Persistent neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms and quality of life in elderly patients having recovered from an acute COVID-19 infection

Persistent neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms and quality of life in elderly patients having recovered from an acute COVID-19 infection Fatigue, sleep disturbances, difficulties in executive functioning and poor memory and concentration are common neuropsychiatric and cognitive complaints in older patients having recovered from a COVID-19 infection. These lingering symptoms may be associated with poor quality of life and functional decline months after illness onset. This research aims to compare persistent neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms, as well as overall quality of life, in confirmed SARS-CoV-2-positive and SARS-CoV-2-negative patients aged 65 years and older. This study will enroll patients who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and presented to emergency departments participating in the Canadian COVID-19 Emergency Department Rapid Response Network (CCEDRRN) during the pandemic. Available data collected by the CCEDRRN through telephone follow-ups at 6 and 12 months after infection will be used to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms (i.e., anxious and depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances, loss of taste and smell, post-exertional malaise, and poor memory and concentration). The long-term impact of a COVID-19 infection on older patients will also be measured by assessing their reported health-related quality of life. The results of this study will contribute to ensuring that adults over 65 years old can benefit from adapted and multidisciplinary care that can enhance their functioning and overall quality of life.