Mind in Crisis: Examining the Cognitive Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic devastated the world, leaving in its wake not only physical devastation but also significant psychological trauma. Fear and uncertainty became pervasive, leading to widespread anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. While the pandemic’s impact on mental health received significant attention, its effects on cognitive function were overlooked until recently. Studies suggest that the pandemic led to declines in cognitive performance, affecting memory, attention, and executive functioning. The present article explores the cognitive impact of the pandemic, examining the mechanisms through which it affected cognitive function and analyzing its long-term consequences. While the pandemic’s immediate impact has waned, its long-term cognitive effects may linger, emphasizing the need to address this overlooked aspect of the pandemic’s impact. By understanding the pandemic’s cognitive impact and taking steps to mitigate it, individuals and society can better recover and move forward from this unprecedented global crisis.