Mental retardation is associated with COVID-19 inhibition, a study shows

Declines in cognitive functions – such as memory, attention, and decision-making – are linked to the most stringent limitations in Scotland’s COVID-19 lockout, a new peer-reviewed study has found.

The research, led by Dr Joanne Ingram of the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), concluded that there were restrictions on interaction social development leads to worse memory, attention and decisions, but that improved those abilities as social constraints were reduced.

The study, which took place between May and August 2020 and was funded by the Office of the Scientist (CSO), found that people’s moods were steadily improving over this period, and that there were improvements. in different mental functions to people who were defending or living. on their own, depending on when restrictions changed for them.

Dr Joanne Ingram, Lecturer in the School of Education and Social Science at UWS, said: “When the Scottish Government launched its first lockout in the spring of 2020, most people suffered. a significant reduction in the amount of their social interactions, and we know from research with older adults that reduced social interaction connections to worse experiences. “

Dr Greg Maciejewski at UWS said:

We looked at memory, attention, decisions and emotion in May 2020 and then at five more points up until August. We found that understanding and emotion improved over time. As people became more social, the experience improved. “

The study also found:

• People made more dangerous decisions at gray time, but improved as the barriers diminished. However, the ‘defenders’ only progressed once the shield was ‘stopped’.
• The ability to pay attention as constraints diminished
• Working memory improved as barriers diminished; however, people living alone did not improve until they received home visitors (not including the support bubble).

Dr Ingram said: “This study adds to the body of evidence that lock-in measures and reduction of social interaction can be harmful, in this case to mental health. However, it is very encouraging to be sees a rapid improvement in how restrictions are reduced and how people can do interact with friends and family again, especially at home.

“It’s also interesting to see different patterns of development for those who flew or lived alone.”

Dr Chris Hand, from Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “These decisions have an impact on how we plan to work, learn and live – whether we continue to work more isolated, or returning to more traditional physical spaces. It is clear that the greater the levels of loneliness have adversely affected our cognitive abilities. “