Neuropsychological functioning in severe acute respiratory disorders caused by the coronavirus: Implications for the current COVID-19 pandemic.
| Publication Type | Review |
| Authors | Rabinovitz B, Jaywant A, Fridman C |
| Journal | Clin Neuropsychol |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue | 7-8 |
| Pagination | 1453-1479 |
| Date Published | 09/09/2020 |
| ISSN | 1744-4144 |
| Keywords | Betacoronavirus, Coronavirus Infections, Mental Disorders, Pandemics, Pneumonia, Viral |
| Abstract | Objective: The coronavirus class of respiratory viruses - including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - has been associated with central nervous system (CNS) disease. In fact, multiple mechanisms of CNS involvement have been proposed, making it difficult to identify a unitary syndrome that can be the focus of clinical work and research. Neuropsychologists need to understand the potential cognitive and psychological sequelae of COVID-19 and the impact of the interventions (e.g., ICU, ventilation) that have been used in treating patients with severe forms of the illness.Method: We briefly review the literature regarding the neurological and neuropsychological effects of similar coronaviruses, the limited information that has been published to date on COVID-19, and the literature regarding the long-term cognitive and psychological effects of undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU).Results: We discuss the roles that neuropsychologists can play in assessing and treating the cognitive difficulties and psychiatric symptoms described.Conclusions: At this time, the mechanisms, correlates, and effects of COVID-19 are poorly understood, but information gleaned from the literature on similar viruses and utilized interventions should help inform neuropsychologists as they begin to work with this population. |
| DOI | 10.1080/13854046.2020.1803408 |
| PubMed ID | 32901580 |