A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington reveals that the Covid-19 lockdowns have led to premature aging of teenage brains. This research sheds light on the significant impact of pandemic-related disruptions on adolescent brain development, particularly highlighting the effects on girls.
Premature Brain Aging During Covid-19
The University of Washington’s study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that Covid lockdowns—characterized by school closures, canceled activities, and stay-at-home orders—have prematurely aged teen brains by up to four years. This aging effect was observed through MRI scans and was particularly pronounced in adolescent girls.
Researchers at the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS) began their study with MRIs of 160 teens from the Seattle area in 2018. The participants, aged between 9 and 19, were re-scanned in 2021 after the lockdowns began in 2020. The study focused on the thinning of the cerebral cortex, which is linked to higher-level brain functions such as reasoning and decision-making.
The findings revealed:
- Teen boys experienced an average brain aging of 1.4 years.
- Teen girls showed a more pronounced average aging of 4.2 years.
Impact of Covid Lockdowns on Girls vs. Boys
The study highlighted that the thinning of the cerebral cortex in girls was more widespread compared to boys. While boys experienced thinning in two regions of the occipital lobe—associated with distance and depth perception, face recognition, and memory—girls showed thinning across 30 brain regions.
Patricia Kuhl, the lead researcher, attributed the greater impact on girls to their reliance on social interactions for emotional support and self-identity. Dr. Ellen Rome, a specialist in adolescent medicine, explained that women often seek social connection during stressful times, which may have been disrupted by the lockdowns.
Long-Term Risks and Mental Health Implications
The accelerated brain aging observed during the pandemic raises concerns about long-term risks for adolescents. While the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between lockdowns and brain changes, the thinning of the cortex has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and other behavioral disorders.
A similar study from Stanford University in 2022 also reported changes in cortical thickness during the pandemic, comparing them to childhood trauma. The pandemic’s isolation and disruption were particularly harmful during a critical period of emotional and behavioral development.
Recovery and Resilience
Despite the challenges posed by the lockdowns, experts emphasize that recovery is possible. Dr. Jonathan Posner, a psychiatry professor, notes that social interactions are crucial for adolescent development, and the effects of lost interactions can be mitigated if young people re-engage with their peers.
Seattle mom Karin Zaugg Black shared her family’s experience, noting that her daughter Delia, who struggled with social interactions during remote schooling, has made significant progress as she resumes regular social activities.
Experts remain hopeful about the resilience of young people and stress the importance of continued support to help them fully recover from the pandemic’s impact.
Conclusion
The findings from this study underscore the profound effects of the Covid-19 lockdowns on adolescent brain development. While the long-term consequences are still uncertain, there is optimism that with proper support and renewed social interactions, young people can recover and continue to thrive.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/mental-health/covid-lockdowns-teen-brains-aged-prematurely-rcna169966
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