Impact of COVID-19 on the Brain and Cognition
A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Systems Neuroscience".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 March 2024) | Viewed by 1904
Special Issue Editors
2. Regional Institute of Health Research, Universidad Nacional de Caaguazú, Coronel Oviedo 050106, Paraguay
3. School of Health Sciences, Universidad Sudamericana, Pedro Juan Caballero 130112, Paraguay
Interests: medical psychology; biological psychiatry; psychodermatology; psychopharmacology; public mental health
Interests: social psychiatry; clinical psychiatry; psychopharmacology; cultural psychiatry; public mental health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The Impact of COVID-19 on Cognition: Unraveling the Complexities
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, has unveiled a multifaceted impact on human health, transcending the realm of respiratory illness. Although initially recognized as a respiratory virus, evidence supports its intricate influence on cognitive function. This Special Issue aims to delve into the nuanced effects of COVID-19 on cognition and explore the underlying mechanisms and potential ramifications.
Evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can infiltrate the central nervous system. The neuroinvasive potential of the virus raises concerns regarding cognitive repercussions. Individuals infected with COVID-19 have reported cognitive deficits such as attention lapses, memory impairment, and slowed information processing. These impairments could stem from the disruption of neuronal activity by the virus, leading to synaptic dysfunction and altered neural circuitry.
COVID-19-associated inflammation, often referred to as the "cytokine storm," might also affect cognition. The systemic immune response triggered by the virus can lead to inflammation in the brain, affecting the neurotransmitter systems that are critical for cognitive processes. This neuroinflammation may contribute to brain fog and mental fatigue, which are reported by many COVID-19 survivors.
Furthermore, hypoxia resulting from severe respiratory distress may have a profound effect on cognition. Oxygen deprivation compromises brain function, particularly in the regions responsible for higher-order cognitive tasks. Even mild cases of COVID-19, involving respiratory symptoms, can lead to transient hypoxia, potentially contributing to cognitive fluctuations.
The psychological toll of the pandemic also intersects with cognition. The prolonged stress, anxiety, and social isolation associated with COVID-19 can detrimentally affect cognitive domains such as attention, working memory, and decision-making. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, affecting the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which are crucial for learning and memory.
Longitudinal studies are essential for discerning the lasting cognitive consequences of COVID-19. "Long COVID" cases, where symptoms persist for months, often include cognitive impairments. Hence, understanding the trajectory of cognitive recovery or decline after infection is pivotal for devising targeted interventions.
In conclusion, COVID-19's impact on cognition involves a complex interplay of direct neuroinvasion, neuroinflammation, hypoxia, and psychosocial factors. The potential of the virus to alter neural pathways and disrupt cognitive processes underscores the need for comprehensive research. As the world navigates this unprecedented crisis, unraveling the intricacies of COVID-19's cognitive effects holds promise for informed healthcare strategies and interventions, ensuring holistic recovery for those affected.
Prof. Dr. Julio Torales
Dr. Antonio Ventriglio
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- COVID-19
- cognition
- neuroinvasion
- neuroinflammation
- cognitive deficit
