Social isolation during COVID‐19 lockdown impairs cognitive function

Summary Studies examining the effect of social isolation on cognitive function typically involve older adults and/or specialist groups (e.g., expeditions). We considered the effects of COVID‐19‐induced social isolation on cognitive function within a representative sample of the general population. W...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied cognitive psychology Vol. 35; no. 4; pp. 935 - 947
Main Authors: Ingram, Joanne, Hand, Christopher J., Maciejewski, Greg
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: England Wiley 01.07.2021
Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
John Wiley and Sons Inc
Subjects:
Adult Learning
Adults
Aging
Aging (Individuals)
Attention
Cognition
Cognitive ability
cognitive decline
Cognitive functioning
Cognitive impairment
Cognitive Processes
COVID-19
Decision Making
Emotions
executive function
Expeditions
Function
Living alone
lockdown
Low income groups
Memory
Mood
Older people
Pandemics
Psychological Patterns
Shelter in place
Social contact
Social function
Social interactions
Social Isolation
Time Management
lockdown
social isolation
COVID‐19
cognitive decline
executive function
ISSN:0888-4080, 1099-0720
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Summary Studies examining the effect of social isolation on cognitive function typically involve older adults and/or specialist groups (e.g., expeditions). We considered the effects of COVID‐19‐induced social isolation on cognitive function within a representative sample of the general population. We additionally considered how participants ‘shielding’ due to underlying health complications, or living alone, performed. We predicted that performance would be poorest under strictest, most‐isolating conditions. At five timepoints over 13 weeks, participants (N = 342; aged 18–72 years) completed online tasks measuring attention, memory, decision‐making, time‐estimation, and learning. Participants indicated their mood as ‘lockdown’ was eased. Performance typically improved as opportunities for social contact increased. Interactions between participant sub‐groups and timepoint demonstrated that performance was shaped by individuals' social isolation levels. Social isolation is linked to cognitive decline in the absence of ageing covariates. The impact of social isolation on cognitive function should be considered when implementing prolonged pandemic‐related restrictive conditions.
Bibliography:Funding information
Chief Scientist Office
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Funding information Chief Scientist Office
ISSN:0888-4080
1099-0720
DOI:10.1002/acp.3821