Acceptability, Feasibility, and Preliminary Efficacy of a Digital Cognitive Intervention for Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC) in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to examine the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a digital cognitive intervention (DCI) for older adults with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).

METHODS

39 older adults (60-82 years old) with PASC neurocognitive symptoms (PASC-Neuro) were enrolled in a 6-week trial of neuroscience-based DCI. Treatment acceptability and feasibility were quantified via validated self-report questionnaires, recruitment and retention rates, and incidence of adverse events (AEs). Changes in clinical outcomes, collected before and after treatment, were examined using repeated measures statistical tests.

RESULTS

The DCI program was acceptable, credible, and usable to participants. Recruitment and retention rates were high (>85%). AEs were generally mild, transient, and tolerable. Significant improvements were observed in depression, anxiety, everyday functioning, and cognitive performance (set-shifting and verbal fluency).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the potential of a DCI program for older adults with PASC-Neuro.