and social disengagement. We used an analysis of covariance adjusted by background information to measure between-group differences in levels of cognitive functions and social isolation. A linear regression model was used to analyze the association of standardized scores of cognitive function tests with smartphone use. RESULTS: Smartphone users' scores of the symbol digit substitution task were superior compared with both non-users with social isolation and without. All cognitive functions were associated with smartphone use among non-socially and socially isolated participants. Socially isolated older adults showed an association only between trail making test- part A and smartphone use. CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone use was associated with cognitive functions (memory, attentional function, executive function, and processing speed) even in socially isolated community-dwelling older adults.

[Psychotic depression caused by the COVID-19 pandemic - a case report]

Depressive syndromes are the most common mental disorders after the age of 60. It is estimated that symptoms of depression are found in over 15% of people over 65 years of age. A CASE REPORT: We present a description of a 74-year-old woman diagnosed with psychotic depression probably caused by SARS-CoV- 2 infection confirmed by PCR test. The patient took part in a neuropsychological examination which showed the presence of cognitive deficits. CONCLUSIONS: This case is a good example of how COVID-19 could potentially trigger psychiatric symptoms. The existing literature in this field describes cases in which productive symptoms developed.

Burnout and Cognitive Functioning: Are We Underestimating the Role of Visuospatial Functions?

Job burnout is a psychological syndrome which results from chronic occupational stress and cognitive impairments are among its negative consequences. The demands of the COVID-19 pandemic have challenged the healthcare system increasing the risk of job burnout among healthcare professionals. The studies conducted so far have mainly focused on the effects of job burnout on executive functions. Visuospatial functions are a cognitive domain which plays an important role in healthcare workers' optimal performance. Healthcare workers are constantly relying on their visuospatial abilities in order to care for their patients as they are required to use techniques that involve manipulation of medical instruments, they need to have excellent hand-eye coordination and great perception of spatial anatomy, factors that can affect healthcare workers' performance is of significance and can put patient safety at risk. However, our understanding of how visuospatial functions are being affected in job burnout is limited. The scope of this mini-review is to examine the evidence concerning the relationship of job burnout with visuospatial functions. The sparsity of the relevant empirical evidence does not allow for definite conclusions. However, given the implications of diminished visuospatial abilities in patient safety we highlight the need for studies exploring the effects of job burnout on visuospatial functions. Limitations of studies are discussed.

DEVELOPMENT OF A DIETARY SUPPLEMENT FOR IMPROVING THE COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS AN D LOWERING THE HOMOCYSTEINE LEVELS

Introduction. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a dangerous metabolic disorder that leads to a number of diseases. Problem Statement. Urgent task is to develop pharmaceutical product for lowering the homocysteine levels without causing side effects. Purpose. To develop the dietary supplement for reducing high homocysteine levels, which has a minimum content of components that may cause side effects;to test the supplement effect on the cognitive abilities of animals and to commercialize the product. Materials and Methods. The developed dietary supplement Alfacognitin contains vitamins B6, B9, B12, C, and choline. For modelling experimental hyperhomocysteinemia in rats, the animals are kept on a diet rich in L-methionine. Blood homocysteine concentrations are determined by the ion exchange liquid column chromatography method with the use of an automatic amino acid analyzer. The behavioral responses and cognitive abilities of the rats have been studied with the use of behavioral tests (open field test, fear conditioning test, and social interaction test). The production of Alfacognitin dietary supplement has been launched with Nutrimed Ltd. (Kyiv). Results. Alfacognitin has been shown to reduce homocysteine levels, to improve cognitive abilities, social interaction and communication skills, and to compensate functional memory and learning disorders in animals with hyperhomocysteinemia. Specifications for the dietary supplement have been approved, a pilot technology for obtaining the capsule form of the drug has been developed, and an experimental batch has been manufactured. Conclusions. Alfacognitin may reduce the homocysteine levels. Therefore, it may be used to normalize the functional state of the cardiovascular and nervous systems in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia, as well as to improve the cognitive functions, in particular in patients after COVID-19.