Distinguished University Professor of Neurology
Professor of Psychiatry and Radiological Science University of Texas Health San Antonio University of Texas Health San Antonio San Antonio, Texas, United States
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19, has caused millions of deaths since its emergence in 2019. In survivors, persistent cognitive deficits are common, including short- and/or long-term neuropsychiatric symptoms, loss of smell and taste, and cognitive and attention deficits that, in older adults, may lead to the new emergence or acceleration of Alzheimer’s disease pathology and symptoms. Researchers are working to understand the mechanisms by which this brain dysfunction occurs, and what that means for cognitive health long term. This consortium is made of representatives from nearly 40 countries — with technical guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) — collaborating to collect and evaluate the long-term consequences of COVID-19 on the central nervous system, as well as the differences across countries. Findings from this consortium will be discussed together with remaining questions and future directions for COVID-19 research.
Learning Objectives:
After the session, participants will be able to:
Identify the cognitive impairment profiles of older adults after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Describe the relationship of cognitive impairment after SARS-CoV-2 infection and brain imaging changes.
Discuss the genetic and modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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