COVID Pandemic Aged Brains By an Average of 5.5 Months, Study Finds

British researchers analyzed brain scans from a large database and found that during the pandemic years of 2021 and 2022, people's brains showed signs of aging, including shrinkage. The study, published in Nature Communications, also found that people who got infected with COVID-19 showed deficits in certain cognitive abilities, such as processing speed and mental flexibility. The aging effect was most pronounced in males and those from more socioeconomically deprived backgrounds. The researchers found a 5.5-month acceleration in aging associated with the pandemic, with a small difference of about 2.5 months between men and women. The exact reason for this difference is unknown, but it may be related to men being more affected by certain types of stress or health challenges. The study suggests that the cumulative experience of the pandemic, including psychological stress, social isolation, and disruptions in daily life, contributed to the observed changes in brain aging. The researchers did not find any cognitive deficits in individuals who were not infected with COVID-19, despite showing structural aging. The study's findings may shed light on conditions like long Covid and chronic fatigue, but it is unclear whether the observed brain changes will lead to noticeable effects on brain function. The study highlights that brain health is not shaped solely by illness, but also by broader life experiences. Overall, the pandemic appears to have left a mark on people's brains, even in the absence of infection.