Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Cognitive Rehabilitation for People With Cognitive Covid19

This study focuses on helping people recover from 'brain fog,' a common issue after having COVID-19, often called Long COVID. Many people find it hard to think clearly, remember things, or concentrate, which can affect their daily life and ability to work. We're testing special exercises and strategies, called cognitive rehabilitation, to improve these thinking skills. We'll work closely with people who have experienced 'brain fog' to make sure these strategies are helpful. The main goal is to see if these methods can improve your quality of life and help you get back to your usual activities. We will also produce a free guide for everyone affected by COVID-19 related brain fog.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

Start

14 Feb 2023

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2024

Long Covid19

What is this study about?

Many people who have had COVID-19, especially those with Long COVID, find that their thinking skills, like memory, concentration, and problem-solving, aren't as sharp as they used to be. This is often described as 'brain fog.' It's a real and frustrating problem for a lot of people, and it can make it hard to do everyday things, enjoy hobbies, and even return to work. At the moment, we don't fully understand why this happens or the best ways to help people recover.

This study aims to change that. We're looking for ways to help people regain their cognitive function and improve their quality of life. We'll be trying out specific exercises and activities, known as cognitive rehabilitation, that are designed to strengthen the parts of the brain that help with thinking and memory. We'll work together with people who have experienced this 'brain fog' to make sure the rehabilitation strategies are practical and effective.

Ultimately, our goal is to develop a clear treatment plan and create a free, easy-to-understand guide for anyone affected by Long COVID-related 'brain fog,' as well as their families and healthcare providers. We hope this will help many people get back to their normal lives and feel more like themselves again.

Key takeaways

This study helps people with 'brain fog' after COVID-19.
It uses special exercises to improve thinking and memory.
The goal is to help people get back to their normal lives and work.
A free guide will be created to help everyone affected.
You must have had 'brain fog' for at least three months after COVID-19.
It's for people aged 30 to 60 who can give informed consent.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be between 30 and 60 years old. You must have had COVID-19 in the past, confirmed either by a positive test or by having had symptoms that clearly match COVID-19 infection and then Long COVID. Crucially, you need to have been experiencing 'brain fog' or other thinking difficulties for at least three months after your initial COVID-19 infection.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you had thinking difficulties before you got COVID-19, or if other medical conditions (like a stroke, certain severe mental health issues, or taking specific medications) could be causing your cognitive problems. We also can't include people who have a lot of alcohol or use recreational drugs, as these can affect thinking skills. If you are pregnant or have certain metal implants (like a pacemaker) that would make an MRI scan unsafe, you also wouldn't be able to participate in some parts of the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 30 and 60 years old?
Did you have COVID-19, confirmed by a test or clear symptoms?
Have you had 'brain fog' or thinking problems for at least three months after your COVID-19 infection?
Did you NOT have major thinking problems before you got COVID-19?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part in the study?
Do you have a pacemaker or other metal implant that might affect an MRI scan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be taking part in specific exercises and activities designed to improve your thinking skills. These are part of what we call 'cognitive rehabilitation.' We'll assess your thinking abilities at the beginning and throughout the study to see how you're progressing. The study will also look at how these strategies affect your general quality of life and your ability to do daily tasks. The exact number of visits or how long each session will be isn't clear from this summary, but there will be ongoing contact and assessments. The overall aim is to bring together the best ways to help and share this information with others.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is that you might see an improvement in your 'brain fog' and thinking skills, which could help you get back to your usual activities and improve your quality of life. You'd also be contributing to important research that will help many other people experiencing similar problems. While the specific risks of the rehabilitation exercises aren't detailed, generally, these types of activities are considered safe but might require effort and commitment. If any imaging (like MRI scans) is part of the study, specific risks related to those procedures would be fully explained. Remember, you can decide to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'cognitive rehabilitation'?

It's a fancy term for special exercises and activities designed to improve thinking skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving, which can be affected by 'brain fog'.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

Based on this information, the study focuses on rehabilitation strategies and exercises, not new medications.

How long will the study last if I join?

The information doesn't state the exact length, but it often involves ongoing assessments and rehabilitation activities over a period of time.

What happens after the study is over?

The study aims to create a free 'Covid-19 Cognitive Recovery Guide' that will be available to help affected people, their families, and doctors.

Can I still get help if I don't qualify for the study?

This study is contributing to general knowledge that will help many, and the guide will be freely available. Always discuss your symptoms with your GP for advice tailored to you.