Changes in memory function in adults following SARS-CoV-2 infection: findings from the Covid and Cognition online study

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic, has been shown to have an impact on cognitive function, but the specific aspects of cognition that are affected remain unclear. In this Registered Report, we analysed cognitive data collected online from 296 participants (209 who had experienced Covid-19 infection and 87 who did not). We have found previously reported effect of Covid status on accuracy in 2 long-term memory tasks (verbal item memory task and nonverbal associative memory task), but did not replicate previously reported effect on reaction times. Further, across 4 long-term memory tasks, we found consistent effect of Covid status on memory accuracy but not reaction times. Contrary to our predictions, we did not find an interaction with memory type (associative vs. item) or stimulus type (verbal vs. nonverbal). Moreover, we compared cognitive functioning amongst vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to explore the role of vaccination status in cognitive symptoms associated with Covid-19. Using Bayesian analysis, we did not find conclusive evidence for either the null or alternative hypothesis. Overall, the study replicates and extends previously reported findings, thereby providing valuable insights into the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cognitive functions.