Cerebral malaria (CM) and severe malarial anemia (SMA) are significantly linked to persistent cognitive impairment in children under five years old, a new study from Uganda indicates. Researchers analyzed data from 600 Ugandan children aged six months to four years who experienced severe malaria. Cognitive ability and memory were assessed 12 months after hospital discharge and followed for up to 15 years.
Chandy John of Indiana University School of Medicine presented findings showing that children with CM or SMA had substantially lower overall cognition scores compared to their peers. While SMA typically presents without neurological findings, these children also showed cognitive impairment. These deficits persisted for up to eight years. Notably, no effects were observed on attention, and while reading skills remained unaffected, significant differences in math abilities were detected in children with CM and SMA.
The study, presented at ESCMID Global 2026, highlights the need for further research into the underlying mechanisms to guide targeted interventions for affected children.