MGH analyzes virus restrictions and mental health COVID-19 lockdown measures may have an adverse effect on brain health even on people who have so far avoided infection, according to a new study from researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital.  MGH found that after lockdowns, study participants demonstrated “elevated brain levels” of markers of neuroinflammation. The markers indicate that those participants faced “a higher burden of symptoms related to mood and mental and physical fatigue,” compared to pre-lockdown participants. The researchers analyzed brain imaging data, conducted behavioral tests, and collected blood samples from over 70 volunteers to arrive at their findings.