Accelerated brain aging due to the COVID-19 pandemic occurs regardless of infection status
The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to accelerated brain aging, affecting individuals regardless of whether they actually contracted the virus, according to a large UK study involving brain scans of nearly 996 healthy adults before and during the pandemic.
The study, led by researchers from the University of Nottingham, used machine learning and longitudinal neuroimaging data from the UK's Biobank to create a brain age prediction model. The findings, published in the Journal Nature Communications on Tuesday, highlight the need to address health and socio-economic inequalities in addition to lifestyle factors to mitigate accelerated brain aging.
### Potential Causes of Accelerated Brain Aging
The pandemic's indirect effects, such as isolation, stress, uncertainty, and disruption to daily life, appear to have significantly contributed to brain aging even in those not infected with COVID-19. People infected with COVID-19 showed additional cognitive declines, including reductions in mental flexibility and processing speed. However, the aging effect observed in brain structure (gray and white matter changes) was similar between infected and non-infected individuals, suggesting that the pandemic environment itself played a major role.
### Long-Term Effects
The brain aging linked to the pandemic is associated with declines in cognitive performance, particularly in older adults, men, and those from less advantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. The study found more pronounced ageing in these groups, but did not specify the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic under consideration.
Importantly, scientists indicate that the observed brain aging may be reversible, though this remains to be confirmed with further research. Although the study did not test interventions, established strategies for maintaining brain health—such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and social plus cognitive engagement—are recommended, especially in stressful contexts like a pandemic.
### Summary
In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic itself—not just infection—has contributed to accelerated brain aging, likely driven by widespread psychosocial stress and lifestyle disruption. The long-term cognitive implications are significant but may be mitigated through proactive brain health measures. The study concludes that continued research and targeted policies are crucial to improve brain health outcomes in future public health crises.
- Machine learning, employed by the study from the University of Nottingham, was used to predict brain age in a large UK study.
- The findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic's indirect effects, such as isolation, stress, and disrupted daily life, contribute significantly to brain aging.
- People infected with COVID-19 showed additional cognitive declines in mental flexibility and processing speed, but the aging effect observed in brain structure was similar between infected and non-infected individuals.
- The study highlights the need for addressing health and socio-economic inequalities, as well as lifestyle factors, to mitigate accelerated brain aging.
- For better brain health outcomes in stressful contexts like a pandemic, scientists recommend maintaining brain health with a healthy diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and social plus cognitive engagement.
- The observed brain aging may be reversible, though more research is needed to confirm this, and continued research and targeted policies are crucial for improving brain health outcomes in future public health crises. In addition to this, investments in education and self-development, with a focus on personal growth, fitness, mental health, and aging, could contribute positively to overall health and workplace wellness.
