COVID-19 and Its Impact on Cognitive Function

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COVID-19 has not only posed a significant threat to global health but also revealed potentially debilitating effects on cognitive function. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 may experience a decline in cognitive abilities, with a potential decrease of up to 3 IQ points compared to those who have never contracted the virus. Furthermore, participants in the study who exhibited chronic symptoms without proper treatment experienced a more drastic decline of 6 IQ points.

The impact of COVID-19 on cognitive function becomes even more pronounced in patients treated in specialized care facilities, with a staggering 9-point decrease in IQ compared to a control group. However, researchers have also observed a slight cognitive advantage in individuals who were vaccinated against COVID-19.

The study identifies several underlying factors contributing to cognitive decline following a COVID-19 infection. The researchers confirm that there is a correlation between cognitive decline and changes in mood, fatigue, and other symptoms. It is important to note that the report suggests further evaluation of the wider-ranging impacts of COVID-19.

COVID-19 and IQ decline

Additionally, the research findings indicate that individuals who experience prolonged cognitive impairment due to COVID-19 symptoms may partially recover their cognitive abilities, reaching a level comparable to those who quickly rebound.

The study involved a total of 800,000 participants in the UK, with approximately 113,000 completing the assessments online to evaluate their cognitive abilities. However, a critical limitation of the study is the absence of pre-illness IQ data for the participants. This means that their cognitive function was measured relative to individuals without the illness, rather than their own baseline.

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According to data from the World Health Organization, there have been a total of 774 million recorded COVID-19 cases worldwide, with 7 million reported deaths. In addition to cognitive decline, long-term effects of COVID-19 may include chronic pain, brain fog, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.

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