Cognitive and emotional impairments associated with COVID-19 (literature review)

Abstract

Background. Currently, there are two main areas of study of the impact of a new coronavirus infection on mental processes: the first is in connection with the regime of self-isolation and restrictions in a pandemic; the second – with the impact of the pathological process itself and the post-covid syndrome on the central nervous system. The results of the studies indicate the relationship of this infection with local lesions of the brain and the corresponding disturbances in the functioning of mental processes.The aim of the research. To systematize and analyze the results of studies on the main routes of penetration of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into the central nervous system, cognitive and emotional disorders in people who have recovered from COVID-19, and to discuss the areas of psychological rehabilitation for this group of patients.Materials and methods. Information search was carried out using Internet resources (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, bmj.com, eLibrary.ru, frontiersin.org, sciencedirect. com, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), literature sources were analyzed for the period from May of 2020 to November of 2021 for the following keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, cognitive functions, cognitions, cognitive impairments, emotional dysfunction, affective dysfunction.Results. According to the analysis of the literature, most researchers identify the neurogenic pathway of SARS-CoV-2 penetration into the CNS, as well as penetration through the bloodstream or through cerebral lymphatic drainage, which are a possible cause of mental disorders of a neurological nature. Correction of these violations involves the creation of a comprehensive system of rehabilitation with the inclusion of psychotherapeutic methods.Conclusions. Despite the lack of a single picture describing the specifics of cognitive and affective symptoms in COVID-19, in the most general terms, there is a certain consensus. So, quite often, post-COVID cognitive symptoms are characterized by impaired memory and attention, and post-COVID affective symptoms are characterized by increased levels of anxiety, depression, and fatigue. The issues of diagnosis and correction of disorders in post-COVID syndrome and the admissibility of the existence of this diagnosis are still relevant.