Ibáñez-Samaniego L, Rapado-Castro M, Cabrero L, et al. - Reduction in cognitive impairment prevalence and improvement in functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were achieved as a consequence of viral eradication. The maximum benefit may be experienced by patients with lower brain reserve (older) and baseline cognitive impairment. Attenuation in the burden of cognitive disturbances may be achieved via identification and treatment of HCV-patients through screening programs.

• A total of 152 patients treated with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) were included to assess cognition, functioning and HRQoL after HCV eradication at different liver disease stages.

• Presence of cognitive impairment prior initiating DAAs was evident in 21% (34.1% cirrhotic vs 14.4% non-cirrhotic).

• Viral eradication conferred reduction in cognitive impairment to 23% cirrhotic and 6% non-cirrhotic patients.

• Persistent cognitive impairment was linked with having higher cardiovascular risk, cirrhosis, lower education and higher anxiety and depression scores.

• Improvement in functioning and HRQoL was obtained post-eradication although they continue to be worse in the cirrhotic group.