The effect of COVID-19 isolation measures on the cognition and mental health of people living with dementia: A rapid systematic review of one year of quantitative evidence

Abstract

Background COVID-19 prevention and control policies have entailed lockdowns and confinement. This study aimed to summarize the global research evidence describing the effect of COVID-19 isolation measures on the health of people living with dementia. Methods We searched Pubmed, PsycINFO and CINAHL up to 27th of February 2021 for peer-reviewed quantitative studies about the effects of isolation during COVID-19 on the cognitive, psychological and functional symptoms of people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool was used to conduct the quality assessment. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021229259. Findings 15 eligible papers were identified, examining a total of 6442 people with dementia. 13/15 studies investigated people living in the community and 2 in care homes. Out of 15 studies, 9 (60%) reported changes in cognition and 14 (93%) worsening or new onset of behavioral and psychological symptoms. Six studies (46%) reported a functional decline in daily activities in a variable proportion of the population analyzed. Interpretation COVID-19 isolation measures have damaged the cognitive and mental health of people with dementia across the world. It is urgent to issue guidance that balances infection control measures against the principles of non-maleficence to guarantee fair and appropriate care during pandemic times for this population.

Home confinement and mental health problems during the Covid-19 pandemic among the population aged 50 and older: A gender perspective

“…Governments of countries all around the world adopted different measures to control the Covid-19 pandemic ( European Commission, 2020 ; Suárez-González et al, 2021 ), with home confinement being one of the toughest. Some of the measures, including confinement, proved to be effective in terms of controlling the spread of the virus, but led to other problems, particularly for the mental health of individuals ( Ammar et al, 2021 ).…”

The Experiences of People with Dementia and Informal Carers Related to the Closure of Social and Medical Services in Poland during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Qualitative Study

“…These key therapeutic needs are primarily associated with daily activity, companionship and emotional support which significantly influence the quality of life of a person with dementia and influence the course of the disease [ 4 ]. Coronavirus has particularly threatened the physical health of people with dementia who might be more prone to infection, usually through older age, comorbidities or frailty [ 5 ], leading to moves to protect and isolate them from exposure which has had significant unintended adverse consequences for their dementia and emotional well-being [ 1 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

The Mental Health of Caregivers and Their Patients With Dementia During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

“…However, while dementia patients are often evaluated from both clinical and behavioral points of view, their caregivers are frequently neglected. Indeed, caregivers experience a double burden of both their loved one's care and their personal living with lockdown measures (Iodice et al, 2021;Numbers and Brodaty, 2021;Suárez-González et al, 2021). Finally, the impact of changes in the mental health status of caregivers on their patients adds to this already novel complicated situation; therefore, a systematic review focusing on the perspective of caregivers has long been needed.…”