Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment and Its Risk Factors in Patients with COVID-19: A Follow-up Study

Abstract

Background: Cognitive impairment is a recognized consequence of COVID-19, persisting long after recovery. This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors associated with cognitive impairment in post-COVID-19 patients. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess cognitive function at three months and one year post-hospitalization using the blind montreal cognitive assessment (blind MoCA) and analyze its correlation with demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted on 260 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Cognitive function was assessed using the blind MoCA, and statistical analyses, including t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation analysis, were performed to identify significant predictors of cognitive decline. Results: Cognitive scores significantly declined from three months (19.37 ± 1.54) to one year (18.85 ± 1.67) (P = 0.0001). Older age, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatinine levels, psychiatric history, hypertension, and severe pulmonary involvement were associated with worse cognitive outcomes. Conclusions: Post-COVID-19 cognitive impairment worsens over time and is influenced by inflammation, oxygenation, and comorbidities. Early intervention strategies, including cognitive rehabilitation and monitoring of high-risk individuals, are essential to mitigate long-term cognitive impairment.