EAN Congress: COVID-19 leads to significant cognitive and behavioural problems in patients
PR90164
VIENNA, June 21, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --
COVID-19 patients suffer from cognitive and behavioural problems two months
after being discharged from hospital, a new study presented at the 7th Congress
of the European Academy of Neurology has found[1].
Issues with memory, spatial awareness and information processing problems were
identified as possible overhangs from the virus in post-COVID-19 patients who
were followed up within eight weeks.
The research also found that one in 5 patients reported post-traumatic stress
disorder, with 16% presenting depressive symptoms.
The Italian study involved testing neurocognitive abilities and taking MRI
brain scans of patients two months after experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. More
than 50% of patients experienced cognitive disturbances; 16%% had problems with
executive function (governing working memory, flexible thinking, and
information processing), 6% experienced visuospatial problems (difficulties
judging depth and seeing contrast), 6% had impaired memory, and 25% manifested
a combination of all these symptoms.
Cognitive and psychopathological problems were much worse in younger people,
with the majority of patients aged under 50 demonstrating issues with executive
functions.
In the whole sample, the greater severity of COVID-19 acute respiratory
symptoms during hospital admission was associated with low executive function
performance.
Additionally, a longitudinal observation of the same cohort at 10 months from
COVID-19, showed a reduction of cognitive disturbances from 53 to 36%, but a
persisting presence of PTSD and depressive symptoms.
Lead author of the study, Prof. Massimo Filippi, from the Scientific Institute
and University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Italy, explained, "Our study has
confirmed significant cognitive and behavioural problems are associated with
COVID-19 and persist several months after remission of the disease."
"A particularly alarming finding is the changes to executive function we found,
which can make it difficult for people to concentrate, plan, think flexibly and
remember things. These symptoms affected three in 4 younger patients who were
of a working age."
No significant relationship was observed between cognitive performance and
brain volume within the study.
"Larger studies and longer-term follow up are both needed, but this study
suggests that COVID-19 is associated with significant cognitive and
psychopathological problems," concluded Dr Canu, from the San Raffaele Hospital
of Milan and study first author. "Appropriate follow-up and treatments are
crucial to ensure these previously hospitalised patients are given adequate
support to help to alleviate these symptoms."
1. Cognitive and behavioural features of a cohort of patients in COVID-19
post-acute phase. Presented at the 7th EAN Congress 2021.
Source: European Academy of Neurology
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