Evidence Hub

Cognitive Sequelae of COVID-19: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Approaches

Chen YH, Jan JS, Yang CH, Yen TL, Linh TTD, Annavajjula S, Satapathy MK, Tsao SY et al.

CNS neuroscience & therapeutics, 2025

19 participants · 4 citations

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on the world, with mounting evidence suggesting that it not only posed acute challenges to global healthcare systems but has also unveiled a complex array of long-term consequences, particularly cognitive impairment (CI). As the persistence of post-COVID-19 neurological syndrome could evolve into the next public health crisis, it is imperative to gain a better understanding of the intricate pathophysiology of CI in COVID-19 patients and viable treatment strategies.

Methods: This comprehensive review explores the pathophysiology and management of cognitive impairment across the phases of COVID-19, from acute infection to Long-COVID, by synthesizing findings from clinical, preclinical, and mechanistic studies to identify key contributors to CI, as well as current therapeutic approaches.

Results: Key mechanisms contributing to CI include persistent neuroinflammation, cerebrovascular complications, direct neuronal injury, activation of the kynurenine pathway, and psychological distress. Both pharmacological interventions, such as anti-inflammatory therapies and agents targeting neuroinflammatory pathways, and non-pharmacological strategies, including cognitive rehabilitation, show promise in addressing these challenges. Although much of the current evidence is derived from preclinical and animal studies, these findings provide foundational insights into potential treatment approaches.

Conclusion: By synthesizing…

Read the paper

Related studies

Go deeper in Evidence Hub

Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.

Open this study Sign up free