What question did this study set out to answer?

This research explores whether self-reported brain fog after mild COVID-19 is directly caused by the virus or influenced by depression.

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March 12, 2026Open Access

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

Mild COVID-19 infection does not lead to apparent cognitive deficits or depression, although brain activation and global efficiency are reduced post-COVID-19. Brain fog is likely to result from depression rather than cognitive deficits induced by COVID-19. People should pay attention to their psychological states during COVID-19 pandemic.

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

Key Points

Abstract

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