Subjective and Objective Cognitive Deficits in Patients with Post-COVID Syndrome A Challenge for Neuropsychologists

Abstract

Cognitive impairment is a prominent symptom of the post-COVID syndrome (PCS). However, the correspondence between subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) and objective results is inconsistent. Here, we investigated this discrepancy. This longitudinal study included N = 42 individuals who reported SCC as PCS after mild infection at inclusion. Data collection comprised questionnaires and neuropsychological as-sessment at baseline and follow-up (FU). At FU - on average 15 months after acute COVID-19 - 88 % of patients reported persisting SCC. There was an approx. 40 % discrepancy between subjective report and test results at both visits. Patients with SCC and objective impairment indi-cated elevated fatigue and reduced quality of life compared to patients without SCC at FU. A growing number of patients is anticipated to re-quest neuropsychological assessments even after mild infections.