A team of UK scientists has successfully developed the first effective program for Long Covid brain rehabilitation. This innovative approach significantly reduced symptoms such as brain fog, enabling patients to resume work and hobbies. The program involved coaching participants in simple techniques through hour-long one-on-one video sessions over a ten-week period.
University College London conducted a trial with 78 Long Covid patients, demonstrating the feasibility of cognitive rehabilitation for Long Covid. Lead author Dr. Martina Vanova highlighted that cognitive difficulties are common among Long Covid sufferers, impacting daily functioning and quality of life.
Long Covid, affecting up to one in three Covid patients, can lead to persistent cognitive issues like memory loss, attention deficits, and planning difficulties. The GP Patient Survey revealed that over two million people in England are living with Long Covid, feeling neglected as the pandemic fades from public attention.
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the program focused on improving working memory and concentration for Long Covid patients. Participants like Emma Sullivan, a Long Covid patient, reported significant improvements in cognitive function after undergoing the rehabilitation sessions.
The program incorporated various techniques to enhance working memory and attention. Participants were advised to set timers for work intervals, take breathing breaks, eliminate distractions, and maintain task sequences. By adopting these strategies, participants experienced notable improvements in cognitive function and daily activities.
Chief investigator Professor Dennis Chan emphasized the success of the cognitive rehabilitation program in addressing Long Covid-related brain fog, helping patients regain normal functionality. Published in the journal JAMA Network Open, the study revealed that participants who received cognitive rehab reported substantial improvements compared to the control group receiving standard care.
After three months, 84% of participants showed significant improvement, while 53% of the control group did. The cognitive rehab group also exhibited better goal attainment and performance in cognitive tests. Joint senior author Dr. Aida Suarez-Gonzalez highlighted the program’s potential to provide long-lasting benefits for individuals with cognitive Long Covid symptoms, offering a promising treatment option for those affected.