One study showed that the pandemic led to a 5.5-month ageing of the brain, affecting not only COVID patients but also the general population.

A study of 996 healthy adults found that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated brain ageing by an average of 5.5 months, influenced by chronic stress, social isolation and economic insecurity. Researchers at the University of Nottingham used MRI images and a brain age prediction model to assess the effects of the pandemic on mental health. The results suggest that although brains aged, not all participants showed cognitive decline, highlighting the need to address socio-economic inequalities to protect brain health.