Media Advisory
Trump’s COVID/Mental Health Connection
WHAT: With today’s news about President Trump’s positive COVID test, more research to explore what we know about how older adults manage following a COVID diagnosis is crucial. A team from McLean geriatric department have been studying the neuropsychiatric impact of COVID-19 on older adults.
Key research findings:
- Research suggests that the COVID-19 can have an impact on the brain that persists long after recovery from the respiratory illness.
- Factors such poor physical health, loneliness and poor social support can lead to worse outcomes. Proficiency with technology and physical exercise can be protective. Higher stress levels may also be a factor though the precise nature of these relationships is not yet well understood.
- McLean Hospital researcher found that based on continuous digital phenotyping of older adults recovering from COVID-19 indicates that the mental health impact can vary between older adults. Subtle changes in sleep and motion may persist up to 3 months after recovery.
- Common symptoms appear to be depression, anxiety and PTSD-like symptoms.
WHO: Ipsit Vahia, MD, Medical Director of McLean’s Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Services and Medical Director of McLean Institute for Technology in Psychiatry. Founded in 1811, McLean Hospital is a leader in psychiatric care, research, and education and is the largest psychiatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.
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