Is self-report brain fog after mild COVID-19 truly induced by COVID-19 infection? A longitudinal fNIRS study

Key Points

• This research explores whether self-reported brain fog after mild COVID-19 is directly caused by the virus or influenced by depression.
• Utilized fNIRS (functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy) to measure brain activation and efficiency.
• Conducted longitudinal assessments to track changes over time post-COVID-19 infection.
• Assessed cognitive deficits and depression levels in participants.
• No significant cognitive deficits observed in post-COVID-19 participants.
• Notably reduced brain activation and global efficiency detected after mild COVID-19.
• Indications that brain fog is more likely linked to depression than COVID-19-induced cognitive changes.

Abstract