the pandemic has affected the brain function of people over 50, increasing the risk of dementia

The Lancet published the results of a multi-year study examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and cognitive function of people aged 50 years and older. It turned out that cognitive function declined especially quickly in the first year of the pandemic, and even among those who did not recover from coronavirus. However, the negative effect was observed further. This has led scientists to draw conclusions about the long-term impact of the pandemic on the mental health and cognitive function of older generations, which may lead to increased risks of dementia.

Study carried out by an international team of scientists from Imperial College London, the University of Nevada and the University of Exeter in Devon. It involved 3,142 people aged 50 to 96 years, the average age of the subjects was 67 years.

A significant deterioration in brain function was noted already in the first year of the pandemic – from March 2020 to February 2021 – in almost all subjects (95%).

The deterioration affected mainly the executive functions of the brain, as well as working memory. Scientists noted that the deterioration of the brain function of the subjects occurred against the backdrop of a sharp reduction in physical activity due to lockdowns, increased alcohol consumption, increased levels of anxiety and depression, even among those who did not recover from coronavirus. An even greater negative effect was observed in those who, in addition to the above factors, had COVID-19 and/or live alone.

During the second year of the pandemic, low physical activity continued to negatively affect the executive functions of the brain of the subjects, which in some cases was exacerbated by the deterioration of working memory against the backdrop of ongoing alcohol abuse, loneliness and depression.

The findings led scientists to conclude that the pandemic will have a long-term impact on the mental health and cognitive functions of the older generation.

Moreover, scientists do not rule out that such negative influence increases the risk of dementia. “Long-term cognitive decline suggests a need for public health interventions to reduce the risk of dementia, especially among people with mild cognitive impairment, for whom the risk of developing dementia has increased significantly within the next five years,” the study says.

University of Exeter professor Anna Corbett, who specializes in the study of dementia, said in an interview The Guardian: “Our data suggests that the lockdowns and other restrictions we experienced during the pandemic had a measurable long-term effect on the mental health of people aged 50 and over – even after the lockdowns ended. It’s important to support these people now, especially given their higher risk of developing dementia.” The professor advised anyone who experiences such signs in themselves, their loved ones or friends to consult a doctor: “Our research also suggests that politicians need to be more attentive to the long-term consequences for people’s health from restrictive measures such as lockdowns, especially during forecasting and planning actions in relation to possible pandemics in the future.”

Evgeny Khvostik