2025 DMEC Annual Conference: Consequences of COVID-19 - Neurological Insights, Workplace Implications, and Differentiating Genuine Impairment from Other Influences

The cognitive effects of COVID-19 have sparked growing concern among healthcare providers, disability evaluators, and employers alike. Notably, as of August 2024, approximately one million Americans have been pushed out of the labor force due to long COVID, highlighting the significant impact on workforce participation. This presentation will explore the neurological underpinnings of cognitive dysfunction associated with COVID-19, including the most vulnerable cognitive domains and their implications for daily functioning. Attendees will gain an understanding of how cognitive challenges influence return-to-work timelines and disability claims, with particular attention to internal research findings. The analysis focuses on distinguishing genuine cognitive impairment from other factors such as malingering and somatoform conditions, shedding light on diagnostic nuances and their impact on disability determinations. By bridging clinical insights and disability management strategies, this session aims to equip professionals with practical tools to address COVID-related cognitive challenges in their practice or claims handling.