According to a study from the University of Toronto, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental health of older adults suffering from migraine.

Researchers found that more than 14% of older adults with migraine experienced depression for the first time during the pandemic, while nearly 50% of those with a history of depression suffered a recurrence.

“People with migraine are already vulnerable to mental health challenges such as depression,” said senior author Esme Fuller-Thomson, director of the Institute for Life Course and Aging. “The stressors of the pandemic, such as disruptions in health care access, have likely further increased this risk.”

The study, which analyzed data from more than 2,000 individuals in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, identified key factors that increased the likelihood of depression in this group.

Family conflict and increased mental health risks

The research highlighted that family conflict posed a significant challenge during the lockdown. “Increased conflict and decreased access to coping mechanisms such as social interaction or physical activity have likely contributed to the increase in depression,” said co-author Andy McNeil.

Family conflict was associated with five times the risk of new depression and three times the risk of recurrent depression.

Access to health care also played a significant role in mental health outcomes during the pandemic. “Even before the pandemic, health care access was a challenge for people with migraine,” said research assistant Anisha Tonke. The pandemic exacerbated these difficulties, doubling the risk of depression for people struggling to access care.

Caregiving responsibilities add further stress, especially for individuals who already struggle with the debilitating pain of migraine. According to Ying Jiang, a senior epidemiologist involved in the study, increased caregiving duties doubled the chances of developing depression.

The study authors highlighted the importance of continued research to determine whether these mental health trends persist after the pandemic. “This knowledge can guide targeted screening and interventions for people with migraine,” Fuller-Thomson said.