Improving Attention in Individuals With Long COVID-19

Intensive Attention Training to Treat Brain Fog in Individuals With Long-Covid

This study is to find out if the Attention Processing Training program is a potential treatment for brain fog symptoms, reported by people with Long-Covid. Also investigating the feasibility of completing this program virtually.

The goal of this project is to test the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of an attention training intervention (Attention Process Training; APT-3) as a potential treatment for brain fog symptoms experienced by people with Long-Covid. There already is good empirical evidence to support the idea that the APT-3 treatment is feasible and effective in improving attention in people with acquired brain injuries, but information about its efficacy and acceptability in people with Long-Covid brain fog is lacking.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18-65 years. Live in the Chicagoland area
• A history of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Subjective reports of cognitive symptoms that interfere with everyday activities, starting on or shortly after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Continuation or development of Long-Covid brain fog 3 months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least 2 months with no other explanation.
• Objective attentional deficits as measured by the Conners CPT-312, and/or the Digit Span subtest (WAIS- III13).
• Able to use a keyboard.
• Able to understand and communicate in English.
• Able to consent independently.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Being hospitalized due to COVID-19 diagnosis for more than 3 days.
• Pre-morbid neurological conditions that could potentially affect cognition, such as Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Dementia, acquired brain injury.
• Severe depression.
• Currently enrolled in cognitive training or physical exercise training.
• Receiving chemotherapy or radiation within last 6 months.
• Active substance abuse.