The psychological and cognitive impact of Covid-19 on individuals with neurocognitive impairments: research topics and remote intervention proposals

Devita, Maria; Bordignon, Alessandra; Sergi, Giuseppe; Coin, Alessandra

doi:10.1007/s40520-020-01637-6

Cited by 45 publications

(64 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Ageing increases the vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 and severity of COVID-19; the death rate in old population attained ∼10% compare to overall death rate of 0.66% (Mahase, 2020). Similarly, neurological and cognitive deficits seem to be on increase in elderly with COVID-19 history (Devita et al, 2020;Varatharaj et al, 2020). Brain as an organ sustains ageing remarkably well; cognitive excellence sustains into ages when physical abilities are remarkably affected (Verkhratsky, 2019).…”

Section: Aged Neuroglia Increases the Vulnerability Of The Brain To Cmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neuropathobiology of COVID-19: The Role for Glia

Tremblay

Madore

Bordeleau

et al. 2020

Front. Cell. Neurosci.

143

120

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SARS-CoV-2, which causes the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has a brain neurotropism through binding to the receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expressed by neurones and glial cells, including astrocytes and microglia. Systemic infection which accompanies severe cases of COVID-19 also triggers substantial increase in circulating levels of chemokines and interleukins that compromise the blood-brain barrier, enter the brain parenchyma and affect its defensive systems, astrocytes and microglia. Brain areas devoid of a blood-brain barrier such as the circumventricular organs are particularly vulnerable to circulating inflammatory mediators. The performance of astrocytes and microglia, as well as of immune cells required for brain health, is considered critical in defining the neurological damage and neurological outcome of COVID-19. In this review, we discuss the neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2, the implication of neuroinflammation, adaptive and innate immunity, autoimmunity, as well as astrocytic and microglial immune and homeostatic functions in the neurological and psychiatric aspects of COVID-19. The consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection during ageing, in the presence of systemic comorbidities, and for the exposed pregnant mother and foetus are also covered.

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Section: Aged Neuroglia Increases the Vulnerability Of The Brain To Cmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neuropathobiology of COVID-19: The Role for Glia

Tremblay

Madore

Bordeleau

et al. 2020

Front. Cell. Neurosci.

143

120

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…There is increasing interest in the possible association between BPSD and COVID-19 infection ( 31 , 32 ) and the challenge this may pose for those who care for individuals with BPSD ( 33 ). Although the association between BPSD and COVID-19 risk and severity is yet to be established empirically, the literature on this topic is expanding quickly.…”

Section: Higher Risk Of Covid-19 Infection and Associated Morbidity Imentioning

confidence: 99%

Effectively Caring for Individuals With Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

et al. 2020

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The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the elderly and particularly individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD). Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are heterogeneous and common in individuals with ADRD and are associated with more severe illness. However, unlike the cognitive symptoms of ADRD that are usually progressive, BPSD may be treatable. Individuals with BPSD are facing unique challenges during the pandemic due to the inherent nature of the illness and the biological and psychosocial impacts of COVID-19. These challenges include a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection in individuals with BPSD due to their frailty and medical vulnerability, difficulty participating in screening or testing, and adhering to infection control measures such as physical distancing. Further, biological effects of COVID-19 on the brain and its psychosocial impact such as isolation and disruption in mental health care are likely to worsen BPSD. In this paper, we discuss these challenges and strategies to manage the impact of COVID-19 and to effectively care for individuals with BPSD in community, long-term care, or hospital settings during the pandemic. Despite the ongoing uncertainty associated with this pandemic, we can reduce its impact on individuals with BPSD with a proactive approach.

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“…Analyses carried out using clinical data accumulated over the first half of 2020 and prognostic prediction models clearly show that older adults are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 infection (4), especially if they are affected by comorbidities such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) (5). The mental well-being of people with dementia who are socially isolating is also considered to be at extremely high risk and a thorough clinical management of this population is regarded as a top priority, especially for those living in care homes, since up to 98% of them present with neuropsychiatric symptoms (6,7). In fact, a significant association between social isolation and both mental health (8) and levels of cognitive abilities (9) has already been observed in older adults and appears to be mediated by loneliness, i.e., the subjective perception of social isolation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of COVID-19 Infection and Enforced Prolonged Social Isolation on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Older Adults With and Without Dementia: A Review

2020

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Background: The sudden and drastic changes due to the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic have impacted people's physical and mental health. Clinically-vulnerable older people are more susceptible to severe effects either directly by the COVID-19 infection or indirectly due to stringent social isolation measures. Social isolation and loneliness negatively impact mental health in older adults and may predispose to cognitive decline. People with cognitive impairments may also be at high risk of worsening cognitive and mental health due to the current pandemic. This review provides a summary of the recent literature on the consequences of COVID-19, due to either viral infection or social isolation, on neuropsychiatric symptoms in older adults with and without dementia. Methods: A search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science to identify all relevant papers published up to the 7th July 2020. Two independent assessors screened and selected the papers suitable for inclusion. Additional suitable papers not detected by literature search were manually added. Results: Fifteen articles were included: 8 focussed on the psychiatric symptoms caused by the COVID-19 infection and 7 investigated the impact of social isolation on older adults' neuropsychiatric symptoms. Four studies included older adults without dementia and 11 included patients with cognitive impairment mainly due to Alzheimer's disease. All studies found that different neuropsychiatric symptoms emerged and/or worsened in older adults with and without dementia. These changes were observed as the consequence of both COVID-19 infection and of the enforced prolonged conditions of social isolation. Cases were reported of viral infection manifesting with delirium at onset in the absence of other symptoms. Delirium, agitation and apathy were the symptoms most commonly detected, especially in people with dementia. Conclusion: The available evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has a wide negative impact on the mental well-being of older adults with and without dementia. Manca et al. Ageing and COVID-19 Neuropsychiatric Complications Viral infection and the consequent social isolation to limit its spreading have a range of neuropsychiatric consequences. Larger and more robustly designed studies are needed to clarify such effects and to assess the long-term implications for the mental health of older adults, and to test possible mitigating strategies.

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The psychological and cognitive impact of Covid-19 on individuals with neurocognitive impairments: research topics and remote intervention proposals

Cited by 45 publications

References 4 publications

Neuropathobiology of COVID-19: The Role for Glia

Neuropathobiology of COVID-19: The Role for Glia

Effectively Caring for Individuals With Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Impact of COVID-19 Infection and Enforced Prolonged Social Isolation on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Older Adults With and Without Dementia: A Review

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