Dementia wellbeing and COVID-19: Review and expert consensus on current research and knowledge gaps

Challenges faced by older people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic as perceived by professionals: a qualitative study with interviews

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have highlighted a decline in the mental health of older adults over the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Few studies have determined the possible causes of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia during COVID-19 in a comprehensive manner. We aimed to identify the challenges faced by older adults with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This study adopted a qualitative approach to understanding the perceptions of healthcare professionals, such as regarding the negative effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of people with dementia. Between January and March 2022, the authors conducted individual in-depth interviews on how COVID-19 affected the stress levels, care, and self-determination of people with dementia. Qualitative data from the individual interviews were data cleansed to ensure the clarity and readability of the transcripts. The qualitative data were then analyzed by inductive manual coding using a qualitative content analysis approach. The grouping process involved reading and comparing individual labels to cluster similar labels into categories and inductively formulate themes.

RESULTS

Qualitative analysis extracted 61 different semantic units that were duplicated. Seven categories were inductively extracted using a grouping process. These were further integrated to extract the following four themes: fear of personal protective equipment (PPE), loneliness, dissatisfaction with behavioural restrictions and limitations of video calls, and family interference with service use.

DISCUSSION

People with dementia often faced mental distress during the pandemic owing to preventive measures against COVID-19, and a lack of awareness and understanding of such preventive measures worsened their distress. They experienced a severe sense of social isolation and loneliness. Findings also indicated that families tended to ignore the needs of people with dementia and their decisions and opinions regarding healthcare service use.

Online Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Dementia in Brazil and India: Acceptability, Feasibility, and Lessons for Implementation

BACKGROUND

Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is an evidence-based, group psychosocial intervention for people with dementia, and it has a positive impact on cognition and quality of life. CST has been culturally adapted for use globally. It was developed as a face-to-face intervention but has recently been adapted for online delivery.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of online or virtual CST (vCST) delivery in India and Brazil, emphasizing barriers and facilitators to implementation.

METHODS

A single-group, multisite, mixed methods, feasibility study was conducted, with nested qualitative interviews. Primary feasibility outcomes were recruitment rate, attendance, attrition, acceptability, and outcome measure completion. Exploratory pre- and postintervention measures, including cognition and quality of life, were assessed. Qualitative interviews were conducted with people with dementia, family caregivers, and group and organizational leaders following intervention delivery, and the data were analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

RESULTS

A total of 17 vCST group sessions with 59 participants were conducted for 7 weeks, with 53% (31/59) of participants attending all 14 sessions. Attrition rate was 7% (4/59), and outcome measure completion rate at follow-up was 68% (40/59). Interviews took place with 36 stakeholders. vCST was acceptable to participants and group leaders and enabled vital access to services during pandemic restrictions. While online services broadened geographic access, challenges emerged concerning inadequate computer literacy, poor technology access, and establishing interpersonal connections online. Exploratory, uncontrolled analyses indicated positive trends in quality of life but negative trends in cognition and activities of daily living, but these results were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

vCST demonstrated feasibility and acceptability, serving as a crucial resource during the pandemic but raised challenges related to technology access, computer literacy, and long-term implementation. The study highlights the potential of vCST while emphasizing ongoing development and solutions to address implementation challenges.

Population incidence and associated mortality of urinary tract infection in people living with dementia

OBJECTIVES

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) frequently cause hospitalisation and death in people living with dementia (PLWD). We examine UTI incidence and associated mortality among PLWD relative to matched controls and people with diabetes and investigate whether delayed or withheld treatment further impacts mortality.

METHODS

Data were extracted for n = 2,449,814 people aged ≥ 50 in Wales from 2000-2021, with groups matched by age, sex, and multimorbidity. Poisson regression was used to estimate incidences of UTI and mortality. Cox regression was used to study the effects of treatment timing.

RESULTS

UTIs in dementia (HR=2.18, 95 %CI [1.88-2.53], p < .0) and diabetes (1.21[1.01-1.45], p = .035) were associated with high mortality, with the highest risk in individuals with diabetes and dementia (both) (2.83[2.40-3.34], p < .0) compared to matched individuals with neither dementia nor diabetes. 5.4 % of untreated PLWD died within 60 days of GP diagnosis-increasing to 5.9 % in PLWD with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidences of UTI and associated mortality are high in PLWD, especially in those with diabetes and dementia. Delayed treatment for UTI is further associated with high mortality.

Assessment of Dementia in Minority Ethnic Groups in Scotland: Results of a Survey of Cognitive Specialists

OBJECTIVE

Minority ethnic groups (MEGs) in Europe receive suboptimal dementia evaluation, yet related research in Scotland is lacking. This research examined the evaluation of dementia in MEGs in Scotland and compared it with previous research to highlight the changes in the clinical evaluation of dementia over the decade.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A self-administered survey was created online and emailed to 14 Heads of the boards under the Scottish National Health Service and dementia-associated settings and organizations.

RESULTS

Most surveyed centers (85.6%) received MEG referrals. Although 92.9% of the centers used professional translators when needed, 85.7% thought assessing dementia in MEGs was difficult, mostly due to the suitability of test instruments and rating scales and patients' linguistic abilities. Very few found their skills to be good in evaluating MEGs. There was no mention of specialized dementia services for MEGs.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of culturally appropriate instruments and specialized dementia services reveals that the services are not ready to meet the demand for evaluating patients from diverse cultural and language backgrounds. Inadequate clinical evaluation may lead to misdiagnoses. Therefore, although significant work has been carried out in the past few years, improvements must be continued to enhance the current practices and apply suitable evaluation methods for MEGs.

Association Between Dementia, Change in Home-Care Use, and Depressive Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study Using Data from Three Cohort Studies

Background

The emotional impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on people with dementia has been quantified. However, little is known about the impact of change in home-care use owing to the pandemic.

Objective

To determine the longitudinal association between dementia, change in home-care use, and depressive symptoms during the pandemic.

Methods

We included data of 43,782 home-dwelling older adults from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), Study of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), and National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). This study considered the latest main wave survey prior to the pandemic as the baseline, and the COVID-19 survey as follow-up. In a series of coordinated analyses, multilevel binomial logistic regression model was used to examine the association between baseline dementia, change in home-care use at follow-up, and presence of depressive symptoms.

Results

Dementia, using the ELSA, SHARE, and NHATS datasets, was identified in 2.9%, 2.3%, and 6.5% of older adults, and home-care use reduced in 1.7%, 2.8%, and 1.1% of individuals with dementia, respectively. Dementia was significantly associated with the increased risk of depressive symptoms in all three cohorts. However, the interaction between dementia and period (follow-up) was non-significant in SHARE and NHATS. Across all three cohorts, home-care use during the pandemic, regardless of change in amount, was significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms, compared to the non-use of home care.

Conclusions

These results highlight the need for tailoring dementia care at home to promote independence and provide sustainable emotional support.

Mental health and self-rated health of older carers during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from England

OBJECTIVES

Older carers play a vital role supporting population health and protecting health and social care systems, yet there has been little research on understanding the effect of the pandemic on this group. In this paper, we investigate caring as a factor contributing to mental and self-rated health.

METHODS

We investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between provision of family care and mental health and wellbeing using longitudinal data from 5,149 members of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing who responded to Wave 9 (2018/2019) and two COVID-19 sub-studies (June/July 2020; November/December 2020). We use logistic or linear regression models depending on outcome measures, controlling for pre-pandemic socioeconomic, demographic, and health-related variables.

RESULTS

Before the pandemic, 21% of respondents cared for family or friends. Older people caring for someone inside the household mostly continued to provide care during the pandemic, with more than a quarter reporting an increase in the amount of care provided. Co-resident carers were disproportionately female, older, in the lowest wealth quintile, and more likely to report disability and chronic conditions. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses suggest that, compared to those caring for people living outside the household, co-resident carers were significantly more likely to report poorer mental health and self-rated health.

