Opinion:
SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with increased rates of postillness cognitive dysfunction, colloquially referred to as “brain fog,”1 that may portend significant consequences for patient functioning and quality of life. Post–COVID-19 cognitive dysfunction is 1 of approximately 200 symptoms of post–COVID-19 condition (PCC), defined by the World Health Organization as developing within 3 months of an initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, lasting at least 2 months, and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. A pooled analysis of 54 studies and 1.2 million individuals found that 3.2% of patients’ self-reported cognitive problems 3 months after symptomatic infection,1 while other studies have shown objective evidence of cognitive dysfunction in approximately 24% of patients nearly 1 year later.2 Accumulating evidence also supports the hypothesis that COVID-19 may increase risk for later neurodegeneration3 and exacerbate preexisting cognitive dysfunction.4 As one of the most common symptoms of PCC and one for which affected individuals may seek accommodations and disability benefits in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, it is imperative that we use more rigorous studies of cognitive outcomes. Accordingly, the following recommendations have been generated by members of the NeuroCOVID International Neuropsychology Taskforce based on initial guidelines.5
Source: Jaqueline H. Becker, PhD; Tracy D. Vannorsdall, PhD; Sara L. Weisenbach, PhD.