Recent studies have shown that contracting Covid-19 can have a significant impact on a person’s cognitive abilities, with severe infections resulting in the greatest decrease in IQ. According to research conducted by scientists at Imperial College London, individuals who were hospitalized due to Covid-19 generally scored lower on intelligence tests compared to those who did not contract the virus.
Interestingly, even individuals with milder cases of the disease are believed to have experienced a decline in their cognitive abilities. The study analyzed data from over 112,000 volunteers who underwent Covid-19 testing during the pandemic, and the results revealed that individuals admitted to intensive care with Covid-19 scored an average of nine IQ points lower in exams compared to those who avoided infection.
In addition to these findings, individuals who reported experiencing long-lasting symptoms associated with Covid-19, such as “brain fog,” scored six points lower on intelligence tests. Even individuals with only mild infections were found to have a two-point decrease in IQ.
Professor Adam Hampshire, the lead author of the study published in The Lancet medical journal, attempted to closely match individuals when comparing different groups in order to account for other factors that could influence cognitive abilities.
Further analysis revealed that cognitive impacts can persist long-term, even in individuals infected a year or more earlier. Notably, the original Covid strain was associated with a larger drop in IQ compared to the Omicron variant. Vaccination, however, appeared to have a protective effect against cognitive decline.
The implications of these findings are sobering, with Professor Hampshire describing them as “quite scary.” The participants in the study were enrolled in Imperial College’s React study, although it’s important to interpret the results with caution since the study did not directly compare an individual’s cognitive abilities before and after infection.
While there is a clear group of individuals who have been severely affected by the virus, Professor Benedict Michael from the University of Liverpool’s infection neuroscience laboratory expresses caution in applying the study’s findings to the majority of the population. He suggests that it is yet to be proven that the vast majority of people have experienced a significant decrease in IQ due to Covid-19.
However, separate studies analyzing brain scans taken before and after the pandemic have indicated that even individuals who were not hospitalized with Covid-19 may experience cognitive impacts. Professor Michael explains that it may not be the virus itself that directly affects the brain, but rather a secondary consequence of infection elsewhere in the body that negatively impacts blood vessels and reduces oxygen flow. Whether the brains of Covid-19 patients will fully recover remains uncertain.
This research provides valuable insight into the potential long-term implications of Covid-19 on cognitive abilities. As we continue to navigate the pandemic and its evolving variants, it becomes increasingly important to understand the lingering effects the virus can have on our health. It is crucial that further research is conducted to fully comprehend the extent of cognitive decline and develop interventions to support affected individuals.
The findings also shed light on the importance of vaccination in protecting against severe infections and potential cognitive decline. Vaccination has been shown to have a positive impact on reducing the drop in IQ associated with Covid-19, emphasizing the significance of widespread vaccination efforts in combating the virus.
Looking toward the future, these findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring of cognitive abilities in individuals who have recovered from Covid-19, regardless of the severity of their illness. Longitudinal studies can provide valuable data on the recovery process and potential interventions that can mitigate cognitive decline.
Furthermore, these results prompt us to consider the broader implications of the pandemic’s impact on overall cognitive health. As we strive to build a resilient and healthy society, investments in mental health services, support systems, and public health infrastructure should be prioritized.
In conclusion, understanding the effects of Covid-19 on cognitive abilities is crucial for both individual and public health. The research highlights the potential long-term consequences and emphasizes the importance of vaccination and continued research to mitigate the impact on cognitive health. As we progress through the pandemic, addressing these challenges will contribute to building a more robust and resilient society.