CONCLUSION

The health of older carers worsened disproportionately in the first year of the pandemic, a period also characterised by disruptions to support and closure of respite services. Support for carers' mental and physical health requires greater policy attention, especially in pandemic conditions.

A New Approach to Individualize Physical Activity Interventions for Individuals With Dementia: Cluster Analysis Based on Physical and Cognitive Performance

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Physical activity (PA) can have a beneficial effect on cognitive and physical performance in individuals with dementia (IWD), including those residing in nursing homes. However, PA interventions in nursing homes are usually delivered using a group setting, which may limit the effectiveness of the intervention due to the heterogenous nature of IWD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify clusters based on cognitive and physical performance values, which could be used to improve individualization of PA interventions.

METHODS

Based on the cognitive and physical performance variables of 230 IWD, a cluster analysis was conducted. Global cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination), mobility (6-Meter Walking Test), balance (Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques-subtest-4), and strength and function of lower extremities (30-Second Chair-Stand Test) were assessed, and values were used to perform a hierarchical cluster analysis with Ward's method. Differences in physical and cognitive performance as well as other secondary outcomes (age, sex, body mass index, use of walking aids, diagnosis and etiology of dementia, number of medications, and Cumulative Illness Rating Scale) were tested using 1-factorial analyses of variance.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Out of 230 data sets, 3-cluster solutions were identified with similar cluster sizes of 73 to 79. The silhouette coefficients for all calculated clusters ranged between 0.15 and 0.34. The cluster solutions were discussed in the context of cognitive and physical functions as well as training modalities and opportunities. The 4-cluster solution appears to be best suited for providing or developing an individualized PA intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified clusters of the 4-cluster solution may be used in future research to improve individualization of dementia-specific PA interventions. By assigning IWD to these clusters, more homogenous groups with regard to cognitive and physical performance can be formed. This allows for more individualized PA interventions and may result in a higher effectiveness, particularly in nursing homes. Our findings are relevant for therapists and nursing staff who design or deliver PA interventions in nursing homes or similar settings.

Online Singing Groups for People With Dementia: Adaptation and Resilience in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic

INTRODUCTION

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, people with dementia living in the community experienced the sudden loss of their usual activities, and videoconferencing was widely adopted by music groups whilst face-to-face sessions were not possible. This paper reports the findings of a proof-of-concept study of online singing for people living with dementia and their carers, focusing on the experiences of the participants.

METHOD

People with dementia and their care partners were invited to take part in 10 weeks of online singing sessions. Each session lasted 1 hour, and comprised time for talking, warming up and singing familiar songs. Participants completed standardised outcome measures at baseline and after 10 weeks. Dyads were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview.

RESULTS

In total, 16 pairs were recruited. The response to the online singing group was mostly positive. Participants were able to use the technology to join the sessions, and reported few technical problems. Despite the limitations of online singing, the experience was frequently reported to be enjoyable. Some participants described longer-term benefits, such as improved mood and better relationship between care partners. Some felt online sessions had advantages over face-to-face ones; for example, they were more accessible. However, participants who had previously been attending face-to-face sessions felt that the online singing was a "better than nothing" substitute.

CONCLUSIONS

Online singing cannot recreate the experience of group singing face-to-face, and it requires some technical knowledge, but it provides a worthwhile alternative in a time of need for some people with dementia and their carers. Furthermore, for some people online singing may be preferable due to its accessibility. Given the potential for online singing to include people who cannot go out for any reason and its relatively low cost, providers may wish to consider hybrid online/in-person singing groups in future.

