Perceived cognitive deficits in first 4 weeks of COVID-19 infection associated with post covid condition

A new study by Teresa Liu and team showed that patient reported cognitive impairments during the first four weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infection are linked to post–COVID-19 condition (PCC) symptoms, and some patients' PCC may also have an emotional component. The findings of this study were published in Journal of American Medical Association.

Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and post-COVID-19 condition (PCC; also known as extended COVID) both frequently cause neuropsychiatric symptoms, however it is uncertain if these symptoms and PCC are related. In order to better understand the characteristics of patients with observed cognitive impairments within the first four weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the relationship between those deficits and PCC symptoms, this study was carried out.

With a follow-up of 60 to 90 days, this prospective cohort research took place from April 2020 to February 2021. The cohort was made up of adults registered in the University of California, Los Angeles, SARS-CoV-2 Ambulatory Programme who had a laboratory-confirmed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and were either hospitalized in a UC Los Angeles hospital or one of 20 nearby healthcare facilities, or were outpatients referred by a primary care physician. The period of data analysis was from March 2022 to February 2023.