2024-08-10 06:00:03
The lingering effects of COVID-19 are evident not only in patients with severe forms, but also in those who have had mild forms. A recent study from the University of São Paulo reveals that memory and attention deficits can last for more than 18 month after infection, even in non-hospitalized patients.
Cognitive sequelae, such as memory loss and attention deficits, are commonly reported by survivors of severe COVID-19. However, these same disorders have been observed in patients with mild forms more than 18 months after infection, according to a study from the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil.
Published in the journal BMC Psychologythe study highlights the need for more comprehensive rehabilitation strategies to address the lasting cognitive impacts of long COVID. data collected from 302 volunteers indicate that 11.7% of mild patients, 39.2% of moderate patients and 48.9% of severe patients had cognitive impairment.
Antônio de Pádua Serafim, lead author of the article and professor at the Institute of Psychology (IP-USP), pointed out that memory and attention disorders were present in a significant number of people who had mild or moderate forms of COVID-19.
The results of the study, funded by FAPESP, show the potential impact of neuroinflammation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Some patients who did not require intensive care or hospitalization nevertheless presented memory and attention disorders, suggesting a direct effect of the infection on the central nervous system.
Cognitive functions such as memory and attention are crucial in everyday life. Study participants with low scores on memory and attention tests reported difficulty remembering words or performing routine activities, such as leaving pots on the stove or not picking up children from school.
Serafim is working in collaboration with other USP researchers to develop programs to mitigate cognitive losses caused by COVID-19. These techniques include neurostimulation and neurofeedback, which aim to improve brain function through neuromodulation.
Although isolated case studies have shown promising results, much remains to be done to establish effective cognitive stimulation and rehabilitation programs for post-COVID patients. The severe pandemic is over, but its aftereffects persist, highlighting the need for continued interventions.
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