A new study which was published this week in the journal JAMA Neurology found that COVID-19 survivors over the age of 60 may face heightened risk of mild cognitive impairment, cognitive decline and even dementia. The study followed more than 1,400 COVID-19 survivors aged 60 or older and used their uninfected spouses as a control population. Participants were tested on their cognitive functions using a questionnaire and a telephone interview six months after their discharge and then again 12 months after being released from the hospital. At the end of the study, 12% showed cognitive impairment. Of that group, 3% had dementia and another 9% had mild cognitive issues. The researchers also said that 15% of those with severe COVID-19 developed dementia compared to just 1% amongst those who had a mild case of it.
