JAMA Netw Open

COVID-19 hospitalization linked to accelerated cognitive decline in older adults

July 3, 2025

Study details: This community-based cohort study analyzed 3,525 participants (mean age, 81 years) from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study and the Collaborative Cohort of Cohorts for COVID-19 Research to assess whether SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with changes in cognitive function. Longitudinal cognitive testing data was collected before and after the pandemic.

Results: Overall, 9% of participants had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, with 34% of those requiring hospitalization. Among uninfected individuals, the mean annualized decline in cognitive function was −0.09 (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.13 to −0.04). Compared with this baseline, individuals hospitalized for COVID-19 experienced significantly greater cognitive decline (β = −0.06; 95% CI, −0.09 to −0.02), particularly in memory and executive function domains. In contrast, non-hospitalized infected individuals showed no significant difference in cognitive trajectory compared with uninfected peers (β = 0.00; 95% CI, −0.02 to 0.03).

Clinical impact: Severe SARS-CoV-2 infection may accelerate cognitive aging, especially in high-risk populations. Consider cognitive screening in post-COVID care, particularly for older adults and those with comorbidities or severe infection histories. Early identification and intervention may help mitigate long-term cognitive consequences.

Source:

Demmer RT, et al. (2025, June 30). JAMA Netw Open. COVID-19 and Cognitive Change in a Community-Based Cohort. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40587126/