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Cognitive and Clinical‐Functional Outcomes in Elderly People with Post‐COVID Syndrome: Data from a Brazilian Cohort

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) is characterized by the persistence or emergence of new symptoms for more than 12 weeks after microbiological cure of Sars-CoV-2 infection. The objective of this study was to identify clinical, cognitive and functional changes presented by elderly people with (PCS). METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study nested in a prospective cohort that recruited elderly individuals and their respective caregivers after a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, from 2021 to 2024. All participants signed the Informed Consent Form (CAAE: 31799420.6.0000.5149). Sociodemographic variables were assessed and the following tests were applied: The Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS), Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study- activities of daily living (ADCS-ADL), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist - Civilian Version (PCL-C), DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder, Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index (IVCF-20), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), mMRC dyspnea scale and SARC-F+CC. Descriptive statistical analysis was used. RESULT: The sample consisted of 80 participants. The mean time between initial infection and the 1st evaluation was 10.09 ± 5.97 months (Min.: 2-Max.: 24). 51.25% of the participants were female, while 57.50% were hospitalized, with a mean age of 73.91 ± 10.20 years; 8.03 ± 3.24 years of schooling, 6.54 ± 3.24 medications in use, Charlson Comorbidity Index of 1.79 ± 1.80 and 3.39 ± 1.63 doses of vaccine for Covid-19 at the time of diagnosis. 70.87% reported memory difficulty after Covid-19 and regarding the diagnosis, 15% had dementia; 62.5% mild cognitive impairment and 22.5% preserved cognition. The prevalence of Frailty was 37.50% and Functional Disability was 73.33%. Fatigue was present in 46.25% of participants, dyspnea in 88.75%, Sarcopenia in 26.25%, 11.39% screened positive for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and 11.25% for major depression. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate a high prevalence of Cognitive and Functional Disability, Frailty, Fatigue, and Dyspnea after the initial diagnosis of Covid-19. Accurate and early identification of CPS symptoms in the elderly is important to provide adequate treatment, prevent long-term complications and improve the quality of life of this population.

Source: Alzheimer s & Dementia

DOI: 10.1002/alz70857_107555