Long COVID: brain damage even in mild cases

The persistent effects of COVID-19 are evident not only in severely affected patients but also in those with mild cases. A recent study from the University of São Paulo reveals that memory and attention deficits can last more than 18 months after infection, even in non-hospitalized patients.


Cognitive sequelae, such as memory loss and attention deficits, are commonly reported by survivors of severe COVID-19 cases. However, these same issues have been observed in individuals with mild cases more than 18 months post-infection, according to a study from the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil.

Published in the journal BMC Psychology, the study highlights the need for more comprehensive rehabilitation strategies to address the long-lasting cognitive impacts of Long COVID. Data collected from 302 volunteers indicated that 11.7% of mild patients, 39.2% of moderate patients, and 48.9% of severe patients exhibited cognitive impairments.

Antônio de Pádua Serafim, the lead author of the paper and a professor at the Institute of Psychology (IP-USP), emphasized that memory and attention problems were present in a significant number of individuals who had mild or moderate COVID-19.

The study's results, funded by FAPESP, show the potential impact of neuroinflammation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Some patients who did not require intensive care or hospitalization still exhibited memory and attention issues, suggesting a direct effect of the infection on the central nervous system.

Cognitive functions like memory and attention are crucial in daily life. Study participants with low scores on memory and attention tests reported difficulties remembering words or performing routine activities, such as forgetting pots on the stove or not picking up children from school.

Serafim is collaborating with other researchers at USP to develop programs aimed at mitigating the cognitive losses caused by COVID-19. These techniques include neurostimulation and neurofeedback, which aim to enhance brain functions through neuromodulation.

Although isolated case studies have shown promising results, much work remains to establish effective cognitive stimulation and rehabilitation programs for post-COVID patients. The severe pandemic may be over, but its sequelae persist, underscoring the need for ongoing interventions.