According to recent research, COVID-19 can cause neurocognitive decline, even in patients who have mild or asymptomatic infections. The most common symptoms include problems with memory, attention, and executive function. In addition, patients may also experience changes in mood and behavior, such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. While the exact mechanism is not yet known, it is believed that the virus damages the brain by causing inflammation and disruption of the normal functioning of neurons.
Many treatments have been devised for treating neurocognitive decline. One such treatment is Near-Infrared (NIR) light therapy, which in humans has been shown to improve emotional and cognitive functioning. This type of treatment involves the use of a device containing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which produce wavelengths of light that can penetrate through the skull, thus stimulating the underlying tissue for healing purposes.
NIR light therapy has exhibited promising results. In one study, a patient who was diagnosed with COVID-19 encephalopathy and given 8 weekly, 40-minute sessions of NIR light therapy obtained a follow-up MRI upon completion of the therapy. The results of the MRI showed an improvement in the signals of the right prefrontal region of the patient’s brain. The patient also experienced improved memory recall, executive function, and planning with a patient-reported increase in overall satisfaction on the Global Rating of Change (GRC) scale of +3, a notable improvement.
While the full extent of the neurocognitive effects of COVID-19 are still being explored, it is clear that this pandemic has had a significant impact on the quality of life for many people. NIR light therapy has been shown to be an effective intervention for improving emotional and cognitive functioning in people suffering from neurocognitive decline as a result of covid 19.
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