25 Aug 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): A new Australian study underscores that the impact of Long COVID reaches far beyond mere fatigue—its effects can significantly impair daily life, producing disability levels comparable to those from stroke or Parkinson’s disease.
Long COVID, defined by the World Health Organization as symptoms persisting for at least three months post–initial infection, affects approximately 6% of those who contract COVID-19, with over 200 symptoms identified . While commonly reported symptoms—such as fatigue, breathlessness, and brain fog—have been extensively documented, their real-world consequences in terms of functional disability remain less understood. The Australian researchers aimed to fill this gap
The study interviewed individuals with Long COVID, revealing that many experience profound limitations: they struggle with daily activities, cannot work consistently, and feel unable to engage fully in life. One striking finding was that the degree of functional impairment reported by many Long COVID sufferers matched or exceeded those seen in patients recovering from stroke or living with Parkinson’s disease
This aligns with prior international research, such as a U.K. study where thousands of Long COVID patients reported worse functional impairment and lower health-related quality of life than those with serious conditions like advanced cancer, Parkinson’s disease, or end-stage kidney disease. Fatigue emerged as the primary driver of this disruption, severely affecting work, household tasks, and social life.
Beyond these functional findings, robust clinical data further reveal heightened risks of neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular conditions post-COVID. A large Danish cohort study found significantly increased relative risks for Alzheimer’s disease (RR 3.5), Parkinson’s (RR 2.6), ischemic stroke (RR 2.7), and intracerebral hemorrhage (RR 4.8) compared to individuals without prior COVID-19 infection
Other studies have documented lasting neurological deficits—including cognitive decline, memory loss, movement disorders resembling Parkinson’s, seizures, and neuropsychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety—often persisting long after recovery
These converging findings highlight that Long COVID is not merely a collection of lingering symptoms—but a multisystem disorder with potential to cause serious and lasting disability. The Australian study drives this point home dramatically, with the lived experience of patients underscoring the urgent need for recognition and support.
Medical professionals emphasize that patients with Long COVID must have access to comprehensive care—including functional rehabilitation, neurological and psychological support, and proper occupational accommodations.
Summary
New research shows Long COVID’s disabling effects—especially fatigue and cognitive decline—can mirror disabilities from stroke or Parkinson’s. Neurodegenerative and vascular risks are also elevated long-term after COVID-19 infection.