Scientists from Oxford University discovered that more than half of people with long-term Covid-19 experience permanent cognitive decline. Research results published In EClinical Medicine.
Long-term COVID-19 is characterized by the long-term (more than 12 weeks) persistence of unpleasant pathological symptoms that occur after a coronavirus infection. These may include persistent fatigue, apathy, confusion, headache, persistent cough, and chest pain. “Post-Covid syndrome” may have a different duration for each patient.
A total of 194 people participated in the research, 119 of whom were diagnosed with long-term Covid-19. The scientific study also included data obtained from 75 healthy volunteers. Study participants completed two cognitive tests, including a simple reaction time test (SRT). It involves using the space bar to respond to visual cues provided by the monitor. Assessing the speed and accuracy of a reaction allows a person to judge the level of certain cognitive skills.
The results showed that compared to healthy controls, long COVID-19 patients responded to stimuli 0.49 seconds slower. People with “post-Covid syndrome” also performed worse on tests assessing cognitive abilities. Additionally, some long-term COVID-19 patients with lower SRT test results reported worsening mental health, sleep problems, and depressive symptoms. Volunteers who had long-term Covid-19 and had a normal response rate to stimuli noted that they felt tired after completing the test.
It was noted that people who had Covid-19, which did not have long-term negative consequences for the body, did not have any problems in having SRT.
The study authors estimated that cognitive decline was observed in 53% of patients with long-term COVID-19. Additionally, there is no increase in mental performance over time. The mechanisms underlying these results remain to be investigated. Additional studies that include comprehensive neuropsychological assessment of larger and more diverse patient groups are needed.
Previously was named a nutritional supplement that may speed recovery from long-term Covid.
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Source: Gazeta
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