Neuropsychological Outcomes of COVID-19: A Multicenter, Cross-Cultural Study of Patients Referred for Outpatient Assessment

Objective: Cognitive dysfunction is one of the most frequently reported symptoms in post-acute sequelae COVID-19 (PASC) and has become a common reason for neuropsychological referral. While data are emerging, we aimed to address possible cross-cultural patterns outcomes that remain underexplored. Methods: In this cross-sectional, retrospective study, characterize cognitive performance, demographic makeup, clinical characteristics 84 PASC patients (Mage = 57 years) referred evaluation three USA sites Germany. Neuropsychological (mean demographically adjusted z-scores frequencies impairment) were examined across six domains. Independent t-tests compared performances previously hospitalized non-hospitalized patients. Results: Patients assessed on average seven months post-COVID-19 infection. The majority women non-hospitalized. Mean performance was within normative range, but high variability existed between sites. Deficits generally mild frequent processing speed (range sites: 9–57% patients), executive functioning 4–43% patients) attention/working memory 0–43% patients). Hospitalized showed greater impairment than those not requiring hospitalization. Mood fatigue/sleep disturbance more objective impairments. At time assessment, unable return work. Conclusions: clinically was, overall, range. Mild deficits time-based attentional/executive tasks. Other factors, such as affective fatigue, may significantly impact functioning, perhaps cognition. Further work with larger samples longitudinal measures needed clarify function psychiatric distress.