A recent study conducted in the Netherlands has revealed a concerning increase in memory and concentration problems among adults. The research, conducted by the Network for Health Research in Disasters (GOR Network), found a 24 percent spike in doctor visits related to cognitive impairment issues among people 25 years and older during the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2020. This alarming increase has raised concerns about the long-term effects of COVID-19 and related public health policies on cognitive health.
While older adults aged 75 or older are typically more likely to report cognitive symptoms, the study found that all age groups contributed to the surge in visits for memory and concentration issues. The most significant increases were observed among adults aged 45 to 74 years (40 percent) and younger adults aged 24 to 44 years (31 percent). Only individuals aged 25 and under did not show a notable increase in cognitive impairment issues.
The researchers attribute these findings to the latent effects of COVID-19 infections and the measures taken to control the spread of the virus. While other infectious diseases, such as influenza, can also cause memory and concentration problems, studies have shown that long-term cognitive problems are more commonly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections than influenza infections.
The GOR Network, which consists of various health organizations in the Netherlands, has been studying the short- and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related measures on the general health and well-being of the population since 2021.
Lockdowns and stay-at-home orders have been identified as potential accelerators of cognitive decline in older individuals who were already experiencing symptoms of poor memory and concentration. Additionally, researchers have explored the possibility that the spike in cognitive issues could be a result of long-haul COVID, a condition where symptoms persist for weeks, months, or even years after recovering from the virus. Long COVID remains a mystery to doctors and researchers, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledging the need for further investigation.
Another phenomenon that has gained attention is Long Post-COVID Vaccination Syndrome, also known as “Long Vax.” This syndrome, which resembles long-haul COVID in terms of ongoing debilitating side effects, has been recognized by the medical community. Differentiating between Long-Haul COVID and Long Post-COVID Vaccination Syndrome can be challenging even for experts. Side effects of Long Vax include visual disturbances, muscle cramps, fatigue, syncope, fever, headache, palpitations, muscle weakness, swings in heart rate and blood pressure, fatigue, and brain fog. Since breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections have been reported among vaccinated individuals following the introduction of mRNA COVID shots, distinguishing between these two conditions has become more difficult.
While there is currently no scientific evidence supporting the claim that mRNA COVID shots cause memory loss or concentration problems, cases of transient global amnesia (TGA) following vaccination have been reported. TGA is a sudden, temporary interruption of short-term memory. Women and individuals aged 45 to 64 were most commonly affected by vaccine-related TGA, with 61.6 percent of cases considered serious.
A study on the cognitive deficits and memory impairments after vaccination with AstraZeneca/Oxford University's Covishield vaccine concluded that memory loss has not been reported after COVID-19 vaccination, but it remains a possibility. The study also highlighted the need for larger and further studies to determine the prevalence of memory impairment post-vaccination.
The impact of COVID-related memory issues extends beyond individual well-being. Approximately 1.7 million working-age people have reported a disability since the start of the pandemic. A study on Long COVID and Labor Market Outcomes found that about a quarter of individuals with Long COVID have made changes to their employment status or working hours or have left the workforce altogether. The number of Americans with limitations on their ability to think clearly and concentrate has risen significantly, with almost two-thirds of the increase attributed to newly reported cognitive impairments.
The rise in memory and concentration problems among adults raises concerns about the long-term consequences of COVID-19 and its impact on cognitive health. Psychiatrist Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez warns that the cognitive issues experienced by individuals with Long COVID are not just a fog but a brain injury, with neurovascular changes, inflammation, and observable changes on MRIs. Mathematician Igor Chudov emphasizes the importance of addressing these cognitive problems, as they could have frightening consequences for society if scientists and researchers also experience a decline in cognitive abilities.
As research continues to uncover the effects of COVID-19 on cognitive health, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being of individuals experiencing memory and concentration issues. Further studies are needed to understand the underlying causes and develop effective interventions to mitigate cognitive impairments associated with COVID-19 and its related measures.
