Of 10,403 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, 312 (3%) developed new-onset dementia after recovery, compared with 263 (2.5%) of 10,403 patients with inflammatory types Another lung is diagnosed with dementia.
Study leader Adnan I. Qureshi, MD, professor of clinical neurology at MU School of Medicine, said: “The risk of new-onset dementia is more common in COVID-19 pneumonia patients. over 70 years old.
“The type of dementia seen in COVID-19 survivors primarily affects memory, the ability to perform daily tasks, and the ability to self-regulate. Language and perception of time and the site is still relatively well preserved.”
The median interval between diagnosis of infection and dementia was 182 days for COVID-19 patients.
The study included only new-onset dementia associated with hospitalization during short follow-up.
Qureshi said further research over a longer period would provide a more complete picture and could help identify the underlying reasons why COVID-19 pneumonia might increase dementia risk.
“These findings suggest a role for screening for cognitive deficits in COVID-19 survivors,” said Qureshi.
“If there is evidence of deterioration during screening and if the patient continues to report cognitive symptoms, referral may be necessary for a comprehensive evaluation.”
Source: Eurekalert
