Isolation-Induced Cognitive Impairment during Lockdown: Impact on Memory Functions
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdown measures have led to varying levels of stress across different countries, with some nations experiencing less stress than others, such as New Zealand, which has managed to keep its COVID cases at zero for several months [1].
The stress caused by the pandemic and social distancing can have negative effects on the brain. Prolonged periods of stress can lead to higher levels of stress hormones like cortisol, dopamine, and serotonin, which can potentially affect memory, behaviour, and thinking patterns [2].
Social isolation, or perceived loneliness during the pandemic, has a particularly negative impact on the brain. Prior research has shown that social isolation can negatively affect memory and cognitive functions, as these conditions lead to stress and potentially unhealthy lifestyle changes, which in turn harm brain health [1].
During lockdown, socializing can be creative. People have turned to phone calls, video chats, letter writing, and even sharing meals over Zoom to stay connected [3]. Hobbies also remain important for stress management and personal time during lockdown. Getting outside during lockdown, even if just to feel the change in temperature or watch people walk their dogs, can have stress-reducing benefits [4].
Meditation, mindfulness, yoga, repetitive breathing, and outdoor activities can help manage stress during lockdown [5]. Taking time for oneself is also crucial for stress management during this challenging time.
Researchers like Matt Huentelman, a neuroscientist and human genetics researcher who studies how the brain ages and explores ways to prevent brain aging and protect against diseases like Alzheimer's disease, are conducting studies to better understand the effects of the pandemic on brain health [6]. The 'our platform' study is an internet-based study of the brain that anyone 18 years of age or older can join [7].
While the effects of prolonged stress during the lockdown may be noticeable, most people's cognition is expected to recover when our lives return to normal [1]. Current research acknowledges that it is not yet clear whether the accelerated brain ageing effects from pandemic stress and isolation are permanent. However, researchers consider it possible that these changes may reverse over time, especially with improved social interaction and mental health support [1].
In summary, the extended COVID-19 lockdown can cause measurable acceleration of brain ageing and cognitive decline, including memory impairments. However, these effects might not be permanent and could be mitigated with post-pandemic lifestyle and social improvements.
[1] [Bolzoni, D., et al. (2021). The Impact of Social Isolation on Cognitive Functioning During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 595336.] [2] [Kim, J. H., et al. (2020). COVID-19 Stress and Its Impact on the Brain. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 123, 124-130.] [3] [O'Connor, R. C., et al. (2020). The Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown on Mental Health and Wellbeing. The Lancet Psychiatry, 7, 844-853.] [4] [Steptoe, A., et al. (2020). The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health: Evidence from a UK Household Panel Study. Social Science & Medicine, 257, 112831.] [5] [Whiteman, M. L., et al. (2020). The Effect of Stress on the Brain: The Role of Cortisol, Dopamine, and Serotonin. Neuropsychology, Development, and Cognition, 32, 1295-1310.] [6] [TGen (2021). Meet Matt Huentelman, PhD. TGen.] [7] [Our Platform (2021). Join the Study. Our Platform.]
The COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown measures, being stressful, can potentially impact brain health, influencing memory, behavior, and thinking patterns [1,5]. Mental health support and improved social interaction post-pandemic could potentially reverse the accelerated brain aging effects from prolonged stress during lockdown [1].
