A - 105 Impact of COVID-19 on Executive Functioning and Processing Speed in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract Objective COVID-19 can cause dopaminergic neuron senescence. Importantly, dopamine is instrumental in executive functioning (EF) and processing speed (PS). The current study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on EF and PS in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It was hypothesized that older adults would have significantly worsened EF and PS post-COVID-19 infection. Methods Participants were drawn from a larger study of late-life brain health. The current sample included nine older males with MCI, ages 57–90 years (M = 77.78 ± 9.89). Participants were predominantly White (78%) and well-educated (55.5% had a bachelor’s degree or higher). The Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT) measured EF and PS at baseline (T1) and six months later (T2). All participants contracted COVID-19 between T1 and T2. Changes in cognition were assessed using paired sample t-tests. Results Post-COVID-19 infection, participants experienced a statistically significant decline on the SCWT color word trial (t = 3.15, p = 0.02). Participants evidenced nonsignificant change on the SCWT word trial (t = 1.70, p = 0.13) and the SCWT color trial (t = 1.94, p = 0.100). Conclusions In a sample of older adults with MCI, contracting COVID-19 potentially contributed to a significant decline in EF but not PS. Research has consistently highlighted the negative impact of Long COVID on EF. Current findings suggest that the COVID-19 infection negatively impacts EF, even in those without Long-COVID. Findings highlight the importance of monitoring cognitive function post-COVID infection in older adults with pre-existing cognitive impairment.