2023-11-05 13:20:00
Sedentary lifestyle, isolation, lack of social connection… The Covid-19 health crisis, with its various confinements and curfews, has impacted the lives of all citizens. But according to a new study published in the journal The Lancet Healthy Longevity in November 2023, the brain health of those over 50 was particularly affected and deteriorated faster than before, even if they were not infected with the coronavirus.
Pandemic: a 50% higher rate of cognitive decline in the first year
To reach this conclusion, researchers looked at data from a study called The PROTECT studycollected before the pandemic (from March 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020) and during, from March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021 as well as from March 1, 2021 to February 28, 2021. In all, there were more than 3,000 participants aged 50 at 90 years old whose short-term memory and ability to perform complex tasks were analyzed.
Results: during the first year of the health crisis, cognitive decline accelerated considerably, with a rate 50% higher than that recorded before the appearance of SARS-CoV-2. Unsurprisingly, the impact was greater among people who already showed cognitive decline before the Covid-19 epidemic. During the second year, scientists also observed an impact on the brain health of those over 50.
Covid-19 and cognitive decline: what are the factors behind this increase?
But what are the explanatory factors for this increase in cognitive decline? Researchers highlight several: loneliness (with more people suffering from depression), less physical exercise, higher alcohol consumption, etc. Risky behaviors for mental and brain health.
“According to our results, the lockdowns and other restrictions we experienced during the pandemic had a real and lasting impact on the brain health of people aged 50 or over, even following the lockdowns ended,” explains Anne. Corbett, one of the authors, in a communiqué. This raises an important question of whether these individuals are at potentially higher risk of cognitive decline that might lead to dementia. More than ever, it is important to support people suffering from early cognitive decline, particularly because there are steps they can take to reduce their risk of dementia. If you are concerned regarding your memory, the best thing to do is to make an appointment with your GP and get an assessment.”
For the authors, these worrying results must be taken into account by decision-makers when developing future health policies. “This study highlights the importance of monitoring people at risk during major events like the pandemic,” concludes Dag Aarsland, one of the authors.
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