Cognitive Function and Neuropsychiatric Disorders after COVID-19: A Long Term Social and Clinical Problem?

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is one more virus that can affect the brain in one way or another. Now, we are only beginning to understand some mechanisms and the degree to which it can impact the nervous system. Considering the rapid accumulation of knowledge about multiple neurological and cognitive symptoms in COVID-19 patients, it seems useful to encourage the development of systematic approaches for the diagnosis, management and treatment of the cognitive aspects of COVID-19. From what is known at this time about the impact of COVID-19 on the brain, the presentation of long-term cognitive sequelae can be expected to be heterogeneous in nature and will depend at least in part on the severity of the disease at the stage acute COVID-19. The long-term essential characteristics of these sequelae will probably be related to a combination of causes and different neuropathological processes in the acute phase. The scope and severity of the current COVID-19 pandemic are unparalleled in modern society. The later implications for neurological function can be just as serious. Although the current focus is on the management of acute diseases, in the near future the focus should be on the long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection and its mitigation, hence the need for the development of systematic approaches for the management of the cognitive and neuropsychiatric aspects of COVID-19.

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“…Brain RAS, SARS-CoV-2, and Cognitive Impairment. There are reports on the effect of COVID-19 on cognitive function [106]. Brain imaging techniques on participants infected with SARS-CoV-2 have revealed reductions in gray matter thickness in some areas of the cortex and white matter, which was accompanied by a cognitive decline [107,108].…”

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“…Furthermore, as if the above statistics were not disquieting enough, an exacerbated increase in cases of depressive and anxiety disorders is expected because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Different psychiatric and epidemiological studies have been warning social and economic circumstances faced during and after the pandemic might be leading to irreversible effects on the mental health of children, youth, and adults [6][7][8]. Furthermore, recent reports have suggested the potential impact of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection on the brain and central nervous system as a side effect of the hyperinflammatory cascade, which could lead to cognitive and neurological sequela in COVID-19 patients [7,9].…”

“…Different psychiatric and epidemiological studies have been warning social and economic circumstances faced during and after the pandemic might be leading to irreversible effects on the mental health of children, youth, and adults [6][7][8]. Furthermore, recent reports have suggested the potential impact of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection on the brain and central nervous system as a side effect of the hyperinflammatory cascade, which could lead to cognitive and neurological sequela in COVID-19 patients [7,9]. Preliminary evidence showed that about 23% of 40,000 patients presented neuropsychiatric symptoms, including anxiety, stress, and psychosis; however, more in-depth research is required to determine the tangible magnitude of neurological impacts in recovered COVID-19 patients [7].…”

“…Furthermore, recent reports have suggested the potential impact of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection on the brain and central nervous system as a side effect of the hyperinflammatory cascade, which could lead to cognitive and neurological sequela in COVID-19 patients [7,9]. Preliminary evidence showed that about 23% of 40,000 patients presented neuropsychiatric symptoms, including anxiety, stress, and psychosis; however, more in-depth research is required to determine the tangible magnitude of neurological impacts in recovered COVID-19 patients [7]. For instance, all the above evidence indicates ultimately that the effects of the pandemic might entail an even greater challenge in the burden of neuropsychiatric disorders and global public health.…”