Brain health worsens during pandemic in people over 50

Brain health among people over 50 deteriorated faster during the pandemic, even if they did not have Covid-19, according to research by teams from the University of Exeter in southwest England and the University Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London.

Researchers examined the results of electronic brain function tests of more than 3,000 participants aged 50-90 years from the UK, in particular participants’ short-term memory and their ability to perform complex tasks.

Scientists have discovered that Cognitive decline accelerated significantly during the first year of the pandemic, and the rate was higher among those who had already experienced mild decline before the pandemic. This continued into the second year of the pandemic, indicating impacts beyond the initial lockdown period. The researchers believe this ongoing impact is particularly important for current public health and health policy.

Cognitive decline appears to have been exacerbated by a number of factors during the pandemic, including increases in loneliness and depression, decreased exercise and increased alcohol consumption. Previous research has shown that physical activity, fighting depression, giving back to the community and reconnecting with people are all important ways to reduce the risk of dementia and maintain brain health.

University of Exeter study leader and dementia research professor Anne Corbett said the results “suggest that The quarantine and other restrictions we’ve faced during the pandemic have actually had a lasting impact on the brain health of people over 50even after the end of quarantine.”

“It is now more important than ever to provide support for people with early cognitive decline, especially as there are things they can do to reduce their risk of developing dementia later in life. Therefore, if you are concerned about your memory, it is best to make an appointment with a doctor and get examined,” the professor adds.

The findings, Ms Corbett said, “underscore the need for policymakers to consider the wider health implications of restrictions such as lockdowns when planning future responses to the pandemic.”

The study was published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal.

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