Wrapping our heads around COVID-19 cognitive impairment

Abstract

This week, all COVID-19 restrictions in South Africa were lifted, ending more than 2 years of face masks and social distancing. This milestone is cause for celebration, despite the infuriatingly slow dwindle of case numbers, with little waves teasing us to the last. The initial hard lockdown coincided with this journal’s first issue, and our editorials have thus been able to chronicle the pandemic from the outset. COVID-19 and our crowning glory1 was followed by Waiting to exhale: COVID-19, asthma and COPD,2 This too shall pass: coronaphobia and other fears,3 and Sick and tired of COVID-19: long haulers and post viral (fatigue) syndromes.4 As we became more knowledgeable, we covered COVID-19 treatment: a growing (anti)body of evidence,5 COVID-19 vaccines: are we good to go?6 and rare side effects, One in a million: COVID-19 vaccine-induced thrombosis with thrombocytopaenia syndrome.7 We were intrigued by COVID-19 and cytokines: weathering the perfect storm,8 as the hyperinflammation could explain the mechanism of action of dexamethasone, other steroids and antibodies targeting interleukins. We felt that we had a handle on this disease that devastated families, finances and healthcare systems. We also started to tire. The stress of a pandemic was exhausting (Beyond caring: COVID-19 and compassion fatigue9). Now, it almost feels like the end of an era, and it is sincerely hoped that this is the last time we need to address the nasty little bug.