Social Isolation and Self-Reported Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults in Japan: A Longitudinal Study in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Noguchi, Taiji; Kubo, Yuta; Hayashi, Takahiro; Tomiyama, Naoki; Ochi, Akira; Hayashi, Hiroyuki

doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2021.05.015

Cited by 50 publications

(47 citation statements)

References 29 publications

(28 reference statements)

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“…A mediating factor may be the amount of social isolation participants report. A recent longitudinal study found that older adults who were isolated both before and during the pandemic, and older adults who became isolated as a result of the pandemic, were significantly more likely to self-report cognitive decline compared to those that remained non-isolated ( Noguchi et al, 2021 ). These subjective declines in cognitive functioning due to the pandemic appear to have a significant relationship with depression ( De Pue et al, 2021 ; Fiorenzato et al, 2021 ) and anxiety ( Fiorenzato et al, 2021 ) symptoms, indicating that those who are worried about their cognitive abilities may be concerned to the point of it impacting their psychological wellbeing.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These cognitive health worries have yet to be explored in the context of the pandemic. As mentioned above, extended periods of social isolation can lead to cognitive decline ( Lara et al, 2019 ; Noguchi et al, 2021 ; Yu et al, 2021 ) and so it may be reasonable to theorise that these cognitive worries have increased since the start of the pandemic. Older adults are hesitant to return to their normal day-to-day lives ( Age UK, 2020 ) and this extended isolation could lead to further declines in cognitive and psychological wellbeing.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Cognitive Health Worries, Reduced Physical Activity and Fewer Social Interactions Negatively Impact Psychological Wellbeing in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2022

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The Coronavirus pandemic has significantly affected psychological wellbeing in older adults, with cases of depression, anxiety and loneliness rising in the general population. Cognitive health has also potentially been affected, as social isolation can lead to cognitive decline. Worrying about cognitive health can be damaging to psychological wellbeing and is especially relevant to explore in the context of the Coronavirus pandemic. The objective of the present study was to explore the associations between cognitive health worries and wellbeing, and to investigate whether physical activity and social contact can mitigate negative effects of the pandemic on psychological wellbeing. Older adults (N = 191) completed an online survey which included measures of cognitive health worries, depression, anxiety, loneliness, social isolation, fatigue, impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, quality of life, subjective vitality, and physical activity. Analyses indicated that cognitive health worries, lower levels of physical activity and smaller amounts of social interaction were associated with poorer psychological and physical wellbeing. Results showed that worrying about cognitive health is associated with poorer wellbeing, and so interventions are needed to encourage positive cognitive functioning in times of social isolation. Promoting physical activity and social interaction is also beneficial, as results show that exercise and social contact are linked with improved wellbeing.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cognitive Health Worries, Reduced Physical Activity and Fewer Social Interactions Negatively Impact Psychological Wellbeing in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2022

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“…One Indonesian study found particular individuals were more vulnerable to anxiety, including those younger in age, of the female sex, suspected COVID-19 infection, and lack adequate social support ( 30 ). Lastly, within the geriatric population, apart from feelings of loneliness and abandonment, periods of quarantine can also worsen cognitive function ( 31 ). Those among the vulnerable population are already susceptible to mental health problems and the pandemic has amplified their susceptibility.…”

Section: Main Issuesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Right to Health: COVID-19 Pandemic and the Opportunity to Transform Mental Health Inequalities in Indonesia

Anindyajati

Mardiasmo

Sekarasih

et al. 2022

Front. Public Health

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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major catastrophes worldwide. In Indonesia, the pandemic has caused greater barriers for individuals to access mental health services. This article aims to capture the state of public mental health in Indonesia using data from various national surveys. Four main problems were identified: the increase in depression, loneliness, and distress in the general population, disruption in accessing mental health services, mental health problems among vulnerable populations, and the limited scope of available mental health services and facilities in the community. This article provided practical recommendations for the Indonesian government that focuses on preparing a resilient mental healthcare system for future crises, reducing barriers to access mental health services, and expanding the available resources and programs to ensure equal and sustainable access to mental health services in the community.

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“…In addition, no measure prior to the pandemic was available. Noguchi et al [ 13 ] conducted a survey among 955 older adults living in the community in Japan who were required to answer a questionnaire by postal mail. In this study, social isolation was associated with a self-reported decline in cognitive function.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Longitudinal Study of Cognitive Decline before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from the PA-COVID Survey

Amieva

Retuerto

Hernandez-Ruiz

et al. 2022

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord

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Introduction: Even though several studies reported good resilience capacities in older adults in the first period of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, in the long run, social isolation induced by the protective measures adopted by most countries may negatively impact cognitive functioning. Taking the advantage of measures collected up to 15 years before the pandemic in participants followed up in epidemiological studies, we compared cognitive decline before and after the start of the pandemic. Methods: PA-COVID is a phone survey designed in the framework of ongoing population-based studies (PAQUID, 3-City, Approche Multidisciplinaire Intégrée cohorts). Data on social functioning and mental health were collected in participants aged 80 years and older during the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, the participants followed up in the prospective studies completed the Mini-Mental State Examination. During the PA-COVID survey, they underwent the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. A score was computed with the 11 items shared by the 2 tests. Our analysis was carried out in the participants for whom a cognitive measure was available up to 15 years before the pandemic and during the pandemic (n = 263). Results: Compared to the slow decline of the cognitive subscore observed during the 15 years preceding the pandemic, mixed models showed an acceleration of decline after the start of the pandemic (β = −0.289, p value <0.001). Conclusions: With a design allowing comparing cognitive trajectory before and after the pandemic, this is the first study reporting an accelerated decline in older adults. Future COVID research in older adults will need to pay special attention to cognitive outcomes.

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Social Isolation and Self-Reported Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults in Japan: A Longitudinal Study in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Cited by 50 publications

References 29 publications

Cognitive Health Worries, Reduced Physical Activity and Fewer Social Interactions Negatively Impact Psychological Wellbeing in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Cognitive Health Worries, Reduced Physical Activity and Fewer Social Interactions Negatively Impact Psychological Wellbeing in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Right to Health: COVID-19 Pandemic and the Opportunity to Transform Mental Health Inequalities in Indonesia

Longitudinal Study of Cognitive Decline before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from the PA-COVID Survey

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