Long-Lasting Cognitive Abnormalities after COVID-19 #MMPMID33668456
Ferrucci R; Dini M; Groppo E; Rosci C; Reitano MR; Bai F; Poletti B; Brugnera A; Silani V; D'Arminio Monforte A; Priori A
Brain Sci 2021[Feb]; 11 (2): ä PMID33668456show ga
Considering the mechanisms capable of causing brain alterations in COVID-19, we aimed to study the occurrence of cognitive abnormalities in the months following hospital discharge. We recruited 38 (aged 22-74 years; 27 males) patients hospitalized for complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection in nonintensive COVID units. Participants underwent neuropsychological testing about 5 months after hospital discharge. Of all patients, 42.1% had processing speed deficits, while 26.3% showed delayed verbal recall deficits. Twenty-one percent presented with deficits in both processing speed and verbal memory. Bivariate analysis revealed a positive correlation between the lowest arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO(2)) to fractional inspired oxygen (FiO(2)) (P/F) ratio during hospitalization and verbal memory consolidation performance (SRT-LTS score, r = 0.404, p = 0.027), as well as a positive correlation between SpO(2) levels upon hospital arrival and delayed verbal recall performance (SRT-D score, r(s) = 0.373, p = 0.042). Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) during hospitalization was associated with worse verbal memory performance (ARDS vs. no ARDS: SRT-LTS mean score = 30.63 +/- 13.33 vs. 44.50 +/- 13.16, p = 0.007; SRT-D mean score = 5.95 +/- 2.56 vs. 8.10 +/- 2.62, p = 0.029). Cognitive abnormalities can frequently be found in COVID-19 patients 5 months after hospital discharge. Increased fatigability, deficits of concentration and memory, and overall decreased cognitive speed months after hospital discharge can interfere with work and daily activities.