Demystifying the cognitive sequelae of COVID-19
Although it seems we've heard everything about COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, there is one aspect still rather unknown to the general public: the impact of COVID on mental health and its cognitive aftereffects.
Indeed, one-third of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 have, in the long term, persistent symptoms affecting their physical health, but also their cognitive health. Beyond 4 weeks of symptoms, this is referred to as long COVID. And if COVID can cause long-term damage to the heart, lungs or kidneys, the same is true for the brain.
The cognitive sequelae of COVID-19
For the majority of people with long COVID, the aftereffects eventually disappear after 12 weeks. However, in about 10% of adults and 22% of people aged 50 and over, the effects of COVID persist well beyond that period. The most frequently reported sequelae are: fatigue, breathing difficulties (shortness of breath), cough, joint and chest pain, and loss of smell and taste. On the cognitive level, studies report difficulties with concentration, memory, manipulation of information (working memory), problem solving, trouble finding the right words to express oneself, and a slowing of thought. Some people describe their condition as "brain fog."
Surprisingly, these symptoms appear to have no relation to the severity of the person's COVID case. Someone who had a "mild" case of COVID could therefore still suffer cognitive sequelae.
It is also observed in some people that the context of isolation, public health measures, job loss or a trauma may have had a significant impact on psychological health. For those suffering cognitive sequelae, this context can unfortunately worsen depressive symptoms or anxiety and interfere with their functioning and cognitive abilities.
How to cope with it
If you are experiencing changes in attention and memory since you had COVID, a neuropsychologist can help by assessing your cognitive strengths and weaknesses and giving you personalized recommendations. They can also refer you to a psychologist if needed or conduct a neuropsychological assessment if returning to work is problematic and compensation is at stake.
If this aspect of COVID is not discussed enough, it remains extremely important to talk about it, to normalize these aftereffects, but above all, to share the resources that can help in a situation like this. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions, concerns, or need advice.
Dr. Anik Guimond, Ph.D., neuropsychologist
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