COVID linked to 65% of new onset cognitive impairment, dementia

  • Study finds link between COVID-19 and dementia in people 65 and older
  • 65% of patients tested had new onset cognitive impairment
  • Further research is necessary to identify the exact correlation
COVID-19 at home test

COVID-19 antigen home tests indicating a positive result are photographed in New York, April 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison)

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(NewsNation) — A new study says there is a link between COVID-19 and the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.

A study published by the scientific publisher Elsevier indicates that cognitive impairment may be an important condition that comes as a consequence of being infected with COVID-19. The overall proportion of patients identified as having new onset cognitive impairment was 65%. 

The study found that patients aged 65 and up, most of whom were hospitalized for COVID-19, had evidence of cognitive impairment, with new onset impairment accounting for over half. 

These findings were true even when patients with neurological symptoms in the acute phase of COVID-19 were excluded.

Further research is necessary, according to the study, to clearly identify the exact causes, the role of vaccination in preventing this and potential recovery from it over time. Vaccination against COVID-19 reduces the risk of hospitalization and further complications. 

Coronavirus

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