Correlation between fatigue and cognitive problems in post CoVID subjects

Correlation Between Fatigue and cognitive impairments in post COVID survivors Enas Rabie abelmagid. Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Rasha Mohamed Elrewainy, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy for Neurology, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo university, Prof. Dr. Ebtesam Mohamed Fahmy, Professor of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University; Prof. Dr. Shreen Ibrahim Taha, Assistant Professor Physical Therapy for Neurology, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Beni-Suef university. Master Thesis, 2022. ABSTRACT Background: COVID-19 is a hazardous respiratory disease (SARS-CoV-2) caused by Coronavirus 2. More than 80% of hospitalized patients and 30% of COVID-19 survivors may have long-term effects. The most prevalent and incapacitating symptoms of post COVID-19 syndrome are thought to be fatigue and cognitive impairment. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between fatigue and cognitive impairment in post COVID-19 survivors. Subjects and Methods: Eighty four subjects were enrolled, and they were divided into two groups. The study group included 42 post COVID-19 survivors, and the control group included 42 healthy individuals matched for age and sex. Cognitive functions were evaluated using Trail Making tests (A, B) (TMTs), Arabic version of Addenbrooke's cognitive evaluation scale-revised (ACE-R), and the RehaCom computer-based Cognitive Assessment and Therapy. Fatigue was assessed by the Arabic version of fatigue severity scale (FSS). Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the mean scores of FSS in the study group compared to the control group. There was a significant decrease in mean scores of ACE-R and a significant increase in mean scores of TMTs in the study group compared to the control group. There were significant differences between the study and control groups as regards parameters of attention concentration, logical reasoning, reaction behavior, and figural memory. There was a significant positive correlation between scores of FSS and TMTs scores, maximum reaction time, minimum reaction time of attention concentration, quartile reaction time 1 and quartile reaction time 3 of logical reasoning and reaction behavior, and acquisition time and solution time of figural memory in the study group. There was also a significant negative correlation between scores of FSS and ACE-R and difficulty levels of attention concentration, logical reasoning, reaction behavior and figural memory in the study group. Conclusion: Fatigue has a significant negative impact on cognitive abilities in post COVID-19 survivors. Keywords: COVID-19, Fatigue, Cognition