We spoke to several DMCBH researchers about the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had with respect to our brains, our understanding of sex and gender analysis in science and ethical considerations. This story was part of our 2020/2021 annual report, which can be found here.
Dr. Teresa Liu Ambrose on how the pandemic has impacted our brain:
The pandemic has affected our brain in many ways, including our mood and memory. People say they can’t remember events as well anymore, or that one day blends into the next. This is partly because we’re better able to remember events tied to our senses, such as smell and emotions. It is also harder to think clearly when we are in constant stress or anxiety. For many of us, the pandemic meant staying at home, reducing our social interactions, and not engaging in activities that we normally enjoy and are important to our wellbeing. These changes can impact our thinking abilities, and contribute to the feeling of being in a brain fog. We also know that the pandemic has impacted the mental health of many Canadians. Evidence shows that poor mental health is associated with reduced cognitive abilities. Those who have contracted the COVID-19 virus may also be at a greater risk for cognitive and mood outcomes because of the possible direct effect of COVID-19 infection on the brain.
With colleagues from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, my team is studying the intermediate and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID-19 virus on the brain and cognition. Using data collected prior to, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic by the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, we aim to assess the impact of the pandemic on cognitive trajectories and outcomes.
To better understand the impact of the COVID-19 virus on the brain and cognition, we are comparing brain structure, brain function, and cognitive performance of adults with COVID-19 to those who tested negative or had no symptoms. Early evidence is showing that silent strokes might be caused by the virus, which in turn could lead to a higher risk of developing dementia.