'I feel more part of the world': Participatory action research to develop post-diagnostic dementia support

Many people living with dementia are 'on the margins', not accessing services and support, despite policy and care advancements. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this, with the closure of face-to-face support during lockdowns in the UK and globally. The aim of the 'Beyond the Margins' project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a face-face programme of support with, by and for people with direct experience of dementia who are on the margins of existing services and support. In March 2020 the project was interrupted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and it changed to an online format. The three-phase participatory action research project included 40 people living with dementia, 26 care partners and 31 health and social care practitioners. A seven-week online personal development programme called Getting On with Life (GO) was developed, delivered, and evaluated. This paper focuses on the participatory approaches used to develop and implement the GO programme, and the resulting aspects of its approach to facilitation and content. Key features include the GO Programme's principles of providing a safe and a respectful space, and the programme's values of: Everyone who comes already knows things, can learn things and can teach things; Doing things 'with' each other, rather than 'for' or 'to' each other; Personalised goals-led by the needs of participants rather than an imposed agenda. A key finding was the importance of developing post-diagnostic programmes as a 'sandwich', providing a safe space for learning that is preceded by understanding pathways to access the programme and followed by explicit consideration of the next steps in increasing social engagement.

Dignity as a Central Issue in Treating Patients with Dementia Associated with COVID-19 Infection

COVID-19 was initially considered a primary respiratory disorder associated with various short- and long-term complications, affecting many patients and imposing a significant burden. Patients who have dementia are especially vulnerable to the SARS-CoV2 infection, which is associated with an increased risk for neuropsychiatric complications. These patients need a unique approach to managing ethical issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including autonomy, veracity, non-maleficence, justice, compassion, and dignity. The latter is one of the most elusive and misunderstood concepts in medical ethics and is extremely important in debates surrounding the proper management of patients with dementia. However, it is often left out of ethical analysis, as most clinicians, when debating issues associated with clinical practice, often evaluate only the "classical" principles of biomedical ethics. In this article, we aim to assess the unique features of dignity in treating this group of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will briefly analyze dignity as a bioethical concept. We will further explore its principal axes, namely compassion, creating a humane and purposeful environment, employing persuasion to meet the person's essential needs, exerting a certain degree of mild restraint to meet the person's critical needs, minimizing harm in terminal care, and justice, through the lens of people who had dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applying this principle in clinical practice requires significant commitment from all healthcare workers. New approaches to the analysis of dignity, such as through the Ring Theory of Personhood, may facilitate its understanding by practitioners and aid its implementation in populations with multiple vulnerabilities, such as dementia patients, during an infectious outbreak that generates significant social and medical changes.

Has COVID-19 affected dementia diagnosis rates in England?

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted on the provision of care and routine activity of all National Health Service (NHS) services. While General Practitioner referrals to memory services in England have returned to pre-pandemic levels, the estimated dementia diagnosis rate (DDR) fell by 5.4% between March 2020 and February 2023.

METHODS

In this paper we explore whether this reduction is accurate or is an artefact of the way the NHS collects data.

RESULTS

We explore the processes that may have affected national dementia diagnosis rates during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

We discuss what action could be taken to improve the DDR in the future.

The memory clinic and psychosocial intervention: Translating past promise into current practices

Disproportionate negative effects since the pandemic have amplified the already limited post-diagnostic support for older people with dementia. This paper summarizes an exploratory randomized controlled study of a proactive family-based intervention compared with "usual" post-diagnostic dementia care. Memory clinic practitioners collaborated with the family doctor (GP) to coordinate this. At 12-month follow-up, positive effects on mood, behavior, carer coping and maintenance of care at home were found. Current approaches to deliver post-diagnostic support in primary care may require rethinking since (i) GP workloads have increased with low numbers of GPs per head of population in parts of England; and (ii) unlike many other long-term conditions, ongoing stigma, fear and uncertainty associated with dementia adds to the huge complexity of timely care provision. There is a case for return to a "one-stop facility", with a single pathway of continuing multidisciplinary coordinated care for older people with dementia and families. Future longitudinal research could compare structured post-diagnostic psychosocial intervention coordinated by skilled practitioners in a single locality memory service "hub", against other approaches such support organized mostly within primary care. Dementia-specific instruments for outcome measurement are available for use in routine practice, and should be included in such comparative studies.

Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults with Dementia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study examined the longitudinal association between dementia, activity participation, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic period, and 1-year mental health changes. We obtained data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study in the United States. We included 4,548 older adult participants of two or more survey rounds between 2018 and 2021. We identified baseline dementia status, and assessed depressive symptoms and anxiety at baseline and follow-up. Dementia and poor activity participation were independently associated with an increased prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety. Dementia care and support should address emotional and social needs under continued public health restrictions.

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

BACKGROUND

Some studies have identified declines in mental health during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in different age groups, including older people. As anxiety and depression are common neuropsychiatric symptoms among people with cognitive impairment, the mental health experiences of older people during the pandemic should take cognitive function into consideration, along with assessments made prior to the pandemic. This study addresses evidence gaps to test whether changes in depression and anxiety among older people through the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with cognitive impairment. It also investigates whether associations varied according to key sources of sociodemographic inequality.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) collected from 2018/2019 to November/December 2020, we estimated changes in depression and anxiety for people aged 50+ in England across 3 cognitive function groups: no impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia. Conditional growth curve models were estimated for continuous measures over 3 time points (N = 5,286), with mixed-effects logistic regression used for binary measures. All models adjusted for demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, and cohabiting partnership), socioeconomics (education, wealth, and employment status), geography (urban/rural and English region), and health (self-rated and the presence of multimorbidity). We found that depression (measured with CES-D score) worsened from 2018/2019 to November/December 2020 for people with mild cognitive impairment (1.39 (95% CI: 1.29 to 1.49) to 2.16 (2.02 to 2.30)) or no impairment (1.17 (95%CI: 1.12 to 1.22) to 2.03 (1.96 to 2.10)). Anxiety, using a single-item rating of 0 to 10 also worsened among those with mild cognitive impairment (2.48 (2.30 to 2.66) to 3.14 (2.95 to 3.33)) or no impairment (2.20 (2.11 to 2.28) to 2.85 (2.77 to 2.95)). No statistically significant increases were found for those with dementia. Using a clinical cutoff for likely depression (CES-D ≥4), we found statistically significant increases in the probability of depression between 2018/2019 and November/December 2020 for those with no impairment (0.110 (0.099 to 0.120) to 0.206 (0.191 to 0.222)) and mild impairment (0.139 (0.120 to 0.159) to 0.234 (0.204 to 0.263)). We also found that differences according to cognitive function that existed before the pandemic were no longer present by June/July 2020, and there were no statistically significant differences in depression or anxiety among cognitive groups in November/December 2020. Wealth and education appeared to be stronger drivers for depression and anxiety, respectively, than cognitive impairment. For example, those with no impairment in the richest two-thirds scored 1.76 (1.69 to 1.82) for depression in June/July, compared to 2.01 (1.91 to 2.12) for those with no impairment in the poorest third and 2.03 (1.87 to 2.19) for those with impairment in the poorest third. Results may be limited by the small number of people with dementia and are generalizable only to people living in the community, not to those in institutional care settings.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a convergence in mental health across cognitive function groups during the pandemic. This suggests mental health services will need to meet an increased demand from older adults, especially those not living with cognitive impairment. Further, with little significant change among those with dementia, their existing need for support will remain; policymakers and care practitioners should ensure this group continues to have equitable access to mental health support.

