This study, Pioneering in Colombia and Latin America, led by Dr. Carolina Hurtado Montoya, from the University of CES School of Medicine in MedellinDr. Igor J. Koralnik, chief of the division of neuroinfectious diseases and global neuroscience at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, published the findings in the scientific journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, under the title Neurological manifestations of ongoing COVID-19 in Colombia: a comparative analysis of post-hospital versus non-hospitalized patients.
In an interview with El Colombiano, Dr. Koralnik highlighted how COVID-19 affects the brain in the long term, noting that problems range from mental blackouts and difficulty concentrating, to a constant feeling of disconnection from reality. Not to mention that many report what is called brain fog, frequent headaches, and sudden dizziness.
Tell us some details about the investigation. How many patients, and what methodologies and techniques were used?
“The CES team contacted people who tested positive for Covid-19 at our institution. In total, we reached out to more than 3,000 patients. We asked them about their current symptoms and eventually screened 100 patients with persistent neurological symptoms associated with Covid-19.
We found that brain fog, which manifests as problems with cognition, memory, and attention, affects 60% of these patients, even two to three years after infection. We also identify symptoms such as muscle pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and anxiety. Objective tests of cognitive function revealed lower scores than would be expected in the general population. Furthermore, we observed a significant decline in patients’ quality of life in terms of cognition, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. In conclusion, the neurological manifestations of COVID-19 persisted three years after the initial infection and severely impacted patients’ quality of life and cognitive function.
This study is the first of its kind in Colombia and Latin America. How important is this?
“Yes, it is the first of its kind in the region. It is important to conduct these studies because millions of people around the world are still suffering from persistent COVID-19 symptoms, which affect their nervous system and reduce their quality of life. In the United States, there are approximately 14 million people suffering from Long CovidIn Colombia, there are also many affected people, and our research aims to show the extent of the problem. The next step will be to develop effective ways to treat these patients. Unlike the United States, where the investigation was conducted after observing symptoms in patients, in Colombia we started the investigation to determine the scope of the problem, and thus look for solutions.
Do the numbers indicate that these symptoms affected both study groups, regardless of initial disease severity?
Yes, two groups participated in the study: one with 50 patients hospitalized for severe pneumonia associated with COVID-19, and another with 50 patients who had never been hospitalized and had only mild symptoms. “The results show that persistent neurological effects affect not only those with severe disease, but also those with a milder presentation who do not require hospitalization.”
Is there anything patients can do to reduce the effects of these symptoms?
“Yes, this is the next phase of our study. We have received pilot funding to implement cognitive rehabilitation therapies in Colombia. This treatment, which is like physical therapy but for the brain, will start soon. “Cognitive rehabilitation could help alleviate the effects of ongoing neurological symptoms.”
Finally, Doctor, what does this research mean for the medical community?
“For the medical community in Colombia and patients, this research shows that COVID-19 remains a major problem, affecting people for up to two or three years after infection. It impacts their quality of life and ability to function, and these patients need specialized care. Cognitive rehabilitation, like what we are implementing in the United States, can be an effective solution. “Our program in Colombia has begun to study these approaches to improve the management of persistent neurological symptoms.”
Read the full study report here: More than 60% of people infected with COVID-19 still suffer from neurological symptoms years after infection
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