Nature头条：新冠大流期间，人类大脑衰老加快，即便未感染的人也是如此

Core Viewpoint - The study published in Nature Communications indicates that brain aging accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting even those who did not contract SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the significant impact of the pandemic on mental and neurological health [2][4][5]. Summary by Sections Study Background - The research conducted by the University of Nottingham analyzed brain scans from 15,334 healthy adults with an average age of 63, utilizing machine learning models to predict brain age based on structural features [8][10]. Findings on Brain Aging - The study found that individuals experienced an average brain aging acceleration of 5.5 months during the pandemic, regardless of SARS-CoV-2 infection status, suggesting that environmental factors also play a crucial role in brain health [10][12]. Demographic Insights - The accelerated brain aging was most pronounced in older adults, males, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, indicating that stressors such as unemployment and poor health significantly impacted brain aging [12]. Cognitive Function Assessment - Cognitive tests revealed that only participants who had contracted SARS-CoV-2 showed declines in cognitive abilities, such as processing speed and flexibility, indicating that physical brain aging does not necessarily correlate with cognitive decline [12]. Future Research Directions - The study calls for further research to explore the causal relationships behind accelerated brain aging during the pandemic, including the roles of mental health, isolation, and lifestyle factors [12].