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More than half of people admitted to hospital with Covid 19 have difficulty thinking and remembering two months after being released, according to a new study.
The study, conducted in Italy, found that 16% had problems with ‘executive function’ – which governs working memory, flexible thinking and information processing) while 6% experienced visual problems. spatial, such as difficulty judging depth and seeing contrast.
Another six percent had memory problems – while 25 percent had two or three of these symptoms, according to results presented at the 7th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN).
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These cognitive and psychopathological problems were much worse in young people, with the majority of patients under the age of 50 having problems with executive functions, the researchers found.
“Our study confirmed that significant cognitive and behavioral problems are associated with COVID-19 and persist for several months after disease remission,” said Professor Massimo Filippi, of the Scientific Institute and Vita University. Salute San Raffaele, in Milan.
“A particularly alarming finding concerns the changes in executive function that we have seen, which can make it difficult for people to concentrate, plan, think flexibly, and remember things. These symptoms affected three out of four younger patients of working age, ”he said.
Elisa Canu, from San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, added: “This study suggests that COVID-19 is associated with important cognitive and psychopathological problems. Appropriate follow-up and treatment are essential to ensure that these previously hospitalized patients receive adequate support to help relieve these symptoms. “
The study reveals how prevalent mental problems are among people soon after discharge from hospital – a good proportion of whom will persist for some time, contributing significantly to cases of long covid, the researchers said.
He also provided additional evidence for a link between hospitalization and post-traumatic stress disorder, concluding that one in five patients suffered from PTSD eight weeks after their infection.
Separate research by the Osperdale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan, also presented at the EAN conference, found that the most common long-term symptoms of Covid were insomnia – found in 65.9% of cases – daytime sleepiness ( 46.3%) and difficulty walking. Other less common symptoms included headaches, reduced ability to smell – and loss of taste.
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