Post-COVID
Neuropsychological Assessment

Dr Graham Tyler: Clinical Neuropsychologist Hong Kong & Online

Post-COVID Neuropsychological Assessment

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on body systems, affecting not only the respiratory system, but also brain function in some individuals. If you or a loved one are experiencing lingering cognitive or neurological symptoms (known as Post-Covid Syndrome) after recovering from COVID-19, our specialised post-covid online neuropsychological assessment service is here to help.

Impact of COVID-19 on Brain Functions

COVID-19 has been shown to affect the brain in various ways, leading to symptoms that can persist long after the initial infection. This condition, often referred to as “Long COVID,” or Post-Covid Syndrome, can include a range of cognitive, emotional, neurological and neuropsychological issues. Common symptoms include:

Attention Deficits

Struggles with concentration and maintaining focus.

Memory Problems

Difficulty recalling recent events or retaining new information and learning.

Executive Dysfunction

Challenges in planning, decision-making, and multitasking.

Emotional Changes

Increased anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

How COVID-19 Affects the Brain

Multiple studies have indicated that COVID-19 can lead to neurological complications. These complications often arise due to mechanisms such as direct viral invasion of the brain, immune-mediated damage, and effects on blood vessels (Mao et al., 2020; Helms et al., 2020). Neurological complications of COVID-19 include:

Neuroinflammation

The body’s immune response to the virus can cause inflammation in the brain. This inflammation has been linked to cognitive deficits in memory, attention, and executive functions (Heneka et al., 2020).

Microvascular Damage

COVID-19 can lead to damage in the brain’s small blood vessels, potentially resulting in strokes or microbleeds, which further contribute to cognitive impairments.

Hypoxia

Severe COVID-19 cases can result in low oxygen levels (hypoxia), which can cause brain damage and subsequent cognitive issues.

How our Clinical Neuropsychologist can help with post-COVID neuropsychological assessment

Our clinical neuropsychologist offers comprehensive post-COVID neuropsychological assessments that can be conducted either face-to-face or online, ensuring accessibility and convenience. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Initial Intake Appointment
    An online meeting with our clinical neuropsychologist to assess whether we can undertake the assessment and achieve the objectives you set.
  • Clinical Interview
    A detailed discussion of your background, medical history, current symptoms, cognitive difficulties, problems at work and any other specific concerns.
  • Comprehensive Neuropsychological Assessment
    A battery of standardised and validated neuropsychological tests administered either in our clinic or remotely via secure online platforms. These assessments will tap into multiple neuropsychological or cognitive domains to give us a picture of how your brain is currently functioning.
  • Evaluation of Neuroimaging (Brain Scans)
    Our clinical neuropsychologist has undertaken additional specific training in neuroimaging such as MRI interpretation for neuropsychological outcomes. Any brain scans that you have will be evaluated along with all other information to give a complete profile of brain functioning.
  • Neuropsychological Assessment Report: A report outlining the results of the assessment, including identified areas of cognitive impairment and recommendations for rehabilitation and treatment.
  • Neuropsychology Feedback Session
    Your neuropsychological assessment results will be clearly explained to you and a companion and linked to your daily life.
  • Evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation
    You and a companion will be given advice on how to rehabilitate or compensate for the challenges that you are currently facing in line with your goals.
  • Follow-Up Neuropsychologist Consults & Assessments (optional)
    Ongoing consultations and re-assessments to monitor progress and adjust rehabilitation plans as needed.

Why a Neuropsychological Assessment might be necessary after COVID

A neuropsychological assessment is essential for understanding the extent and nature of cognitive impairments resulting from COVID-19. This comprehensive evaluation involves:

  • Cognitive Testing: Standardised tests to measure various aspects of cognitive functioning, including memory, attention, language, and executive functions.
  • Emotional and Psychological Assessment: Evaluating mood, anxiety, and other psychological factors that may be contributing to cognitive symptoms (did you know, for example, that people suffering from depression tend to process information more slowly?)
  • Functional Assessment: Understanding how cognitive impairments affect daily activities and quality of life.

Benefits of a Neuropsychological Assessment following COVID

Understanding the specific cognitive and psychological impacts of COVID-19 on an individual can be incredibly beneficial for several reasons:

  1. Personalised Rehabilitation Plans: Identifying specific areas of impairment allows for tailored rehabilitation plans that address your unique needs. For instance, cognitive rehabilitation exercises can be designed to target memory deficits or executive dysfunction.
  2. Tracking Progress: Repeated assessments over time can help track improvements or changes in cognitive function, providing valuable feedback on the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts.
  3. Guiding Treatment Decisions: A thorough understanding of cognitive impairments can inform treatment decisions, including potential referrals to other specialists, such as neurologists or psychiatrists.
  4. Greater Control: As patients improve, they feel more in control and have a better understanding of their symptoms and how to improve them.

Seek assistance for COVID-19 neurocognitive issues today!

If you are experiencing cognitive or neurological symptoms and/or cognitive/performance difficulties at work following COVID-19, don’t wait to seek help. Early assessment and intervention can make a significant difference in your recovery and quality of life. Contact us today to schedule your Intake Appointment and post-COVID neuropsychological assessment and take the first step towards understanding and managing your cognitive health.

References mentioned on this page

Mao, L., Jin, H., Wang, M., Hu, Y., Chen, S., He, Q., Chang, J., Hong, C., Zhou, Y., Wang, D., Miao, X., Li, Y., & Hu, B. (2020). Neurologic Manifestations of Hospitalized Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Wuhan, China. JAMA Neurology, 77(6), 683-690. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.1127

Helms, J., Kremer, S., Merdji, H., Clere-Jehl, R., Schenck, M., Kummerlen, C., Collange, O., Boulay, C., Fafi-Kremer, S., Ohana, M., Anheim, M., & Meziani, F. (2020). Neurologic Features in Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(23), 2268-2270. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmc2008597

Heneka, M. T., Golenbock, D., Latz, E., Morgan, D., & Brown, R. (2020). Immediate and long-term consequences of COVID-19 infections for the development of neurological disease. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 21(10), 569-570. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13195-020-00640-3

Other COVID & Neuropsychology Readings

Biagianti, B., Di Liberto, A., Nicolò Edoardo, A., Lisi, I., Nobilia, L., de Ferrabonc, G. D., Zanier, E. R., Stocchetti, N., & Brambilla, P. (2022). Cognitive Assessment in SARS-CoV-2 Patients: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 14, 909661. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.909661

He, S., Wu, K., Cheng, Z., He, M., Hu, R., Fan, N., Shen, L., Li, Q., Fan, H., & Tong, Y. (2022). Long COVID: The latest manifestations, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic interventions. MedComm, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/mco2.196

May, P. E. (2022). Neuropsychological Outcomes in Adult Patients and Survivors of COVID-19. Pathogens, 11(4), 465. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11040465

Sobrino-Relaño, S., Balboa-Bandeira, Y., Peña, J., Ibarretxe-Bilbao, N., Zubiaurre-Elorza, L., & Ojeda, N. (2023). Neuropsychological deficits in patients with persistent COVID-19 symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 10309. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-37420-6

Meet our Clinical Neuropsychologist

If you have one or two simple questions, feel free to message us using our chat icon to the bottom right of the page. Kindly book other meetings and consults below.

DR GRAHAM TYLER
Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist

Your online meeting will be with Clinical Neuropsychologist, Dr Graham Tyler. Dr Tyler is a Registered Psychologist in Hong Kong (HKPS) and Australia (AHPRA) and is a Chartered Psychologist and full member of the British Psychological Society's Division of Neuropsychology.