Social isolation during COVID-19 lockdown impairs cognitive function.

ABSTRACT: 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 s

SUBMITTER: Ingram J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8250848 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature