2023-11-06 20:03:18
Study Shows Link Between Loneliness and Depression with Cognitive Decline After Pandemic
November 6th, 2023, London – According to a recent study published in the specialist journal “The Lancet,” researchers have identified loneliness and depression as risk factors for cognitive decline in adults over 50 years of age, regardless of Covid-19 infection. The study evaluated data from the Protect study, a long-term British study launched in 2015 to understand brain aging and reduce the risk of dementia and mental health issues.
The study analyzed data from 3,124 participants over the age of 50 who took part in computer-assisted brain function tests. The tests were conducted before the pandemic and during the first and second years of the pandemic. None of the participants were diagnosed with dementia at the beginning of the data collection.
The analysis revealed a significant deterioration in short-term memory and complex task-solving abilities during the first year of the pandemic, from March 2020 to February 2021. This decline was even more pronounced in individuals who already experienced age-related cognitive decline before the pandemic. In some cases, the decline exceeded 50% of their performance.
The study also revealed that the decline in cognitive abilities continued during the second year of the pandemic, from March 2021 to February 2022. The researchers attributed these declines to various factors, including reduced exercise, increased alcohol consumption, and heightened loneliness and depression during the pandemic.
Lack of exercise has long been recognized as a risk factor for cognitive decline. The disruption of regular exercise habits during the pandemic, combined with increased alcohol consumption and emotional distress, may have contributed to the decline in brain performance. These factors are also known to increase the risk of dementia.
However, the researchers emphasized that it is not too late to address these issues and reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Previous research has shown that physical activity, treatment of existing depression, and social interaction are crucial for maintaining brain health. The researchers called on the healthcare system to prioritize this group and urged policymakers to use the study’s findings to prepare for future pandemics.
It’s important to note that while age-related decline in memory and concentration is normal, dementia is a separate illness that can affect individuals of all ages. The study highlights the importance of addressing risk factors and taking preventive measures to protect brain health.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the impact of the pandemic on cognitive decline and highlights the importance of addressing loneliness, depression, and lifestyle factors to mitigate the risks associated with aging and dementia.
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