COVID-19 patients suffered mental and cognitive health issues; study found
In a study funded by the SAMRC, researchers have found that more than half of South Africans infected with COVID-19 experienced lasting mental and cognitive health issues long after their recovery—some even up to two years later.
The research, conducted by the University of Cape Town and published in the journal Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health, followed 97 people who tested positive for COVID-19 during the first three waves of the pandemic. These individuals—ranging from those who had no symptoms to those who were critically ill—were interviewed at least six months after their infection to assess ongoing neuropsychiatric symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, and memory problems.
The study found that illness severity didn’t necessarily predict who would go on to experience these long-term effects. Even people who had mild or no symptoms reported problems months later. Nearly half of the participants showed signs of cognitive or memory difficulties on standard screening tests, and over 50% reported ongoing fatigue or mental health challenges.
The team also looked for early warning signs in the blood—specific proteins or markers taken during the patients’ illness that might help predict who would develop these persistent symptoms. But no clear patterns emerged. Blood samples taken at the height of illness and during recovery showed no strong link to later mental or cognitive problems.
This finding is significant because it suggests that long COVID—especially its mental health impacts—may not be easily predicted by how sick someone was or by common blood tests. Instead, the researchers emphasise that psychosocial factors, such as stress, isolation, and trauma from the pandemic, may also play a role.
Lead researcher Prof Jonny Peter stressed the importance of acknowledging and supporting those still suffering months or even years after COVID-19 infection. “These long-term symptoms are real and have serious effects on people’s lives,” he said. “We need integrated care approaches that include mental health support, cognitive rehabilitation, and occupational therapy.”