The COVID-19 pandemic has had a far-reaching impact on many aspects of our lives, and now, emerging research suggests that it may have taken a toll on brain health in people aged 50 and older.
Major new research conducted as part of the PROTECT study, led by teams at the University of Exeter and King’s College London, has revealed a significant and sustained decline in cognitive function in this age group during the pandemic, even among those who did not contract COVID-19.
The study involved over 3,000 participants aged between 50 and 90, based in the UK, who underwent computerized brain function tests to assess their short-term memory and ability to complete complex tasks.
Researchers examined the results of these tests to understand the impact of the pandemic on cognitive health.
Accelerated Cognitive Decline
The research findings were striking. During the first year of the pandemic, there was a 50% acceleration in the rate of cognitive decline among the study participants.
This decline was particularly pronounced in individuals who had already experienced mild cognitive decline before the pandemic.
What is even more concerning is that this accelerated cognitive decline continued into the second year of the pandemic. This suggests that the impact on brain health persisted beyond the initial 12 months of lockdowns and restrictions.
Contributing Factors
Several factors were identified as potential contributors to this sustained cognitive decline during the pandemic:
Increased Loneliness and Depression: Social isolation and the emotional toll of the pandemic, including increased loneliness and depression, likely played a role in the decline.
Reduced Physical Activity: Lockdowns and restrictions limited opportunities for physical activity, which is known to be crucial for maintaining cognitive health.
Higher Alcohol Consumption: Some individuals may have turned to increased alcohol consumption as a coping mechanism during the pandemic, which can negatively impact cognitive function.
Implications and Recommendations
These findings underscore the importance of addressing the long-term health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for older adults with mild memory problems.
It raises concerns about the potential for an increased risk of cognitive decline, which can lead to dementia.
Researchers emphasize the need for proactive support and interventions to mitigate cognitive decline in this age group.
Lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity, managing depression, and reconnecting with the community, are vital for reducing the risk of dementia and preserving brain health.
The study also highlights the importance of considering the broader health impacts of pandemic-related restrictions, like lockdowns, when planning for future responses to similar crises.
Policymakers must take into account the potential consequences on mental and cognitive well-being when implementing restrictive measures.
In conclusion, the research suggests that the pandemic has had a lasting impact on the brain health of individuals aged 50 and over.
This underscores the importance of providing support and resources to help mitigate cognitive decline and maintain mental well-being in the face of future challenges.
If you are concerned about your memory or cognitive function, seeking assessment and guidance from healthcare professionals is crucial.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about low choline intake linked to higher dementia risk, and how eating nuts can affect your cognitive ability.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
The research findings can be found in The Lancet Healthy Longevity.
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