PsyPost A recent study published in Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health suggests that individuals who had COVID-19 may experience lingering cognitive difficulties, especially in areas like working memory and planning. Researchers discovered that, even six to twelve months after infection, people with a history of COVID-19 reported more problems with everyday cognitive tasks than those who were never infected. These findings could guide healthcare providers in developing supportive strategies for those affected by these challenges.
The motivation behind this research stems from a growing recognition of cognitive issues as one of the most burdensome symptoms for individuals recovering from COVID-19. Although many people have focused on the physical effects of the virus, such as fatigue and respiratory problems, cognitive impacts—like difficulties with memory, attention, and decision-making—can also disrupt daily life.
As “long COVID” continues to affect millions worldwide, researchers saw an urgent need to better understand how the virus might affect various cognitive skills over time. Previous studies indicated some of these difficulties but often used broad assessments that didn’t investigate specific cognitive abilities. This study aimed to be more precise by exploring different aspects of executive functioning in everyday life.