Associations of cognitive impairment with self-isolation and access to health and care during the COVID-19 pandemic in England

This research explored experiences across three cognitive function groups (no impairment, mild impairment, and dementia) with respect to shielding (either self-isolating or staying at home), COVID-19 infection, and access to health/care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyses were conducted using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) COVID-19 sub-study collected in 2020. We report bivariate estimates across our outcomes of interest by cognitive function group along with multivariate regression results adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, geographic, and health characteristics. Rates of shielding were high across all cognitive function groups and three measured time points (April, June/July, and Nov/Dec 2020), ranging from 74.6% (95% confidence interval 72.9-76.2) for no impairment in Nov/Dec to 96.7% (92.0-98.7) for dementia in April (bivariate analysis). 44.1% (33.5-55.3) of those with dementia experienced disruption in access to community health services by June/July compared to 34.9% (33.2-36.7) for no impairment. A higher proportion of those with mild impairment reported hospital-based cancellations in June/July (23.1% (20.1-26.4)) and Nov/Dec (16.3% (13.4-19.7)) than those with no impairment (18.0% (16.6-19.4) and 11.7% (10.6-12.9)). Multivariate adjusted models found that those with dementia were 2.4 (1.1-5.0) times more likely than those with no impairment to be shielding in June/July. All other multivariate analyses found no statistically significant differences between cognitive function groups. People with dementia were more likely than people with no impairment to be shielding early in the pandemic, but importantly they were no more likely to experience disruption to services or hospital treatment.

The Worldwide Utilization of Online Information about Dementia from 2004 to 2022: An Infodemiological Study of Google and Wikipedia

With the advent of Infodemics about health conditions, including dementia, nurses can engage in infodemiological studies to inform public health services and policies. This infodemiological study described the worldwide utilization of online information for dementia using Google Trends and Wikipedia page views. It found that the utilization of online information about dementia increased and will further increase using Google in succeeding years. Thus, the Internet is an increasingly important medium for dementia information in this age of misinformation and disinformation. Nurse informaticists can perform national infodemiological studies to inform and contextualize online dementia information. Likewise, public health, geriatric, and mental health nurses can collaborate with their communities and patients to address online disinformation and create culturally-appropriate information about dementia.

The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown Measures and COVID-19 Infection on Cognitive Functions: A Review in Healthy and Neurological Populations

The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected people's mental health all over the world. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the literature related to the effects of COVID-19 lockdown measures and COVID-19 infection on cognitive functioning in both healthy people and people with neurological conditions by considering only standardized tests. We performed a narrative review of the literature via two databases, PUBMED and SCOPUS, from December 2019 to December 2022. In total, 62 out of 1356 articles were selected and organized into three time periods: short-term (1-4 months), medium-term (5-8 months), and long-term (9-12 months), according to the time in which the tests were performed. Regardless of the time period, most studies showed a general worsening in cognitive performance in people with neurological conditions due to COVID-19 lockdown measures and in healthy individuals recovered from COVID-19 infection. Our review is the first to highlight the importance of considering standardized tests as reliable measures to quantify the presence of cognitive deficits due to COVID-19. Indeed, we believe that they provide an objective measure of the cognitive difficulties encountered in the different populations, while allowing clinicians to plan rehabilitation treatments that can be of great help to many patients who still, nowadays, experience post-COVID-19 symptoms.

Predictors of loneliness during the Covid-19 pandemic in people with dementia and their carers in England: findings from the DETERMIND-C19 study

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors that predict the risk of loneliness for people with dementia and carers during a pandemic.

METHODS

People with dementia and their carers completed assessments before (July 2019-March 2020; 206 dyads) and after (July-October 2020) the first Covid-19 'lockdown' in England. At follow-up, the analytic sample comprised 67 people with dementia and 108 carers. We built a longitudinal path model with loneliness as an observed outcome. Carer type and social contacts at both measurements were considered. Other social resources (quality of relationship, formal day activities), wellbeing (anxiety, psychological wellbeing) and cognitive impairment were measured with initial level and change using latent growth curves. We adjusted for socio-demographic factors and health at baseline.

RESULTS

In carers, higher levels of loneliness were directly associated with non-spouse coresident carer type, level and increase of anxiety in carer, more formal day activities, and higher cognitive impairment in the person with dementia. In people with dementia, non-spouse coresident carer type, and higher initial levels of social resources, wellbeing, and cognitive impairment predicted the changes in these factors; this produced indirect effects on social contacts and loneliness.

