Evaluating memory and fluency in post-COVID survivors compared to non-COVID patients based on ACE- III scale

Abstract

The immediate impact of COVID-19 can be life-threatening and has devastating effects on mental health. Though changes in mental health during COVID-19 have been observed, the extent of its long-term effects is still unclear. To assess the association of COVID-19 with neurological complications, this study uses the Addenbrook Cognition Examination- III (ACE- III) to evaluate cognitive functions such as memory and fluency in post-COVID survivors and non-COVID patients. The primary objective is to study the long-term cognitive effects of COVID-19. A survey was conducted among 60 patients, using the ACE- III scale. Various statistical tests such as t-test, Cohen's d, and Fisher's exact test were used for data analysis. The findings from the memory and fluency assessments, supported by statistical tests, suggest no significant difference in cognitive abilities between individuals who have never had COVID-19 and those who have recovered. This suggests that more research is needed to gain a better understanding of the long-term cognitive effects of COVID-19. Larger sample sizes, longitudinal follow-up, and the addition of more cognitive domains could all be helpful in future research in determining any distinct effects that the virus may have on cognition over time.