A group of UK researchers has successfully created the first effective brain rehabilitation program for Long Covid patients. Through a ten-week course of personalized hour-long video sessions, participants learned simple techniques that significantly reduced symptoms like brain fog, allowing them to resume normal activities and work.
The University College London study, involving 78 Long Covid patients, demonstrated that cognitive rehabilitation is feasible and offers hope to families impacted by long-lasting Covid-19 symptoms. Lead author Dr. Martina Vanova highlighted the prevalence of cognitive difficulties among Covid patients, emphasizing the disruptive impact on daily life and well-being.
Long Covid, affecting up to one in three Covid survivors, can lead to persistent cognitive issues like memory lapses, attention deficits, and planning difficulties, often exacerbated by fatigue. According to the GP Patient Survey, over two million people in England describe themselves as living with Long Covid, feeling overlooked as the pandemic fades from public focus.
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the innovative program aimed to enhance working memory and concentration for Long Covid patients struggling with cognitive impairments. Participants, like Emma Sullivan from Surrey, found the sessions immensely beneficial in overcoming mental challenges and improving daily functioning.
To enhance working memory, the program employed various techniques, including setting timed work intervals and incorporating brief breathing breaks. Additionally, participants were advised to eliminate distractions and maintain a task log to identify patterns of forgetfulness or distractions, facilitating cognitive improvements.
Moreover, the program addressed issues related to task sequencing by encouraging self-narration of activities and establishing daily routines to reinforce habits. Chief investigator Professor Dennis Chan emphasized the success of personalized cognitive rehabilitation in restoring normal cognitive function for Long Covid patients.
Published in JAMA Network Open, the study revealed significant improvements in cognitive function post-rehabilitation, with 84% of participants reporting noticeable enhancements compared to the control group. After six months, those undergoing cognitive rehab showed substantial progress in goal attainment and performed better in memory and thinking assessments.
Joint senior author Dr. Aida Suarez-Gonzalez highlighted the program’s sustainable benefits for individuals with long-lasting cognitive symptoms, expressing optimism about its potential as a widely accessible treatment for Long Covid patients seeking cognitive rehabilitation.
