Characterizing Long-term Cognitive and Emotional Impairment in Post-COVID-19 Sequelae

Weeks and months after they have seemingly recovered from COVID-19, many patients continue to suffer from major long-term effects. While the virus typically hits the respiratory system, accumulating evidence now indicates a variety of other, non-respiratory symptoms, some of which manifest long after recovery from the acute phase of the disease. Neurologically-related symptoms among COVID-19 convalescents include extreme fatigue, headaches, sleep and mood disorders, cognitive decline and long-lasting impairments in the gustatory and olfactory systems. Interestingly, it seems that there is no direct link between the severity of the disease in its acute stage and the existence or the severity of the long-lasting symptoms. This means that to date, the possibility that even patients who present mild to moderate symptoms will still go on to develop long-lasting neuropsychiatric disorders following the disease cannot be ruled out. Unfortunately, most of the scientific literature relies on self-report of recovered patients and on qualitative assessments of healthcare workers. The literature still lacks a quantified objective characterization of these long-term impairments. Such data ought to be collected using designated questionnaires and validated neuropsychological assessments.

In order to allow for a better understanding of the biological mechanisms that underlie long-term effects of COVID-19, comprehensive research in this population is required. Alongside the identification of the variety of symptoms involved, the importance of an interdisciplinary approach that will take into account the emotional and cognitive aspects of the patients is necessary. Patients need accurate information about the possible consequences of this disease, in order to reduce their anxiety and, if needed, to allow them and their family members and caretakers to prepare for the comings. A systematic characterization of the mental effects of COVID-19 will allow global healthcare systems to develop prevention and rehabilitation programs and provide psychological and/or psychiatric follow-up and intervention programs, according to circumstances. By elucidating the mechanisms underlying emotional and cognitive deficits in COVID-19 convalescents, this study may improve future management of the consequences of the pandemic, potentially contributing to the development of efficient medical treatments for populations who suffer from the long-term effects of the disease.