In a viral social media post, a U.S. congressperson baselessly claimed that President Biden’s alleged cognitive decline is related to COVID-19 vaccines. Several vaccine opponents supported the post by falsely claiming that COVID-19 vaccines cause or accelerate dementia and neurodegeneration.
The prominence of the source increases the claim’s risk. Baseless attempts to link COVID-19 vaccines to neurodegenerative disease have circulated for at least three years. Debunking messaging may emphasize that no studies have found a link between COVID-19 vaccines and dementia or other cognitive issues. Messaging may also highlight the evidence that COVID-19 infection can affect brain function, causing “brain fog,” potentially significantly impairing cognition and memory, and even potentially worsening dementia symptoms.
