The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia and carer mental health: an international multicentre study

Abstract

As a global health emergency, the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) led to the implementation of widespread restrictions (e.g., quarantine, physical/social distancing measures). However, while these restrictions reduce the viral spread of COVID-19, they may exacerbate behavioural and cognitive symptoms in dementia patients and increase pressure on caregiving. Here, we aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 and related restrictions on both carers and people living with dementia across the world. We conducted an international survey (Australia, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands) to assess the impact of COVID-19 on carers and people living with dementia. People with dementia experienced worsened neuropsychiatric symptoms since the outbreak of COVID-19, most commonly, depression, apathy, delusions, anxiety, irritability, and agitation. Regression analyses revealed that limited understanding of the COVID-19 situation and not living with the carer was associated with worsened neuropsychiatric symptoms. Carers also reported a decline in their own mental health, increased stress and reduced social networks as a result of COVID-19 and related restrictions. Regression analyses revealed uncertainty about the future and loneliness were associated with worsened carer mental health. Findings from this study will inform strategies for the development of support services and compassionate protocols that meet the evolving needs of those living with dementia and their carers.

The impact of social isolation from COVID-19-related public health measures on cognitive function and mental health among older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…( Alzheimer Society, n.d. Risk factors for dementia (2022) ; Alzheimer's Disease International (2022) ; Canevelli et al (2020) ; Carbone et al (2021) ; Clare et al (2022) ; Giebel et al (2021) ; Hernández-Ruiz et al (2021) ; Li et al (2022) ; Mayo Clinic (2022) ; Noguchi et al (2021) ; Özgün-Başıbüyük et al (2021) ; Prince Martin et al (2015) ; Rongwei et al (2010) ; Sutton et al (2022) ; Wei et al (2022) ; World Health Organization (2022)…”

Changes in depression and anxiety among people with cognitive impairment and dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic: Analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

“…Some research has already investigated this to an extent; a rapid review of evidence related to the impact of COVID-19 isolation measures on mental health among people with dementia found that most studies identified worsening behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) (28). Some of the research found these results through subjective assessments made by caregivers (29), qualitative interviews of people with dementia and their caregivers (30,31), and across international contexts (32).…”

Links between COVID-19 and Parkinson’s disease/Alzheimer’s disease: reciprocal impacts, medical care strategies and underlying mechanisms

“…Bretonniere et al found that the duration of confinement and increased stress of caregivers significantly correlate with the severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms [ 5 ]. Besides, limited understanding of the COVID-19 situation and lack of outpatient rehabilitation services are also associated with a deterioration of neuropsychiatric symptoms [ 114 , 116 ]. Apart from the aforementioned studies completed after 1–2 months of COVID-19 lockdown, Chen et al reported a longitudinal 1-year follow-up study comparing cognitive function of AD patients before and after COVID-19 lockdown to determine the long-term impact of confinement on AD patients.…”