Cognitive status and rehabilitation outcomes of patients in acute rehabilitation post Covid-19

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to 1) characterize cognitive functioning in patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation due to Covid-19 diagnosis and 2) examine how cognitive status at admission is associated with rehabilitation outcomes. Design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: An inpatient rehabilitation center located in Chicago, Illinois. Participants: 80 participants in acute rehabilitation due to Covid-19 disease/ Intervention: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Cognitive functioning as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and rehabilitation outcomes as measured by Functional Index Measure (FIM) and Section GG items for self-care and mobility (GG-SC and GG-M respectively). Results: On average, our sample presented with mild cognitive impairment as assessed by the (MoCA). The most significant deficits were demonstrated in executive function, attention, language, and delayed free recall measures. Higher levels of overall cognitive function were associated with higher cognitive measures of rehabilitation outcomes. Weaker associations were observed with outcome measures of self-care and motor functioning. Conclusion: Cognitive impairments are common in patients in acute rehabilitation due to Covid-19 and cognitive performance may help predict rehabilitation outcomes.

Impact of Rehabilitation on Physical and Neuropsychological Health of Patients Who Acquired COVID-19 in the Workplace

“…Cognitive impairment is another consequence of an infection with SARS-CoV-2 [ 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ]. According to a systematic review, the prevalence of cognitive deficits among long-/post-COVID patients is more than 50% up to four months after acute infection.…”