[Neurocognitive functioning after cognitive treatment in post-COVID].

BACKGROUND

Post-COVID is a post-infectious condition resulting from COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) that can cause a wide range of neurocognitive and psychological symptoms. As no curative treatment currently exists, it is important to help patients learn how to manage their symptoms.

AIM: To examine whether adults with post-COVID benefit from a treatment program focused on cognitive resilience, in terms of cognitive functioning and psychological symptoms.

METHOD: A pre-post design without a control group was used within a mental health care setting. Twenty-three participants with post-COVID completed a 24-week group-based program consisting of two modules: balancing limited energy and cognitive rehabilitation. Neuropsychological tests, the SCL-90, and the RAND-36 were administered before and after treatment. Differences between pre- and post-treatment scores were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

RESULTS

Of the 23 participants, 15 completed the program. Verbal learning improved significantly (p = 0.01). No significant changes were found in other neurocognitive domains. Psychological symptoms decreased significantly (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Despite the small sample size, several significant improvements were observed. Participants reported feeling supported by peer contact within the group. Further research is needed to clarify a causal relationship between the treatment program and improvements in cognitive functioning.