In a groundbreaking study published in The Lancet Longevity, experts delved into the impact of lockdowns on brain health in individuals aged 50 and over. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter, examined the cognitive functions of more than 3,000 Britons before and during the pandemic, shedding light on a concerning trend.
Surprising findings show that cognitive functions, including memory and verbal reasoning skills, deteriorated at a rate 50 percent faster during the first year of the pandemic compared to the preceding year. The culprit? Successive lockdowns that led to increased loneliness, depression, alcohol use, and a decline in physical activity, according to the research.
Professor Anne Corbett, head of the Protection Study at the University of Exeter, emphasized that the study's findings suggest a lasting impact on brain health in individuals over 50, even after the lockdowns have ended. The average age of the 3,142 study participants was 67 years.
Participants were regularly assessed for their memory, attention, language skills, and cognitive abilities. The study found that the rate of cognitive deterioration increased significantly between March 2020 and February 2021, and continued, albeit at a slightly slower pace, into the second year post-pandemic.
This decline was more pronounced in individuals with pre-existing cognitive issues and those who had previously contracted Covid-19. However, even those without prior health concerns experienced an accelerated decline in executive function and working memory during the pandemic.
The study warns that this heightened cognitive decline increases the risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
Dr. Susan Mitchell, head of policy at Alzheimer's Research UK, stressed the importance of protecting brain health, especially during lifestyle shifts caused by lockdown restrictions. The study highlights the role of various health and lifestyle factors, such as exercise, in influencing brain health. Only 2% of people report taking all necessary steps to improve their brain health, she added.
This study is the latest in a series of revelations about the long-term effects of lockdowns, including higher rates of depression, self-harm, and suicide among older individuals. It has also been linked to adverse effects on children's mental health and obesity.
Professor Corbett underscored the need for policymakers to consider the broader health impacts of restrictions like lockdowns when planning responses to future pandemics. Professor Dag Arsland, Head of Geriatric Psychiatry at King's College London, highlighted the study's contribution to understanding the long-term health consequences of Covid-19, particularly for vulnerable groups like older individuals with cognitive impairments.
Post a Comment