New UCLA research indicates that individuals who experienced cognitive difficulties, such as memory issues, during COVID-19 are more likely to face lingering physical symptoms of the disease, known as long COVID. Specifically, those reporting cognitive difficulties were found to be twice as likely to experience persistent physical manifestations, which may be linked to heightened anxiety and depression. The study surveyed 766 patients who had symptomatic COVID-19 and measured their experiences over time, with a focus on perceived cognitive functions and physical health post-infection.
Of the patients surveyed, over 36% reported cognitive challenges during their acute illness. These patients had a significantly higher likelihood of reporting ongoing physical symptoms, like fatigue and loss of smell, 60 to 90 days post-infection. While the research highlights a potential psychological component contributing to long COVID symptoms, it acknowledges limitations such as the reliance on subjective assessments of cognitive function rather than objective measures. Overall, these findings underscore a complex interplay between cognitive perception and ongoing health issues in the aftermath of COVID-19, suggesting that for some patients, psychological factors may exacerbate the post-viral condition.
