Cognitive Impact in Patients With COVID-19 Infection

COVID-19 results in a variety of symptoms with multi-organ affection, including fever, cough; grave respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal manifestations and fatigue. As more is learned, neurological and psychological symptoms appear to manifest in a large subscale of patients. Headache, dizziness and even a cerebrovascular event have been reported. Anosmia and ageusia reported as early indicators of SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting that early neurological involvement may be relevant.

Public health emergencies as COVID-19 are likely to cause adverse neuropsychiatric impacts. Cognitive impairments after SARS-COV-2 infection were noticed, COVID-19 patients complain of poor concentration, declined memory, and insomnia, as well as anxiety and depression symptoms.

The battle against COVID-19 is still continuing worldwide. People's adherence to confinement regulations and response to vaccination campaigns is essential, which is largely affected by their knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19. Home isolation and social distancing are also associated with fear, frustrations, uncertainty, anxiety and depressive symptoms.

During the acute phase of COVID-19 infection, about 36% of cases develop neurological symptoms of which 25% can be attributed to the direct involvement of the central nervous system. Patients who show neurological symptoms included cases with or without pre-existing neurological disorders. While on intensive care units, patients showed agitation, confusion, and corticospinal tract signs such as enhanced tendon reflexes and clonus. COVID-19 can further lead to changes of coagulation and, in particular, to inflammation-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).