Covid-19 lockdowns caused cognitive decline
The data shows that even after the lockdown ended, the accelerated deterioration of memory functions continued among the elderly
A study published in the Lancet on Tuesday revealed that elderly adults experienced a catastrophic decline in cognitive performance during the UK’s coronavirus quarantine policies. The accelerated decline in working memory and other key intellectual measures continued even after the lockdown ended.
Analyzing data collected by the government’s PROTECT study of adults aged 50 and over before, during and after pandemic lockdowns, researchers from the University of Exeter, King’s College London and Imperial College London found:Significant deterioration in executive function and working memory“In all groups studied.
Decreased exercise and increased alcohol use were associated with worsening memory and executive functioning during lockdown even among individuals with no prior history of cognitive impairment, while depression and loneliness were strongly associated with worsening existing cognitive problems.
The decline in working memory persisted even after the lockdowns ended, and overall cognitive decline decreased at twice the rate of before the lockdowns, as measured by performance on cognitive tasks that participants completed as part of the PROTECT study.
This marked decline in general cognition was observed even in elderly individuals who did not show any signs of frailty before the lockdowns. This was not limited to individuals who were infected with the Coronavirus, although several studies have proven a link between infection and persistent cognitive deficits, with up to 78% of those infected reporting permanent mental difficulties.
The researchers hypothesized that decreased exercise and increased alcohol consumption may be responsible for the reported cognitive decline, but they cautioned against confusing correlation with causation and recommended further study. “Ongoing concerns about the pandemic and the shift to more virtual forms of communication, leading to less time spent outside the home and a less active lifestyleIt has been proposed as a hypothesis to explain persistent frailty after lockdown.
The study did not distinguish between those who received the Covid-19 vaccine and those who were not. A wide range of neurological side effects including cognitive impairment have been associated with the injection, although comprehensive studies on this topic have not been performed to date.
Given the well-established role of loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for worsening cognitive impairment in older adults, the expected detrimental impact of lockdowns on this population has been the source of much controversy during the pandemic.
Advocates for the elderly warned as early as July 2020 that patients with mild cognitive decline were rapidly escalating to full-blown dementia, losing the ability to care for themselves and even speak due to the suspension of health care services and social visits.
The UK has locked down its population three times during the pandemic, imposing unprecedented societal controls. This policy is currently under investigation in the government’s Covid-19 inquiry.
