Cognitive and psychological outcomes and follow-up in severely affected COVID-19 survivors admitted to a rehabilitation hospital.
Neurol Sci
; 44(5): 1481-1489, 2023 May.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2229375
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents the most recent severe pandemic resulting in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 can damage the central nervous system, requiring admission to intensive care units (ICU) and aggressive treatments (long-term ventilatory assistance and sedation) to stabilize vitals. Most post-COVID-19 patients experience cognitive impairments and mood or stress disorders. We aimed to study the frequency of cognitive deficits in COVID-19 survivors, the relationship between clinical factors in the acute phase and cognitive outcomes, affective states, and quality of life. We explored cognitive reserve (CR) role, as a post-COVID-19 resilience factor.METHODS:
Twenty-nine COVID-19 inpatients were assessed using a neuropsychological battery, mood scales, quality of life, and social integration questionnaires. Twenty-five were retained through telephone follow-up to monitor cognitive sequelae, affective states, and reintegration levels roughly 8 months after hospital discharge. We administered the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire.RESULTS:
We found most patients display no cognitive deficits. When they did, multi-domain impairment occurred most frequently, especially involving executive functions. Results revealed a significant correlation between depression levels and the interval between ICU admission and tracheal tube removal. We found increased levels of depression and anxiety at follow-up, a significant relationship between resuming daily life activities, high CR, and executive functions.CONCLUSIONS:
These findings suggest the importance of psychological support in the long term and the modulating role of cognitive reserve in quality of life after infection.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
COVID-19
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Topics:
Long Covid
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Neurol Sci
Journal subject:
Neurology
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S10072-023-06665-4
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