PhD Scientific Days 2026

Poster Session 3.L - Health Sciences

Acupuncture as a Therapeutic Approach for Cognitive Dysfunction in Post-COVID Syndrome

Előadó neve

Dr. Bognar, Judit

Neptune code

BSYKR6

Előadó munkahelye

Institute of Behavioural Sciences

Előadó telefonszáma

(06 1) 210 2953

Előadó e-mail címe

juditdrbognar@gmail.com

Az előadás címe

Acupuncture as a Therapeutic Approach for Cognitive Dysfunction in Post-COVID Syndrome

Szerző(k) neve és munkahelye

Judit Bognar^1,2, Sophia Benz-Sahnoun², Judith Brenner², Cornelia Wachter², Anne-Sophie Eitzer², Beate Wild²

1: Semmelweis University
2: Heidelberg University

Bemutatás módja

Poszter

Szekció

Poster Session 3.L - Health Sciences

Language of the presentation

English

Preferred session

Health Sciences

Összefoglaló szövege

Introduction: As of April 2026, the cumulative reported COVID-19 cases surpassed 779 million worldwide, with still thousands of new cases reported weekly. While most cases are mild, approximately 10% of the infected have long-lasting symptoms even six months after infection. One of the most prevalent symptoms of post-COVID syndrome is fatigue and cognitive impairment, with a prevalence of 58% according to a recent a meta-analysis.
Aims: Despite growing awareness, post-COVID fatigue and cognitive impairment remain poorly understood, and the underlying mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction are still under debate. This gap underscores the urgent need for effective treatment strategies. To address this gap, our goal is to analyze the effects of acupuncture therapy on improving cognitive abilities, especially memory and concentration, and sleep problems in patients with Post-COVID fatigue.
Methods: My topic is incorporated into a larger study, the ACUPOCO study, a pilot randomized controlled trial that examines the feasibility of acupuncture therapy in post- COVID fatigue patients and estimates first effects on reduction of fatigue. During the ACUPOCO study, participants are divided into two groups: intervention and control-waiting group. The intervention arm receives ten semi-standardized acupuncture sessions based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, while the control group awaits. A thorough diagnostic is carried out before treatment (T0), after intervention (acupuncture) or waiting period (T1), and 3 months later (T2). It includes interviews, questionnaires, cognitive tests, blood tests, and heart rate variability measurements.
Results: Acupuncture group has fewer insomnia symptoms after treatment than the waiting-control group. Both groups showed improved concentration and working memory (digit span backwards) over time, but no significant objective differences were found between them. All APSA subscales are better with time (by T1 session) and also by acupuncture group at T1. Detailed results will be presented at the congress.
Conclusion: In conclusion, acupuncture appears to be a feasible and promising treatment option for individuals suffering from post-COVID syndrome. It may reduce sleep disturbances and improve self-perceived cognitive functioning, offering hope for those affected by long COVID.
Funding: Jellinek Harry Stipendium

University

Semmelweis University

Other university, not listed above

Heidelberg University

Supervisor

Prof. Dr. György Purebl, Prof. Dr. Beate Wild

Publication of my abstract

I do not give consent to the publication of my abstract on the website of the congress.

phd.section.field

in doctoral studies after complex exam (PhD)

Kind

Szabad

Status

elfogadva

Accepted presentation method

poszter

Előadás fájl jóváhagyás

nem rendelkezett róla

Előadó

9034

Start

14:24

End

14:27