A recent study has indicated that brain aging may have accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, even in individuals who did not contract the virus. This groundbreaking research, published in Nature Communications, utilized brain scans from a vast database to highlight significant changes in brain structure during the pandemic years of 2021 and 2022. Researchers from the UK have observed signs of aging, including notable shrinkage of brain matter.
The study also noted that individuals who were infected with COVID-19 experienced declines in specific cognitive abilities, such as processing speed and mental flexibility. Ali-Reza Mohammadi-Nejad, the study's first author and a neuroimaging researcher at the University of Nottingham, stated, “The aging effect was most pronounced in males and those from more socioeconomically deprived backgrounds.” This finding underscores the idea that brain health is influenced not only by illnesses but also by wider life experiences and challenges.
The researchers quantified an average acceleration in brain aging of approximately 5.5 months directly correlated with the pandemic. They found that the difference in brain aging between genders was relatively minor, approximately 2.5 months. Mohammadi-Nejad remarked, “We don’t yet know exactly why, but this fits with other research suggesting that men may be more affected by certain types of stress or health challenges.”
As individuals age, brain shrinkage is a natural process. However, when gray matter begins to shrink prematurely, it can lead to potential issues such as memory loss and impaired judgment. While the current study does not establish a direct link between structural changes and cognitive deficits, it raises concerns about long-term implications. Mohammadi-Nejad explained that the pandemic's cumulative experiences, including psychological stress, social isolation, and disruptions to daily life, likely contributed to these observed changes.
In conjunction with these findings, an earlier study from the University of Washington examined the effects of the pandemic on teenagers' brains, revealing similar patterns. This research indicated that boys’ brains aged an equivalent of 1.4 additional years during the pandemic, while girls experienced an even greater increase of 4.2 years.
Mohammadi-Nejad and his team utilized the UK Biobank, a comprehensive database established in 2006, to assess the impact of the pandemic on brain aging. This biobank contains health data from 500,000 volunteers aged between 40 and 69 years at the time of recruitment. The study analyzed brain imaging data from 15,334 healthy individuals collected before the pandemic to establish a baseline for normal aging.
The researchers examined a subgroup of 996 participants who underwent two brain scans, the second occurring on average 2.3 years after the first. Among these, 564 had both scans prior to the pandemic, aiding the artificial intelligence model in understanding normal brain changes. The remaining 432 participants had their second scan after the pandemic began, primarily between 2021 and 2022. This timing was crucial as it allowed the researchers to investigate the impact of the pandemic on brain aging.
Other research has indicated that environmental factors, such as isolation, can lead to premature brain aging. A study conducted in the Antarctic found a link between living in isolation and brain shrinkage. Jacqueline Becker, a clinical neuropsychologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, noted, “The most intriguing finding in this study is that only those who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed any cognitive deficits, despite structural aging.” This observation could help illuminate potential syndromes associated with COVID-19, such as long COVID and chronic fatigue.
While the study provides compelling insights, experts like Adam Brickman from Columbia University emphasize the need for further research. “It doesn’t show whether the accelerated aging observed in non-infected individuals will persist long term,” he stated. If the pandemic has indeed altered brain structure significantly, individuals may counteract these changes through healthy practices. Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and prioritizing sleep and social interactions are crucial for promoting brain health.
