Cognitive status and rehabilitation outcomes of patients in acute rehabilitation post Covid-19

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to 1) characterize cognitive functioning in patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation due to Covid-19 diagnosis and 2) examine how cognitive status at admission is associated with rehabilitation outcomes.DesignRetrospective chart review.SettingAn inpatient rehabilitation center located in Chicago, Illinois.Participants80 participants in acute rehabilitation due to Covid-19 diseaseInterventionNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresCognitive functioning as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and rehabilitation outcomes as measured by Functional Index Measure (FIM) and Section GG items for self-care and mobility (GG-SC and GG-M respectively).ResultsOn average, our sample presented with mild cognitive impairment as assessed by the (MoCA). The most significant deficits were demonstrated in executive function, attention, language, and delayed free recall measures. Higher levels of overall cognitive function were associated with higher cognitive measures of rehabilitation outcomes. Weaker associations were observed with outcome measures of self-care and motor functioning.ConclusionCognitive impairments are common in patients in acute rehabilitation due to Covid-19 and cognitive performance may help predict rehabilitation outcomes.