Cognitive and Mental Health Improvement Under- and Post-COVID-19

An increasing body of research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened global mental health and caused more cognitive impairments. Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing in some regions, it is expected to be ending for most regions in the very near future. From a psychological, psychiatric, and public mental health perspective, it is of vital importance to conduct effective and efficient interventions to promote cognitive and mental health, for they not only are essential for us to cope with the ongoing pandemic, but also necessary for us to rebuild a better world post-the pandemic. Not to say that a healthy cognitive and mental health state is at the core of human wellbeing and deserves its own place. From previous studies and everyday practices, we already know that regular exercise, appropriate sleep, nutritious diet, close social ties, connection with nature, mindfulness, among others, help improve cognition and boost mental health. However, the optimal regimen for each specific cognitive and mental health outcome for a specific population, including both those of healthy and clinical, is unclear and remain to be identified. Furthermore, the underlying psychological, physiological, and neurobiological mechanisms through which each activity or intervention improves cognition and promotes mental health are to be clarified.

The aim of this Research Topic is to publish a wide range of studies that help address these unsolved issues and advance our understanding of what activities and interventions help improve cognition and promote mental health. Any topics relevant to cognitive functions, academic or work performance, affective wellbeing, and mental health are welcome. Both studies of acute and chronic/regular effects are welcome. The subjects can be healthy human volunteers, clinical patients, or animals of different ages and sexes. Article types include, but are not limited to, original research, brief research reports, clinical trials, reviews, meta-analyses, hypothesis and theory articles. For original research and brief research reports, the design can be cross-sectional, longitudinal, or interventional, as long as they provide insights into cognitive and mental health promotion.

The following subtopics are particularly welcome:
• Interventional studies or clinical trials investigating the effectiveness and efficacy of various activities or integrative programs on cognitive functions, academic/work performance, mental health, or affective disorders;
• Longitudinal or cross-sectional studies investigating the association of various activities with cognitive functions, academic/work performance, mental health, or affective disorders;
• Predictors of the cognitive and affective effects of various activities or interventions;
• Physiological or neurobiological mechanisms underlying the cognitive and affective effects of various activities or interventions, including but not limited to neuroimaging, neurotransmitters, neural plasticity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress;
• Internet and technology (e.g., mobile app) based interventions for cognitive and mental health promotion.