Collapses caused the brain health of over-50s to deteriorate 50 percent faster than normal, a study found.
Memory and cognitive functions – such as decision-making and problem-solving – declined more rapidly during the pandemic.
Experts said this was likely due to factors exacerbated by the pandemic, such as lack of exercise and excessive alcohol consumption, as well as loneliness and depression.
Researchers from the University of Exeter and King’s College London analyzed brain function tests of 3,142 people aged between 50 and 90 in the UK.
The analysis found that the rate of cognitive decline accelerated in the first year of the pandemic and was higher among those who already showed signs of mild cognitive decline before the pandemic began.
Memory and cognitive functions – such as decision-making and problem-solving – declined more rapidly during the pandemic. Experts said this was likely due to factors exacerbated by the pandemic, such as lack of exercise and excessive alcohol consumption, as well as loneliness and depression.
This pattern continued into the second year of the pandemic, suggesting impacts beyond the initial national lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, researchers said, according to findings published in the Lancet.
Anne Corbett, professor of dementia research at the University of Exeter, said: “Our findings suggest that lockdowns and other restrictions during the pandemic had lasting effects on the brain health of people aged 50 and over, even after lockdowns ended .”
“This raises the important question of whether people may be at increased risk for cognitive decline, which can lead to dementia.”
READ MORE: Revealed: 40% of Brits have NO idea the leading cause of death can even be fatal…
According to a survey of more than 2,500 adults without dementia by Alzheimer’s Research UK, many people are unaware of the devastating effects of dementia.
Dag Aarsland, professor of geriatric psychiatry at King’s College, said the findings underline the importance of careful monitoring of vulnerable people during major events such as the pandemic.
He said: “We recognize the risk of further decline and can now add Covid-19 to that list.”
“On the positive side, there is evidence that lifestyle changes and improved health management can positively influence mental performance.”
A new survey shows that four in ten British adults (40 per cent) do not know that dementia is a cause of death, despite it being the leading cause of death in the UK.
The study of 2,530 adults, carried out by Alzheimer’s Research UK, found that only a third (36 per cent) could reduce their risk of the disease.
This is despite studies suggesting that four out of 10 cases of dementia are linked to factors people can potentially influence, such as diet and exercise.
Dr Susan Mitchell, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “This important study helps to show how the profound lifestyle changes brought about by lockdown restrictions may have affected the nation’s brain health.”
“This highlights the fact that we can all take steps to protect our brain health.
WHAT IS DEMENTIA?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a number of neurological diseases
A GLOBAL CARE
Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a range of progressive neurological diseases (affecting the brain) that affect memory, thinking and behaviour.
There are many forms of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common.
Some people may experience a combination of different forms of dementia.
Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person experiences dementia in their own unique way.
Dementia is a global problem, but occurs most in wealthier countries where people are likely to live to a very old age.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ASKED?
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that there are currently over 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK. This number is expected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting between 50 and 75 percent of those diagnosed.
An estimated 5.5 million people in the United States suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. A similar percentage increase is expected in the coming years.
As you age, the risk of developing dementia increases.
The number of diagnoses is increasing, but it is believed that many people with dementia are still undiagnosed.
Is there any treatment?
There is currently no medication for dementia.
But new medications can slow the progression of the disease, and the earlier it is detected, the more effective treatments can be.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
