Overview

• Serial MRI scans from the UK Biobank show adult brain-age markers accelerated by an average of 5.5 months during the pandemic, irrespective of direct infection
• Individuals who contracted SARS-CoV-2 displayed further declines in processing speed and cognitive flexibility, according to researchers
• The most pronounced brain-age acceleration occurred among older participants, men and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds
• Researchers employed an AI algorithm trained on data from more than 15,000 adults to quantify structural brain changes
• Study authors highlight potential partial reversibility of these changes and urge ongoing cognitive health monitoring for at-risk groups