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Study on Methylprednisolone for Improving Memory in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

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What is this trial about?

A plain-language summary of the goals, design and what participants do

This clinical trial is focused on studying the effects of the medication methylprednisolone on individuals experiencing cognitive difficulties as part of Post COVID-19 Syndrome. Post COVID-19 Syndrome, often referred to as "long COVID," includes a range of symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the initial COVID-19 infection. One of the common issues faced by patients is trouble with memory and thinking, which this study aims to address.

The purpose of the study is to compare the effects of methylprednisolone with a placebo in improving memory satisfaction over an eight-week period. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the medication or a placebo, and neither the participants nor the researchers will know who is receiving which treatment. This is known as a "double-blind" study. The treatment will be administered in the form of tablets taken orally. The study will last for a total of 12 weeks, with regular assessments to monitor changes in memory and cognitive function.

Throughout the study, participants will undergo various assessments to evaluate their memory and cognitive abilities. These assessments will help determine if there is an improvement in memory satisfaction and other cognitive functions from the start of the study to the end of the treatment period. The study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of methylprednisolone for individuals suffering from cognitive deficits due to Post COVID-19 Syndrome.

The research process

The trial runs in 5 steps – from screening to follow-up. Each step says what happens and what the team monitors.

  1. Step 1

    Initial assessment

    Upon joining the study, you will undergo an initial assessment to confirm your eligibility. This includes reviewing your history of confirmed COVID-19 infection and ongoing symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome for at least three months.

    You will also be asked to report any cognitive difficulties you are experiencing. This helps to establish a baseline for your memory and cognitive function.

  2. Step 2

    Randomization

    After the initial assessment, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive the medication methylprednisolone, and the other will receive a placebo. A placebo is a substance with no active medication, used to compare effects.

    This process is double-blind, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know which group you are in, to ensure unbiased results.

  3. Step 3

    Medication administration

    If you are in the methylprednisolone group, you will take a 16 mg tablet orally. The frequency and duration of administration will be specified by the study protocol.

    If you are in the placebo group, you will take a tablet that looks identical to the methylprednisolone tablet, but contains no active medication.

  4. Step 4

    Follow-up assessments

    Throughout the study, you will have regular follow-up assessments to monitor your progress. These assessments will occur at specific intervals, such as week 8, week 20, and week 52.

    During these assessments, your memory satisfaction and other cognitive functions will be evaluated using various tests and questionnaires.

  5. Step 5

    Completion of study

    At the end of the study period, you will have a final assessment to measure any changes in your cognitive function and memory satisfaction.

    The results will help determine the effectiveness of methylprednisolone in improving cognitive deficits associated with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Who can join the trial?

4 criteria

  • Must have a history of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. This means you need to have had a positive test for COVID-19, such as a PCR test, a blood test for antibodies, or a rapid antigen test, along with a doctor's note or similar proof after December 21, 2023.
  • Must have ongoing symptoms of Post COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS) for at least 3 months. PCS refers to symptoms that continue for a long time after the initial COVID-19 infection.
  • Must report having problems with memory or thinking clearly at the time of screening for the study.
  • Both males and females can participate.

Who cannot join the trial?

3 criteria

  • Patients who are not experiencing Post COVID-19 Syndrome cannot participate.
  • Patients who are younger than 18 years old or older than 65 years old cannot participate.
  • Patients who are part of a vulnerable population, such as those who cannot give consent or are in a dependent relationship, cannot participate.
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Investigated drugs

Methylprednisolone is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs called corticosteroids. It is used to reduce inflammation in the body. In this clinical trial, methylprednisolone is being tested to see if it can help improve memory and cognitive function in patients who have experienced cognitive deficits after recovering from COVID-19. The goal is to see if taking methylprednisolone can make patients feel more satisfied with their memory and thinking abilities over an eight-week period.

What is already known about the treatment

Methylprednisolone – Methylprednisolone is administered orally or through injection and is currently being studied in clinical trials for its potential benefits in treating cognitive deficits associated with Post COVID-19 Syndrome. It is a corticosteroid, which means it works by reducing inflammation in the body. This medication is being investigated to see if it can help improve memory satisfaction in patients suffering from cognitive issues after COVID-19. Methylprednisolone is classified as a glucocorticoid, a type of steroid hormone that influences various bodily functions, including the immune response.

Investigated diseases

Post COVID-19 Syndrome – This condition occurs in individuals who have recovered from the acute phase of COVID-19 but continue to experience symptoms. It can affect multiple organ systems and is characterized by a wide range of symptoms that persist for weeks or months. Common symptoms include fatigue, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating, often referred to as "brain fog." Patients may also experience shortness of breath, joint pain, and chest pain. The progression of symptoms can vary, with some individuals experiencing improvement over time, while others may have persistent or fluctuating symptoms. The exact cause of these prolonged symptoms is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the body's response to the initial viral infection.
Trial detailsLast updated 2 Oct 2026
Age18+ yearsPhasePhase IITrial ID2023-504826-21-00Protocol codePoCoVITEstimated enrolment418 patientsSponsorCharite Universitaetsmedizin Berlin KöR

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