Overview

• Researchers from the University of Washington found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to premature brain aging in teenagers, with more pronounced effects in girls.
• MRI scans showed that girls' brains appeared 4.2 years older on average, compared to 1.4 years in boys, following pandemic restrictions.
• The study suggests that social isolation and disrupted routines during the pandemic significantly impacted adolescent brain development.
• Accelerated brain aging was linked to stressors such as social isolation, family conflict, and uncertainty about the future.
• Experts emphasize the need for targeted mental health support for adolescents to mitigate long-term developmental consequences.