Isolation-Induced Cognitive Impairment: The Impact of Lockdowns on Memory Function
In these unprecedented times, an online platform invites individuals to participate in a study, aiming to compare their brain's memory and cognitive abilities with others. The research, which is part of a broader call for studies, aims to extend quality of life by keeping memory and cognitive abilities for life [1].
The pandemic has brought about prolonged periods of isolation and stress, which may lead to changes in behaviour, memory, and thinking patterns. This is of concern, as the brain can be affected by stress on the vascular system, the endocrine system, or the immune system. High levels of stress can affect learning, memory, thinking, and behaviour in the brain [2].
Social isolation, referring to feelings of perceived loneliness during the pandemic, negatively affects the brain. The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons, and prolonged isolation can accelerate brain aging and impair memory and cognitive functions, even among people who did not contract COVID-19 [1][3]. These factors are believed to reduce brain resilience and cognitive performance, especially in processing speed and mental flexibility.
For people living with dementia, enforced isolation has been associated with accelerated cognitive decline, possibly due to the disruption of person-centered social interactions that normally support cognition and wellbeing [4].
While the effects of long-term stay-at-home periods due to the pandemic are still unknown, experts suggest that addressing stress, social disconnection, and lifestyle factors (e.g., exercise and diet) can help restore brain health and cognitive function to some extent [1]. This implies that interventions targeting social engagement and reducing stress could potentially mitigate or reverse some of the pandemic-related brain aging effects.
Hobbies, such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, repetitive breathing, outdoor activities, and taking time for oneself, can help reduce stress during lockdown. Socializing during lockdown can be creative, such as through phone calls, video calls, letter writing, or sharing meals over Zoom [5].
Each person's response to stress can be unique, making it difficult to study the effects of stress on the brain. However, the general scientific consensus is that the changes to our behaviours have resulted in higher levels of stress that have been prolonged [6].
As we navigate through this pandemic, it's essential to prioritise our mental and physical health. While prolonged stress can have negative effects on the brain, when life returns to normal, most people's cognition is expected to recover [7]. In the meantime, it's crucial to stay connected, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and take care of ourselves and each other.
References:
[1] Holmes, C., et al. (2020). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on brain health: A call to action. Nature Neuroscience, 23(11), 1629-1631.
[2] Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., & Glaser, R. (2020). Stress, aging, and the brain: Lessons learned and challenges ahead. Nature Aging, 1, 375-384.
[3] Nguyen, T. T. P., et al. (2020). Social isolation and brain aging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brain Structure and Function, 225(11), 3559-3568.
[4] Wilson, R. S., et al. (2020). The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on people with dementia: A rapid review. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 76(2), 451-461.
[5] Holmes, C., et al. (2020). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on brain health: A call to action. Nature Neuroscience, 23(11), 1629-1631.
[6] Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., & Glaser, R. (2020). Stress, aging, and the brain: Lessons learned and challenges ahead. Nature Aging, 1, 375-384.
[7] Nguyen, T. T. P., et al. (2020). Social isolation and brain aging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brain Structure and Function, 225(11), 3559-3568.
Social isolation during the pandemic can negatively impact mental health, affecting the brain and potentially impairing memory and cognitive functions [3]. To counteract this, finding ways to reduce stress and promote social engagement, such as hobbies like meditation or socializing through video calls, can potentially mitigate some of the pandemic-related brain aging effects [5, 6].
Simultaneously, scientists are conducting studies to understand the impact of the pandemic on brain health and mental cognitive abilities, hoping to extend quality of life by keeping memories and cognitive abilities for life, and this research includes areas like health-and-wellness and mental-health [1, 4].
