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Five Years Later, Individuals With Prolonged Cognitive Symptoms Following a Mild Course of COVID-19 Still Need Help: The Case for a Treatment Triad.

Purpose: 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 (...

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Published in:Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups Vol. 11; no. 4; pp. 1244 - 1256
Main Authors: Seagly, Katharine, Sohlberg, McKay Moore, Dunn, Rose, Waldron-Perrine, Brigid, Mashima, Pauline, Rothbart, Aaron, Paul, Diane
Format: Journal Article
Published: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Aug2026
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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      dt: Aug2026
      vid: 11
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      pub: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
      place: Rockville, Maryland
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        10.1044/2026_PERSP-25-00297
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        atl: Five Years Later, Individuals With Prolonged Cognitive Symptoms Following a Mild Course of COVID-19 Still Need Help: The Case for a Treatment Triad.
      aug:
        au:
          Seagly, Katharine
          Sohlberg, McKay Moore
          Dunn, Rose
          Waldron-Perrine, Brigid
          Mashima, Pauline
          Rothbart, Aaron
          Paul, Diane
        affil: Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
      sug:
        subj:
          Cognition Disorders Physiopathology
          Needs Assessment
          Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome Complications
          Models, Biopsychosocial
          Speech-Language Pathologists
          Support, Psychosocial
          Rehabilitation, Cognitive
          Cognition Disorders Therapy
          Self-Management
          Fatigue
          Memory
          Attention
          Self-Efficacy
          Stress Management
          Coping
          Patient Centered Care
          Motivational Interviewing
          Cognitive Therapy
          Psychoeducation
          Postconcussion Syndrome
          Speech-Language Pathology
          Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic
          Individualized Medicine
          Functional Status
          Hardiness
          Emotional Regulation
          Multidisciplinary Care Team
          Biological Markers Blood
          Mindfulness
          Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
          Aerobic Exercises
          Behavioral Changes
          Quality of Life
          Case Studies
      ab: Purpose: 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, nonentrench-ing 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.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype: Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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