A study conducted by researchers at Britain’s Exeter University and King’s College concluded that the lockdowns had a devastating impact on the memories of people over the age of 50 who were previously anxious or depressed.
The Daily Mail reports that the researchers came to the conclusion after analyzing short-term memory tests and psychological profiles of 6,300 people over the age of 50.
They discovered that those previously struggling with mental health issues recorded what was the equivalent of a five or six year memory loss that comes from natural aging.
Speaking on behalf of the researchers, Dr Helen Brooker noted:
“It’s likely key factors were the unprecedented impact of worsening mental health caused by widespread anxiety over the pandemic, and long periods of lockdown.”
The researchers added that those over 50, who had a happier disposition, showed no significant memory loss.
Charity Age (CA) also conducted a survey of 15,000 elderly people in Britain and found that 22% stated they were finding it harder to remember things. CA concluded this was largely the result of lockdowns.
A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17: 22 NIV)
OpentheWord.org 