Overview

• The University of Nottingham-led research applied machine-learning models to pre- and post-pandemic MRI scans from nearly 1,000 UK Biobank participants to quantify shifts in brain-age estimates.
• Even individuals without SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibited structural changes consistent with accelerated ageing, averaging 5.5 months above pre-pandemic rates.
• Participants who contracted COVID-19 experienced additional declines in processing speed and mental flexibility compared with non-infected peers.
• Brain-age acceleration was most pronounced among older adults, male participants, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
• Study authors recommend long-term brain health monitoring and targeted interventions to address stress-related neural impacts and support potential recovery.