Did Covid Shrink Our Brains?

COVID changed all of us.

Whether we like it or not, the pandemic has left an indelible mark on all our lives, changing everything from how we work to the way we socialize and navigate this crazy world. Although great attention is often given to the virus's impact on our physical bodies, research now shows how the pandemic’s policies also impacted our neurological health. From crippling isolation to mounting physical and psychological stress, these past few years caused unprecedented issues for all of us.

And one important question has emerged: Did COVID shrink our brains?

It may sound crazy, but the impact of this most recent period has had major effects on neurological health, particularly in older individuals. For many elders, isolation became a major player in terms of its social impacts through social distancing, quarantining, and visitation restrictions. This isolation, combined with the uncertainty of the time, led to the perfect storm for neurological dysfunction.

What the Studies Say

Studies are now revealing that prolonged isolation may have lasting impacts on cognitive function, mood, and general psychological well-being. Especially in those already vulnerable to cognitive decline (seniors), social isolation can lead to increased mental impairment and even dementia.

Simply put, social connections are critical for a healthy brain - and the pandemic policies did none of us any favors!

The science of stress goes even further. See, when we’re stressed out, the hormone cortisol is released, and over a longer period, can actually damage our brain cells and impair our ability to think, feel, and behave normally.

These difficulties are also, ironically enough, associated with what is known as “long COVID.” In other words, both the virus itself and the policies to curb the virus may have similar, overlapping effects.

The difficulties can manifest in the following ways:

Trouble remembering
Attention problems
Difficulty making decisions
Emotional turmoil and depression

Fortunately, it's not all doom and gloom. While the pandemic certainly affected our neurological health, there are many things we can do to bring our brains back to their good ol’ selves.

Returning to Your Pre-COVID Self

Let’s cover some quick and easy strategies to get back to feeling more ‘normal’. These are things you can do every day to feel better and improve your daily functioning.

They are:

Engaging in brain games - These cognitive exercises are great for revving up your brain and stimulating new neural pathways. They get you thinking outside the box, quicken your cognitive processing, and best of all, give you a much-needed sense of accomplishment. Who doesn’t feel good after conquering a tough puzzle or problem?

Consider things like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and memory apps or games to keep your mind fresh and your functions sharp.

Staying social - We all get a little isolated and lonely from time to time, especially as we age. Sometimes, we need our alone time. But don’t stay locked away for too long! Research indicates that regular socialization is crucial for a strong mind. Consistent social interaction reduces your risk of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Meet someone virtual, good for a walk outside with friends, join your local chapter or community group, and just be friendly with strangers. All these things, big and small, can provide much-needed stimulation for your brain.

Mind over matter - Another important practice is meditation and being ‘mindful.’ These can be powerful tools for not only limiting your stress but also improving your general well-being. Especially nowadays, mindfulness helps us control our emotions and find our inner calm amidst the post-pandemic world.

In fact, the research is now showing that mindfulness and meditation change the brain's structure and function. The result? A longer attention span, improved memory, and stronger emotional resilience.

Sweat it out - Last but not least, is physical activity. Now, for older folks, we’re not saying you have to hit the gym and engage in all kinds of heavy exercise. You can just as easily go for a light walk, lift some light weights, or even just do some stretching. As you may know, regular exercise is absolutely great for your brain, boosting blood flow, bettering your mood, and allowing you to enjoy something called neurogenesis, where your brain creates new neurons.

At the end of the day, it’s all about finding balance in your daily life and sustaining it. You can always build up to healthier habits, so don’t feel like you’ve ‘failed’ just because you’re starting at a different point than others. And if need be, there’s always professional support and guidance. You can learn all kinds of great strategies for managing stress, reducing anxiety, and feeling better overall.

Talk to your doctor, get started on a practical approach, and reclaim your pre-COVID self!