Cognitive Rehabilitation and Functional Outcomes in Long COVID–Related Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized - Summary - MDSpire

Cognitive Rehabilitation and Functional Outcomes in Long COVID–Related Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized

  • By

  • Martina Vanova

  • Aysha Mohamed Rafik Patel

  • Iona Scott

  • Gina Gilpin

  • Emily N. Manning

  • Charlotte Ash

  • Philippa Wittenberg

  • Jason Lim

  • Zoe Hoare

  • Rachel Evans

  • Nathan Bray

  • Christopher M. Kipps

  • Ciara Devine

  • Saliha Ahmed

  • Ross Dunne

  • Anna Koniotes

  • Catherine Warren

  • Dennis Chan

  • Aida Suarez-Gonzalez

  • July 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of individualized, goal-oriented cognitive rehabilitation (CR) for people with cognitive impairment associated with long COVID.

Approach:
  • Study Design: Multicenter, single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a 1:1 allocation ratio to CR or treatment as usual (TAU) conducted in 3 NHS trusts in the UK.
  • Participants: Adults aged 30-60 with prior COVID-19 infection, self-reported cognitive symptoms for over 3 months, and cognitive deficits in at least 2 domains.
  • Intervention: Participants received 10 weekly 1-hour telehealth sessions focusing on 3 personalized goals using the Bangor Goal Setting Interview.
  • Control Group: Participants in the control group received TAU, which varied among individuals and included pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments.
Key Findings:
  • Cognitive impairment affects over 27% of COVID-19 survivors, impacting quality of life and work.
  • No prior study has evaluated a structured, stand-alone CR program for cognitive impairment in long COVID.
  • CR is based on proven strategies from other neurological conditions and is tailored to individual goals.
Interpretation:

The study aims to fill a gap in research regarding effective interventions for cognitive impairment in long COVID through a structured CR program.

Limitations:
  • The study's findings are based on self-reported measures of goal attainment.
  • TAU varied widely, which may affect the comparability of results.
Conclusion:

This study seeks to provide insights into the effectiveness of CR in improving cognitive outcomes in long COVID patients.

Original Source(s)

Cognitive Rehabilitation and Functional Outcomes in Long COVID–Related Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized

  • by Martina Vanova, Aysha Mohamed Rafik Patel, Iona Scott, Gina Gilpin, Emily N. Manning, Charlotte Ash, Philippa Wittenberg, Jason Lim, Zoe Hoare, Rachel Evans, Nathan Bray, Christopher M. Kipps, Ciara Devine, Saliha Ahmed, Ross Dunne, Anna Koniotes, Catherine Warren, Dennis Chan, Aida Suarez-Gonzalez

  • July 1, 2026

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