Cognitive dysfunction after covid-19

The BMJ recently published a “Practice Pointer” (01/02/2024) which gives advice to medical professionals on how to deal with patients experiencing cognitive dysfunction following a Covid-19 infection. The paper draws on two sources: a literature search of PubMed conducted using the terms “post-acute covid-19”, and “long covid” and multiple terms relating to impaired cognition; and group discussions with front line clinicians and patient partners who are members of a national quality improvement collaborative for long covid clinics in UK.

The main pointers on what professionals need to know when dealing with cognitive dysfunction are:

  • Cognitive problems are common after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and can be disabling and frightening

  • Symptoms tend to improve, but this may take up to a year. Those with chronically persistent symptoms lasting more than 12 months have a lower chance of improving

  • Symptoms usually fluctuate

  • Assessment should be directed to documenting the nature and trajectory of the impairment and excluding alternative diagnoses

  • Self-management techniques may help patients manage their condition

The full resource can be read here.

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