Read, Watch or Listen

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated brain aging, even in individuals who didn't contract the virus. Researchers analyzed brain scans from the UK Biobank and found a 5.5-month acceleration in aging, more pronounced in men and those from deprived backgrounds. While those infected showed cognitive deficits, the study doesn't confirm if structural changes in uninfected individuals will lead to cognitive impairment. The researchers suggest that pandemic-related stress, isolation, and lifestyle disruptions contributed to these findings, echoing similar results from a study on teenagers' brains.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.