Post-COVID-19 Cognitive Dysfunction: Analyzing the Role of Age, Lifestyle, and Neurological Impairments: A Multi-Centric Case-Control Study

TL;DR

This study found that many people who recovered from COVID-19 experienced cognitive issues and other neurological symptoms, with risk factors including age, smoking, and lifestyle habits.

Contribution

The study identifies demographic and lifestyle factors associated with post-COVID-19 cognitive dysfunction in a multi-centric sample from North Africa.

Findings

32.3% of post-COVID-19 survivors showed cognitive impairment (MoCA score <26).

Cognitive impairment was more common in older individuals, smokers, and those with higher education.

Sensory impairments like loss of taste and smell were also prevalent among survivors.

Abstract

The effects of COVID-19 extend beyond acute illness, with many survivors experiencing persistent symptoms. This study aimed to determine the frequency and contributing factors of cognitive impairment and other neurological symptoms in COVID-19 survivors four weeks after diagnosis, compared with healthy controls during the pandemic's fourth wave.

A multicenter case-control study was conducted involving 176 COVID-19 survivors, diagnosed four weeks prior, and 92 healthy controls from Algeria, Egypt, and Libya. Data were collected through interviews using a structured, validated questionnaire administered by a trained physician.

Post-COVID-19 survivors exhibited significant cognitive deficits, chronic fatigue, and sensory impairments (including loss of appetite, taste, smell, and hearing). Cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA] score <26) was observed in 57 participants (32.3%), with those affected being older (44.6 ± 16.9 years, P < 0.001) and consuming more junk food (8.6 ± 3.3 servings, P = 0.04). Cognitive disorders were more frequent among females (83.3%), smokers (57.9%), highly educated individuals (76.5%), and married participants (63.7%).

The study revealed a substantial burden of cognitive and sensory impairments in post-COVID-19 patients, supporting global observations and emphasizing the need for early screening and lifestyle interventions. The reliance on self-reported data and a case-control design limit causal inference.

Post-COVID-19 survivors showed significant cognitive deficits, fatigue, and sensory impairments. Cognitive impairment was present in 32.3%, with higher prevalence in females, smokers, highly educated individuals, and married participants.

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