Subjective and Objective Cognitive Deficits in Patients with Post-COVID Syndrome

Abstract: Cognitive impairment is a prominent symptom of the post-COVID syndrome (PCS). However, the correspondence between subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) and objective results is inconsistent. Here, we investigated this discrepancy. This longitudinal study included N = 42 individuals who reported SCC as PCS after mild infection at inclusion. Data collection comprised questionnaires and neuropsychological assessment at baseline and follow-up (FU). At FU – on average 15 months after acute COVID-19 – 88 % of patients reported persisting SCC. There was an approx. 40 % discrepancy between subjective report and test results at both visits. Patients with SCC and objective impairment indicated elevated fatigue and reduced quality of life compared to patients without SCC at FU. A growing number of patients is anticipated to request neuropsychological assessments even after mild infections.