COVCOG: Investigating the impact of Covid-19 Infection on Cognition
Research type
Research Study
Full title
COVCOG: Investigating the impact of Covid-19 Infection and ongoing symptoms on Cognition and Memory
IRAS ID
295019
Contact name
Lucy Kivlin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
PRE.2020.106, Psychology Department Ethics for original study; HVS/2020/3054, University insurance for original study; PRE.2020.106, University spondsorship for original study
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The ONS estimates that 1 in 10 patients who have experienced COVID-19 are still experiencing symptoms 12 weeks post infection. It is not yet known what proportion of patients experience symptoms for longer than this, but many report continuous symptoms nearly a year after infection. These ongoing symptoms often have a strong cognitive component, with reports of "brain fog" "forgetfulness" and "inability to concentrate".
This study is aimed at understanding the impact of Covid-19 infection on cognition in patients who also report mental health difficulties. To this effect, we aim to invite patients from post-Covid clinic and Staff Mental Health Service (SMHS) clinic in Cambridgeshire. Post-covid clinic offers mental health assessment to people who have ongoing difficulties after Covid infection. SMHS is a bespoke clinic for NHS staff who experience mental health problems. The healthcare workers are also at increased risk of Covid-19 infection. We aim to investigate the effects of Covid-19 infection on cognition in these two groups to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the link between Covid-19 infection, mental health problems, and cognitive functions.
All participants will be invited to complete several cognitive tests of memory and executive function. Participants are followed up at approximately 6-week intervals to investigate the longitudinal effects of Covid infection on cognition.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SC/0258
Date of REC Opinion
21 Oct 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion