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Cognitive Aspects of COVID-19

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, many lasting neurological sequelae including cognitive impairment have been recognized as part of the so-called long COVID syndrome. This narrative review summarizes the cognitive aspects of COVID-19.

Recent Findings

Studies have consistently identified attention, memory, and executive functions as the cognitive domains most often affected by COVID-19 infection. Many studies have also reported neuroimaging, biofluid, and neurophysiological abnormalities that could potentially reflect the pathophysiological aspects of post-COVID cognitive impairment. While patients suffering from dementia have an elevated risk of COVID-19 infection, increasing evidence has also indicated that COVID-19 infection may increase the risks of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting bidirectional relationships.

Summary

Post-COVID cognitive dysfunction is a pervasive and multifaceted problem and we are surely in our infancy of understanding. Future elucidation into the long-term effects, mechanisms, and therapies will depend on a concerted effort from clinicians, researchers, patients, and policy-makers alike.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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  1. Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA

    Ezekiel Gonzalez-Fernandez & Juebin Huang

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Ezekiel Gonzalez-Fernandez and Juebin Huang wrote the main manuscript text. Juebin Huang reviewed and finalized the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Juebin Huang.

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Gonzalez-Fernandez, E., Huang, J. Cognitive Aspects of COVID-19. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 23, 531–538 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-023-01286-y

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