London, England – A recent study suggests that individuals dealing with long Covid may experience measurable memory and cognitive deficits equivalent to a difference of approximately six IQ points. The research, conducted on over 140,000 participants in the summer of 2022, unveiled that the effects of Covid-19 on cognitive and memory abilities could persist for a year or more after infection. Those with lingering symptoms lasting beyond 12 weeks showed more pronounced deficits in tasks related to memory, reasoning, and executive function, highlighting the quantifiable impact of what is commonly known as “brain fog.”
According to Prof. Adam Hampshire, a cognitive neuroscientist at Imperial College London and the lead author of the study, the significance of “brain fog” as a symptom has been extensively reported, but their study now reveals its correlation with objectively measurable deficits. This groundbreaking finding sheds light on the tangible impact of cognitive struggles faced by individuals with long Covid.
Statistics from the Office for National Statistics indicated that around 2 million people in the UK reported experiencing long Covid symptoms, with tens of thousands in England alone reporting symptoms persisting for a year or more post-infection. The study, drawing from the React cohort of over 140,000 participants, administered online cognitive tests assessing memory, attention, reasoning, and other cognitive functions between August and September 2022.
Notably, even individuals no longer experiencing symptoms but previously infected exhibited small yet detectable deficits a year or more after infection, with a slight decrease in test scores equivalent to about three IQ points. However, those with unresolved symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks showed a more substantial deficit, equivalent to six IQ points, impacting their cognitive functions.
Dr. Maxime Taquet, a psychiatrist and researcher at the University of Oxford, highlighted that while cognitive deficits post-Covid-19 may be minor on average, a significant number of individuals experience more pronounced deficits that can affect their daily functioning and work. The study underscores the worrisome implications of long Covid on cognitive abilities, emphasizing the need for further research and support for affected individuals.
Moreover, the study revealed that individuals with longer-lasting symptoms, which eventually resolved, displayed deficits similar to those who experienced mild, short-duration illness. This suggests potential improvement in cognitive functions for individuals with persistent symptoms after recovering from Covid-19.
Overall, the findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine underscore the lasting impact of Covid-19 on cognitive functions, particularly for individuals with unresolved symptoms persisting for an extended period post-infection. The study sheds light on the importance of addressing the cognitive challenges faced by individuals with long Covid and the need for continued research to understand and support those affected.