Malaysian Researchers Find That Long COVID Individuals Are Likely to Have Executive Function Deficits and Altered Brains
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 22, 2025 3 hours, 25 minutes ago
Medical News: As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have turned their attention to the lingering effects of the virus on survivors. Among these effects, long COVID, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks post-infection, has emerged as a critical health challenge. A recent study highlights how long COVID affects executive functions (EF), a set of mental skills essential for managing daily tasks and decision-making. This research, led by scientists from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and HELP University in Malaysia, sheds light on the extent of cognitive impairments in long COVID patients and their correlation with brain alterations.
Malaysian Researchers Find That Long COVID Individuals Are Likely to Have Executive Function Deficits and Altered Brains
Understanding Executive Function and Long COVID
Executive functions are cognitive processes that include working memory, task-shifting, and inhibition - skills that enable individuals to plan, focus, and adapt to changing circumstances. Long COVID patients often report "brain fog," difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. This
Medical News report focuses on the findings of a systematic review that examined these issues through neuropsychological assessments and neuroimaging data.
Study Methodology and Robustness
The researchers analyzed 31 studies from around the world, encompassing data from over 4,675 long COVID patients. They sought to understand how EF impairments correlate with disruptions in brain regions such as the frontal lobe and cerebellum. Using tools like MRI and EEG, the studies provided insight into both functional and structural brain changes in these patients.
The study adhered to rigorous guidelines, including the PRISMA framework, to ensure the reliability of its findings. Researchers used validated neuropsychological tests and assessed study quality through the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The inclusion of diverse study designs and populations from various countries strengthens the generalizability of the results.
Key Findings from the Study
-Task-Shifting Challenges
Task-shifting, or the ability to switch between different activities or thoughts, was significantly impaired in long COVID patients. Over 50% of participants in multiple studies struggled with task-shifting, as measured by tools like the Trail Making Test and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. These tests revealed moderate to large effect sizes, indicating substantial deficits.
-Inhibition Deficits
Inhibitory control, which helps individuals filter out distractions and focus on goals, was another area of concern. Using the Stroop Test and Verbal Fluency Test, researchers found that many patients exhibited reduced inhibition, with some studies reporting impairments in over 60% of participants. These deficits often correlated with alterations in brain a
ctivity and connectivity.
-Working Memory Impairments
Working memory, the ability to hold and manipulate information temporarily, was notably affected. Tests like the Digit Span Backward Task showed significant impairments, especially in tasks requiring mental manipulation rather than simple recall. Younger patients under 50 years old showed higher rates of impairment than older patients, suggesting that the condition does not exclusively affect elderly populations.
Brain Alterations in Long COVID
Neuroimaging studies provided critical insights into how long COVID impacts brain structure and function. Patients exhibited changes in white matter volume, particularly in regions like the superior frontal gyrus and cingulum, which are linked to executive functions. Functional connectivity in networks associated with attention and salience also showed significant alterations.
For instance, MRI scans revealed increased white matter hyperintensity in areas responsible for executive processing. Additionally, EEG analyses identified reduced brain activity in regions involved in cognitive demand. These findings underscore the neurological basis of EF deficits in long COVID patients.
Implications for Daily Life
Executive function impairments can have profound effects on daily life. Tasks like managing finances, maintaining schedules, or even holding conversations become challenging. These deficits also impact professional performance and overall quality of life. Understanding these impairments is crucial for developing targeted interventions and therapies.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the pervasive impact of long COVID on cognitive health, particularly executive functions. These deficits are linked to structural and functional brain alterations, emphasizing the need for early identification and tailored rehabilitation strategies. Addressing these cognitive challenges can improve the quality of life for long COVID survivors.
In conclusion, executive function impairments in long COVID patients underscore the virus's long-term neurological impact. By understanding these challenges, the medical community can develop interventions to mitigate these effects and enhance recovery.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Heliyon.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844025003676
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/long-term-cognitive-and-autonomic-effects-of-covid-19-in-young-adults
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
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