Does the Covid-19 infection increase the risk or severity of cognitive decline in older adults: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To review relevant literature to examine if Covid-19 infection increases the risk for cognitive decline in older adults. Methods: Literature was collected using Google Scholar, PubMed and Consensus in February 2026. Literature was classified as relevant before going through multiple screenings in order to be utilized for study. Nine studies were included. Results: Studies had varied results and evidence that were not conclusive about the relationship between Covid-19 infection and cognitive decline. Most studies found depressive symptoms in their participants when conducting their studies. Two studies found subtle changes in neurological connectivity in patients reporting cognition issues. Results suggest not only a biological impact but a psychosocial one as well, leading to the consideration of the broader impact the pandemic setting itself may have had on overall mental health. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms are a recurring observation in individuals who reported issues with cognition and/or memory. This trend continues in a large percentage of participants across most studies analyzed in this study. No conclusion can be made regarding the relationship between Covid-19 infection itself and cognitive decline. Further research is needed to look further into possible relationships along with acknowledgement of psychosocial impacts that occurred with the pandemic setting as a whole.