COVID-19 Infections and Cognitive Impairment

Much has been learned about SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the novel coronavirus, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, questions remain about the long-term impact of the virus on our brains. Clinical evidence shows that many people with the virus experience neuropsychiatric symptoms, including loss of smell and taste, and cognitive and attention deficits, known as “brain fog”. Moreover, individuals recovered from COVID-19 who experienced cognitive decline were more likely to have poor physical condition. However, more longitudinal research using population data is required to verify such findings in different contexts.

This project will examine COVID-19 exposures/infections and trajectories of cognitive ability among older adults. We will use individual-level longitudinal surveys that cover the United States and the United Kingdom. Through this project, the research assistants will engage in highly innovative and interdisciplinary teamwork.