Covid-19 led to rapid cognitive decline in adults over 50: Study

People over 50 years of age had 50 per cent faster decline in cognitive functions during the first year of the Covid19 pandemic than earlier finds a studyAlarmingly this was the case even if the adults didnt have Covid19But the figure was higher in those who already had mild cognitive decline before the pandemic according to the research published in The Lancet Healthy LongevityResearchers looked at results from computerised brain function tests from more than 3000 participants who were aged between 50 and 90 and based in the UKThe study checked the participants shortterm memory and ability to complete complex tasks They found that cognitive decline quickened 50 per cent significantly in the first year of the pandemicThis continued into the second year of the pandemic suggesting an impact beyond the initial 12month period of lockdownsThe researchers believe this sustained impact to be particularly relevant to ongoing public health and health policy The cognitive decline seems to have been exacerbated by a number of factors during the pandemic including an increase in loneliness and depression a decrease in exercise and higher alcohol consumptionPrevious research has found that physical activity treating existing depression getting back into the community and reconnecting with people are all important ways to reduce dementia risk and maintain brain healthOur findings suggest that lockdowns and other restrictions we experienced during the pandemic have had a real lasting impact on brain health in people aged 50 or over even after the lockdowns ended This raises the important question of whether people are at a potentially higher risk of cognitive decline which can lead to dementia said Anne Corbett Professor of Dementia Research at the University of ExeterIt is now more important than ever to make sure we are supporting people with early cognitive decline especially because there are things they can do to reduce their risk of dementia later on So if you are concerned about your memory the best thing to do is to make an appointment with your GP and get an assessment Our findings also highlight the need for policymakers to consider the wider health impacts of restrictions like lockdowns when planning for a future pandemic response she addedCurrently dementia affects about 50 million people worldwide and is projected to triple by 2050 The researchers called for lifestyle changes and improved health management to positively influence mental functioningThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever