| Keywords [eng] |
SARS-CoV-2, post-COVID-19 condition, COVID Fog, post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, long-haul COVID, long COVID, Rehabilitation in Covid Survivors, COVID-19 infection, Cognitive Dysfunction after COVID-19 infection, Fatigue after COVID-19 infection |
| Abstract [eng] |
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in Wuhan, China, in 2019, has led to significant global health crises, with widespread transmission and high mortality rates. Despite substantial vaccination efforts, the impact of COVID-19 on public health discourse persists due to its long-term effects on survivors, particularly regarding cognitive dysfunction and fatigue. Studies revealed that many COVID-19 survivors experience severe physical impairment for up to 20 months post-infection, with symptoms including dyspnea, fever, myalgia, and fatigue. Post-COVID-19, characterized by a range of symptoms that persist beyond the acute phase of the illness, affects around 10-15% of infected individuals, negatively impacting their quality of life. Research suggests several potential mechanisms underlying the neurological symptoms observed in COVID-19 patients. These include direct viral invasion of the central nervous system, immune dysregulation triggering neuroinflammation, endothelial dysfunction leading to vascular damage, and the effects of severe systemic COVID-19 on the central nervous system. Studies have shown elevated levels of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in post-COVID patients, indicating ongoing viral activity. Moreover, ACE2 expression in the brain suggests potential routes for viral entry, such as the olfactory nerve. Cognitive dysfunction and fatigue are among the most common long-term symptoms reported by COVID-19 survivors. These symptoms significantly impact patients' daily lives and are associated with neuroinflammation, neurocognitive impairments, and disruptions in neural pathways. Management strategies for cognitive dysfunction and fatigue in COVID-19 survivors are still being explored. Some potential therapies include Ginkgo Biloba, antiretroviral medications like Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid), hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), manual lymphatic drainage, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Physical therapy tailored to individual capabilities has also has also shown to be quite promising in improving symptoms and quality of life. Longitudinal studies have revealed that while some COVID-19-related symptoms may improve over time, cognitive impairment and fatigue can persist for months or even years post-infection. Cognitive symptoms such as concentration difficulty and cognitive dysfunction are reported by a significant portion of survivors even after 12 months, highlighting the need for continued research and support for affected individuals. In conclusion, COVID-19 has long-lasting implications for cognitive function and physical capability, with cognitive dysfunction and fatigue being prominent and enduring symptoms in many survivors. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and exploring effective management strategies are essential for improving outcomes and quality of life for those affected by Post-COVID-19. |