CONCLUSION

Loneliness in the Covid-19 pandemic appears to be shaped by different mechanisms for people with dementia and their carers. The results suggest that carers of those with dementia may prioritize providing care that protects the person with dementia from loneliness at the cost of experiencing loneliness themselves. Directions for the promotion of adaptive social care during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond are discussed.

Alzheimer's disease and COVID-19: Interactions, intrinsic linkages, and the role of immunoinflammatory responses in this process

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and COVID-19 share many common risk factors, such as advanced age, complications, APOE genotype, etc. Epidemiological studies have also confirmed the internal relationship between the two diseases. For example, studies have found that AD patients are more likely to suffer from COVID-19, and after infection with COVID-19, AD also has a much higher risk of death than other chronic diseases, and what's more interesting is that the risk of developing AD in the future is significantly higher after infection with COVID-19. Therefore, this review gives a detailed introduction to the internal relationship between Alzheimer's disease and COVID-19 from the perspectives of epidemiology, susceptibility and mortality. At the same time, we focused on the important role of inflammation and immune responses in promoting the onset and death of AD from COVID-19.

Behavioral symptoms, depression symptoms, and medication use in Michigan nursing home residents with dementia during COVID-19

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted nursing home (NH) care, including visitation restrictions, reduced staffing levels, and changes in routine care. These challenges may have led to increased behavioral symptoms, depression symptoms, and central nervous system (CNS)-active medication use among long-stay NH residents with dementia.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study including Michigan long-stay (≥100 days) NH residents aged ≥65 with dementia based on Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021. Residents with schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome, or Huntington's disease were excluded. Outcomes were the monthly prevalence of behavioral symptoms (i.e., Agitated Reactive Behavior Scale ≥ 1), depression symptoms (i.e., Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ]-9 ≥ 10, reflecting at least moderate depression), and CNS-active medication use (e.g., antipsychotics). Demographic, clinical, and facility characteristics were included. Using an interrupted time series design, we compared outcomes over two periods: Period 1: January 1, 2018-February 28, 2020 (pre-COVID-19) and Period 2: March 1, 2020-June 30, 2021 (during COVID-19).

RESULTS

We included 37,427 Michigan long-stay NH residents with dementia. The majority were female, 80 years or older, White, and resided in a for-profit NH facility. The percent of NH residents with moderate depression symptoms increased during COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19 (4.0% vs 2.9%, slope change [SC] = 0.03, p < 0.05). Antidepressant, antianxiety, antipsychotic and opioid use increased during COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19 (SC = 0.41, p < 0.001, SC = 0.17, p < 0.001, SC = 0.07, p < 0.05, and SC = 0.24, p < 0.001, respectively). No significant changes in hypnotic use or behavioral symptoms were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Michigan long-stay NH residents with dementia had a higher prevalence of depression symptoms and CNS active-medication use during the COVID-19 pandemic than before. During periods of increased isolation, facility-level policies to regularly assess depression symptoms and appropriate CNS-active medication use are warranted.

Using digital technologies to facilitate social inclusion during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences of co-resident and non-co-resident family carers of people with dementia from DETERMIND-C19

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered rapid and unprecedented changes in the use of digital technologies to support people's social inclusion. We examined whether and how co-resident and non-co-resident family carers of people with dementia engaged with digital technologies during this period.

METHODS

Throughout November 2020-February 2021, we interviewed 42 family carers of people with dementia from our DETERMIND-C19 cohort. Preliminary analysis was conducted through Framework analysis, followed by an inductive thematic analysis.

FINDINGS

Digital technologies served as a Facilitator for social inclusion by enabling carers to counter the effects of the differing restrictions imposed on them so they could remain socially connected and form a sense of solidarity, access resources and information, engage in social and cultural activities and provide support and independence in their caring role. However, these experiences were not universal as carers discussed some Challenges for tech inclusion, which included preferences for face-to-face contact, lack of technological literacy and issues associated with the accessibility of the technology.

