Are Neurocognitive Deficits Associated With Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children due to COVID-19?

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience

Publication Date

2-1-2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Children with gastrointestinal symptoms due to COVID-19 may experience neurocognitive deficits. Symptoms include difficulty in concentration, memory and other cognitive functions. The deficits could be caused by the virus itself or due to the physical and psychological stress of the pandemic. Materials and Methods: In this study, we examined 65 children, 32 children with gastrointestinal symptoms, and we compared them to 33 children without gastrointestinal symptoms due to COVID-19, to investigate whether gastrointestinal symptoms affected neurocognitive status in children with COVID-19. Results: We found that there was a significant relationship between cognitive function and GI symptoms, as well as between cognitive function and the severity of these symptoms. This indicates that COVID-19 patients with GI symptoms may be at risk for developing problems with their memory and other aspects of cognition. Conclusions: Early detection and intervention may help young children recover faster and return to their typical cognitive functioning.

ISSN

0736-5748

Publisher

Wiley

Volume

85

Issue

1

Disciplines

Education

Keywords

COVID-19 patients, diarrhoea, digestive system, gastrointestinal symptoms, psychological factors

Scopus ID

85217650360

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS