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