The Long-term Cognitive Impact of COVID-19: Debunking Myths and Understanding Reality

During the worldwide pandemic, many have expressed concern over the long-term physical and cognitive impacts of COVID-19, with some even suggesting that the virus might lower one's IQ. This article aims to explore this phenomenon, drawing on recent research and critical perspectives on the matter.

Does COVID Reduce Intelligence?

It is now well-documented that survivors of COVID-19 infections can develop cognitive problems, with studies confirming this aspect. According to Hampshire et al. (2024), a large community sample of post-COVID-19 cases revealed significant cognitive and memory deficits. Similarly, Duong (2021) highlighted the potential long-term impact of mild to severe COVID-19 on brain function, suggesting that even less severe cases can have lingering cognitive effects.

Research Findings

Post-COVID Cognitive Impairment: The study by Hampshire et al. (2024) published in the New England Journal of Medicine provided compelling evidence that post-COVID-19 individuals face cognitive challenges that persist beyond the initial days of recovery. This research, which involved a large community sample, underscored the need for better understanding and support for post-COVID survivors. The impact was significant, with cognitive functions, including memory and attention, showing measurable decrements.

Impact of Mild Cases: Duong (2021) in the Canadian Medical Association Journal emphasized that even mild cases of COVID-19 could have lasting cognitive effects. The study suggested that individuals who experienced mild symptoms could experience prolonged cognitive issues, hinting at a wideranging impact of the virus on brain function.

Myths and Realities of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The widespread belief that getting COVID-19 could lower one's IQ has its roots not only in the virus itself but also in compounded misinformation and misinformation about the virus. The behavior and attitudes surrounding the pandemic reflect a complex interplay between individual beliefs and government and media influence.

Behavioral and Cognitive Shifts

The pandemic's impact on people's behavior and cognitive function was marked by a notable shift in critical thinking and common sense. As I witnessed firsthand, the belief in the "Covid spiel" seemed to be inversely proportional to one's intelligence. Many high-educated individuals, caught up in the 'Covid cult,' often exhibited a diminished sense of critical thinking, leading to behaviors that could be seen as irrational or illogical in hindsight. For instance, the adherence to nonsensical guidelines and the acceptance of unverified health measures, such as wearing perforated masks or social distancing in overcrowded planes, often seemed to defy common sense.

Exemplifying Irrational Behaviors: The list of irrational behaviors during the pandemic included:

Following directions that seemed illogical, such as standing on a cross in a store or eating outside a restaurant under a tent. Believing that the virus would disappear if people stayed home for two weeks, leading to prolonged non-sensical restrictions. Healthy individuals lining up for fraudulent testing and rushed experimental vaccines. Accepting government and media propaganda without question, which was often filled with fear-mongering and misinformation.

The Role of Government and Media Propaganda

The cognitive impact of the pandemic was not solely due to the virus itself. A significant contributor to the shifts in behavior and thinking was the relentless government and media propaganda. Phrases like the 'CNN COVID clock' and daily 'Covid conferences' created a pervasive atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Media coverage was dominated by unrelenting reports of the pandemic, leading to a continuous state of heightened anxiety and panic. Even on a personal vacation to a beach, synthetic emails and statues with masks served as constant reminders of the virus, which underscored the government's and media's role in maintaining a state of perpetual vigilance.

Government and Media's Influence: The government and media played a pivotal role in shaping the collective behavior and attitudes during the pandemic. The relentless promotion of fear through constant news cycles and misleading information led many to believe that every prevention measure was necessary. This created a culture where critical thinking and skepticism were often cast aside in favor of following the herd.

The cognitive impact of the pandemic is multifaceted, involving both the virus itself and the broader social and psychological factors that emerged. The lessons learned from this period are critical for improving public health measures and ensuring that future crises are managed with a more balanced approach to information and critical thinking.