A new clinical trial provides the first proven intervention for the cognitive impairment associated with long COVID. Researchers found that a tailored, goal-focused rehabilitation program delivered significant and lasting improvements in patients' daily functioning.
Cognitive impairment remains a disabling feature of long COVID, disrupting professional and personal life. The multicentre, single-blind trial enrolled adults aged 30 to 60 with objective cognitive deficits following infection. Over 10 weeks, participants received one-hour telehealth sessions targeting personally meaningful goals, such as returning to work tasks without interruption.
Results were striking. At three months, the therapy group showed a substantial advantage over those receiving standard care, with a large effect size. This functional gain persisted at the six-month follow-up, demonstrating durability.
The findings suggest that focusing on self-selected, practical goals keeps therapy clinically relevant. Researchers believe this structured approach could serve as a blueprint for designing long COVID rehabilitation services.