Long COVID in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

A complication of having COVID-19 infection is a condition called long COVID (it has also been called long-haul COVID, chronic COVID, post-COVID conditions, and others). The National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices (NTG) has provided a summary of the current understanding of long COVID in adults with intellectual disabilities: NTG Advisory on Long COVID and Impact on Cognitive Function in Adults with Intellectual Disability . 

I have highlighted and commented on some of the points from the summary below:

• Long COVID is a condition in which there are residual, persistent symptoms after having been infected with the COVID-19 virus.

• ‘Brain fog’ (problems with thinking, motivation, and carrying out life activities) can be part of long COVID.

• Adults with intellectual disabilities who were infected with the COVID-19 virus may experience long COVID.

• There is much we don’t know and much to learn about long COVID.

• Unfortunately, even less is known about long COVID in people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.

• NTG recommends providing “compensatory aid for ‘brain fog’ and general cognitive impairment, as would be applicable with someone with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.”

  • Information on supporting aging individuals with Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease can be found in a webinar recording called “Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease in Adults with Down Syndrome” that Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L and I presented.

• It may be difficult to determine whether the cause of a change is due to long COVID or due to mental health and cognitive changes caused by prolonged isolation and reduction in stimulating activities. A variety of other conditions (some of which are potentially reversible) can also cause a decline in skills in individuals with Down syndrome. A good assessment is indicated to determine what is causing the symptoms. 

  • Information on health conditions that can cause a decline in skills and assessment recommendations can be found in a webinar called “Decline in Skills and Regression in Adolescents and Adults with Down Syndrome.”

Additional resources

Long-COVID and Intellectual Disability Bibliography (NTG)

COVID-19 resources (ADSC Resource Library)