Covid-19 analysis: is there an association between Covid-19 and development of cognitive deficits?

Objective: The effects of COVID-19 infection were initially thought to be limited to the respiratory system; however, recent literature suggests that the virus has systemic effects, even leading to cognitive deficits. The objective of this study is to review COVID-19 related literature to determine whether there is an association between COVID-19 infection and the development of cognitive deficits.

Method: A search for articles relevant to COVID-19, cognitive deficits, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Tool (MoCA), and the geriatric population was performed on the MEDLINE, CINAHL, and APA PsychInfo databases.

Results: Substantial evidence exists that reports an association between COVID-19 infection and cognitive decline. The studies included in this literature review surveyed distinct populations and reported cognitive deficits in COVID-19 patients as measured by a reduction in MoCA scores. While cognitive deficits were identified as partially reversible, there were still measurable deficits in cognition post-recovery compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, the measured cognitive deficits were found to be much worse in the geriatric population.

Conclusions: Current literature shows an association between COVID-19 infection and the development of cognitive deficits. Further research should seek to characterize these cognitive deficits and determine the underlying aetiology and pathogenesis. Initiatives to develop interventions to limit or improve cognitive deficits in post COVID-19 patients is crucial, especially the elderly, given the large burden of disease within this population cohort.