The Covid-19 pandemic has already caused widespread anxiety and fatigue, with myriad side effects ranging from acute respiratory distress syndrome to long-lasting fatigue, loss of taste and smell, and more. However, a new study has raised alarm bells by suggesting that Covid infection may accelerate the progression of dementia, a chronic, progressive brain disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. As the world struggles to cope with the pandemic, it becomes more important than ever to take care of our cognitive health and protect our brains from the ravages of dementia. In this article, we’ll look at the latest research on Covid and dementia, and explore some ways to keep your brain fit and healthy in the midst of this global health crisis.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to surge in India, a new study has found that people with pre-existing dementia are at a higher risk of rapid decline in brain function after contracting the virus. The study was conducted in West Bengal and was published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports. Participants with neurodegenerative conditions experienced rapidly progressive dementia after being infected with SARS-CoV-2.
To take care of the brain amid the Covid-19 surge, HealthShots connected with Dr. Jaideep Bansal, Director and Head of Department, Neurology – Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, and Dr. Prithvi Giri, Consultant Neurology, Narayana Multispeciality Hospital Jaipur. Dementia is a disease of the brain that can interfere with daily activities, affecting memory, attention, reading, writing, decision-making, judgment, social interaction, understanding, and calculations. This happens because there is gradual deterioration in cognitive function.
Neurocognitive symptoms of Covid-19 include brain fog, anxiety, depression, forgetfulness, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. It has also been shown that Covid-19 affects neurocognitive function and increases the risk of dementia, particularly in people who already have the neurodegenerative disease.
After recovering from Covid-19, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, and focus on healthy eating. Dr. Bansal suggests including green leafy vegetables, fruits like kiwi, apricot, pineapple, orange, nuts rich in fats, magnesium, vitamin E and vitamin B, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts in your diet.
Engaging in activities that challenge the brain, such as learning a new skill or hobby, practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, staying socially connected with family and friends, and monitoring changes in cognitive function are also vital aspects of brain care.
Factors that can make dementia progress quickly include age, genetics, poor nutrition and lack of exercise, alcohol and drug abuse, head injuries, and chronic stress and depression. Those with other health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease should manage their conditions carefully to reduce their risk of developing dementia.
While there is no cure for dementia, medications and therapies may be prescribed to manage symptoms and slow down disease progression. Limiting alcohol and drug use, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep can help preserve cognitive function and improve quality of life for people with dementia.
In conclusion, the recent study suggests that Covid-19 infections may accelerate the progression of dementia. But there’s no need to panic, as there are ways to take care of your brain during this pandemic. We can protect ourselves by following all the preventive measures recommended by health authorities, including wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing hands frequently. Eating a balanced and healthy diet, staying physically active and mentally stimulated, and getting enough sleep can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline. As we face these unprecedented times, let’s make sure we prioritize our health and well-being, including our brain health.
