Long-term cognitive and autonomic effects of COVID-19 in young adults: a cross-sectional study at 28 months.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had profound global impacts since its emergence in late 2019. Whilst acute symptoms are well-documented, increasing evidence suggests long-term consequences extending beyond the acute phase. This study aimed to investigate the long-term cognitive and autonomic effects of COVID-19 in young adults.

Materials and methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study comparing young adults with a history of COVID-19 (n = 34) to matched controls (n = 34). Cognitive function was assessed using the Sternberg Task, Stroop Task, and Go/No-Go Task (GNG). Autonomic function was evaluated using heart rate variability (HRV) parameters.

Results

The average time interval between COVID-19 infection and testing was 28.2 

SUBMITTER: Gopinath G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11749284 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature