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...