Changes in cognitive functioning after COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Alzheimers Dement. 2022 May;18(5):1047-1066. doi: 10.1002/alz.12644. Epub 2022 Mar 17.

Abstract

Introduction: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the cognitive effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in adults with no prior history of cognitive impairment.

Methods: Searches in Medline/Web of Science/Embase from January 1, 2020, to December 13, 2021, were performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A meta-analysis of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) total score comparing recovered COVID-19 and healthy controls was performed.

Results: Oof 6202 articles, 27 studies with 2049 individuals were included (mean age = 56.05 years, evaluation time ranged from the acute phase to 7 months post-infection). Impairment in executive functions, attention, and memory were found in post-COVID-19 patients. The meta-analysis was performed with a subgroup of 290 individuals and showed a difference in MoCA score between post-COVID-19 patients versus controls (mean difference = -0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.59, -0.29; P = .0049).

Discussion: Patients recovered from COVID-19 have lower general cognition compared to healthy controls up to 7 months post-infection.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus; attention; cognition; cognitive dysfunction; executive functions; neuropsychological test.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19*
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / etiology
  • Executive Function
  • Humans
  • Infant