Five Years Later, Individuals With Prolonged Cognitive Symptoms Following a Mild Course of COVID-19 Still Need Help: The Case for a Treatment Triad
Katharine Seagly, McKay Moore Sohlberg, Rose Dunn, Brigid Waldron-Perrine, Pauline Mashima, Aaron Rothbart, Diane PaulPurpose:
This clinical focus article addresses the ongoing needs of individuals experiencing prolonged cognitive and emotional symptoms following a mild course of COVID-19 infection, referred to as patients with prolonged symptoms post-COVID (PSPC). It aimed to provide speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with a biopsychosocial framework to guide treatment.
Method:
The article synthesizes recent literature on PSPC and related conditions, including postconcussion syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, to identify transdiagnostic principles effective in managing persistent cognitive complaints. These insights are applied to clinical practice for SLPs working with post-COVID patients.
Conclusions:
A treatment triad is proposed: (a) use of supportive, nonentrenching language to reduce diagnostic threat and sustain motivation; (b) training in individualized cognitive and self-management strategies to promote functional gains and self-efficacy; and (c) integration of psychological supports that enhance resilience, coping, and emotional regulation. SLPs are uniquely positioned to address the cognitive sequelae of PSPC within rehabilitation settings. Applying this treatment triad allows clinicians to move beyond disease-specific explanations toward function-focused, person-centered care that promotes meaningful recovery and participation for individuals still affected by prolonged cognitive symptoms 5 years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.