Impacts of COVID-19 on cognitive functioning of older adults: a longitudinal study

The COVID-19 pandemic had consequences that impacted worldwide. Although it ended in 2023, there is increasing evidence that people who were infected may have symptoms that persist beyond the illness, affecting their physical and mental health in the medium and long term. The purpose of this study is to analyse changes in cognitive functioning in Mexican community-dwelling older adults who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and those who were not, starting from a baseline pre pandemic (Wave 1: 2019) and following up after the pandemic (Wave 2: 2023). The study used a longitudinal observational design. At baseline, 456 community-dwelling older adults were included in a proportional, map-based random sample. For follow-up, 72 were located and fully evaluated (mean age = 77.9 years, mean years of education = 6.8, 58.3 per cent women). Wave 1 and Wave 2 assessments were carried on in the participants’ homes after obtaining informed consent through a face-to-face interview. Global cognitive function was assessed and scales for specific cognitive domains were administered. Data were analysed using SPSS v28. A paired Student’s t -test and analysis of covariance were performed. A moderate-large ( d = 0.67) statistically significant ( p = .035) impairment of executive functions was found (even after adjustment for age, education, depression and pre-pandemic score) in older adults infected with COVID-19 after 24 months of contracting the disease compared to those who did not report getting sick from the virus. A normative decline was observed in global cognitive functioning and memory. These findings underscore the importance of considering the long-term effects of COVID-19 in Mexican older adults and intervention strategies for promoting healthy ageing.