A recent report in The Lancet Healthy Longevity reveals concerning findings regarding the cognitive health of individuals aged 50 and over in the United Kingdom during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regardless of whether they contracted the virus, this study, conducted by the University of Exeter, analyzed data from 3,142 participants and uncovered a notable decline in executive function and working memory across the board, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or a history of COVID-19.

During the initial year of the pandemic, reduced physical activity, increased alcohol consumption, and heightened feelings of loneliness were contributing factors to this cognitive decline, and these trends persisted into the second year.

Individuals with MCI and those who had previously contracted COVID-19 were particularly affected.

Furthermore, the study identified depression as a risk factor for the exacerbation of working memory issues among those with COVID-19 and those with MCI.

In the second year of the pandemic, a decline in working memory was linked to higher alcohol consumption, increased loneliness, and continued depression.

Additionally, reduced physical activity continued to impact the executive function of all study participants.

Lead author Anne Corbett, PhD, emphasized the importance of supporting individuals experiencing early cognitive decline and highlighted the proactive steps they can take to reduce their risk of developing dementia.

Dorina Cadar, PhD, from University College London, underlined the pandemic’s revelation of societal vulnerabilities and a lack of strategic response from many governments.

In summary, this study underscores the indirect cognitive consequences of the pandemic on older individuals, emphasizing the importance of maintaining physical activity, managing alcohol consumption, and addressing feelings of loneliness and depression.