The COVID-19 pandemic has left an enduring mark on the brain health of individuals aged 50 and above, significantly accelerating their cognitive decline, a new study has revealed. This decline observed even in those who never contracted the virus, suggests that the pandemic’s broader impact, encompassing lockdowns, social isolation, and lifestyle changes, played a crucial role in this deterioration.
A team of researchers from the University of Exeter and King’s College London analyzed brain function tests from over 3,000 participants in the Protect study, tracking the brain health of individuals over 40 for the past eight years. The study compared cognitive function data collected before the pandemic with that gathered during the first two years of the pandemic, revealing a concerning trend.
During the first year of the pandemic, the rate of cognitive decline accelerated, particularly among those who had already exhibited signs of mild cognitive impairment before the outbreak. This decline persisted even after social restrictions eased during the second year of the pandemic.
The researchers attributed this accelerated decline to a combination of factors associated with the pandemic, including increased loneliness, depression, and alcohol consumption, along with reduced physical activity. These factors are known to have adverse effects on brain health, and their exacerbation during the pandemic likely contributed to the observed cognitive deterioration.
Professor Anne Corbett, lead researcher of the Protect study, emphasized the significance of these findings. “Our findings suggest that lockdowns and other restrictions we experienced during the pandemic have had a real, lasting impact on brain health in people aged 50 or over, even after the lockdowns ended,” she stated.
This raises concerns about the potential for increased dementia risk in this age group, as cognitive decline is a precursor to dementia. Corbett urged individuals concerned about their memory to seek medical attention.
The study also highlights the need for policymakers to carefully consider the broader health implications of pandemic mitigation measures, ensuring that they balance public health protection with potential negative consequences.
The researchers caution that the study is observational, meaning it cannot definitively establish cause and effect. However, the strong association between pandemic-related lifestyle changes and cognitive decline suggests that addressing these factors could have a positive impact on brain health.
Professor Dag Aarsland of King’s College London emphasized the importance of further research. “This study adds to the knowledge of the longstanding health consequences of Covid-19, particularly for vulnerable people such as older people with mild memory problems,” he commented.
Dr. Dorina Cadar, a dementia researcher at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, echoed the need for continued investigation. “The new findings from the Protect study indicate domain-specific cognitive changes for individuals with a history of COVID-19 that mirrored similar trajectories for those with mild cognitive impairment but with a slightly lower rate of decline,” she noted.
The pandemic’s impact on brain health is a complex issue requiring further exploration. However, this study provides valuable insights into the potential long-term consequences of the pandemic, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyles and addressing factors that contribute to cognitive decline.