CONCLUSION

Many of the carers engaged with Information and Communication Technologies, and to a lesser extent Assistive Technologies, during the pandemic. Whilst carers experienced different challenges due to where they lived, broadly the use of these devices helped them realise important facets of social inclusion as well as facilitated the support they provided to the person with dementia. However, to reduce the 'digital divide' and support the social inclusion of all dementia carers, our findings suggest it is essential that services are attuned to their preferences, needs and technological abilities.

Living with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights into identity from the IDEAL cohort

The continuing COVID-19 pandemic and social restrictions have impacted on the cognitive decline and mental health of people with dementia. Social isolation and loss of activities due to social restrictions may also have implications as to sense of identity for people with dementia. As part of the INCLUDE (Identifying and Mitigating the Individual and Dyadic Impact of COVID-19 and Life Under Physical Distancing on People with Dementia and Carers) component of the IDEAL (Improving the Experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life) cohort study, the overall aim of this subtle realist qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of people with dementia on living through the COVID-19 pandemic within the context of the ‘post-vaccine’ period and the national lockdowns in England and Wales; and to determine perceived challenges to and facilitators of ‘living well’ during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond as restrictions were eased. In addition, the study findings are considered in relation to understandings of identity in dementia which the broader accounts of living through the pandemic have highlighted. Seven people with mild-to-moderate dementia were interviewed and themes were derived using framework analysis. Themes suggest interviewees' stoic acceptance of the pandemic and social restrictions but also fear of decline related to the temporality of their condition as well as loss of self-confidence to re-engage with the world. Interviewees managed threats to social identity by striving to maintain social and emotional connections, where the importance of a shared, social identity, particularly for people with young-onset dementia, was also apparent. Unlike in previous studies during the pandemic, the relevance of occupation for identity was observed, where maintaining previous or new activities or occupations was important to facilitate identity as well as to keep a sense of purpose. Therefore, as well as supporting people with dementia as the pandemic eases, future research into occupation and identity in dementia is of potential value.

Implications of Adverse Outcomes Associated with Antipsychotics in Older Patients with Dementia: A 2011-2022 Update

Neuropsychiatric symptoms affect most patients with dementia over the course of the disease. They include a wide variety of symptoms from apathy and depression to psychosis, irritability, impulsivity and agitation. These symptoms are associated with significant distress to the patient and caregivers, as well as more rapid progression of dementia, institutionalisation and higher mortality. The first-line management of the neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia should be non-pharmacological. If medications are required, antipsychotics are commonly chosen. Second-generation antipsychotics such as risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine and aripiprazole are prescribed more often than first-generation antipsychotics, such as haloperidol. The aim of this review is to provide an update on findings on adverse outcomes and clinical implications of antipsychotic use in dementia. These medications may increase mortality and can be associated with adverse events including pneumonia, cerebrovascular events, parkinsonian symptoms or higher rates of venous thromboembolism. Risks related to antipsychotic use in dementia are moderated by a number of modifiable and non-modifiable factors such as co-prescribing of other medications, medical and psychiatric co-morbidities, and demographics such as age and sex, making individualised treatment decisions challenging. Antipsychotics have further been associated with an increased risk of reliance on long-term care and institutionalisation, and they might not be cost-effective for healthcare systems. Many of these risks can potentially be mitigated by close physical health monitoring of antipsychotic treatment, as well as early withdrawal of pharmacotherapy when clinically possible.

The impact of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with dementia and caregivers

OBJECTIVE

Social distancing to limit COVID-19 transmission has led to extensive lifestyle changes, including for people with dementia (PWD). The aim of this study, therefore, was to assess the impact of lockdown on the mental health of PWD and their carers.

METHODS

Forty-five carers of PWD completed a telephone interview during the baseline assessment of the SOLITUDE study to gather information on life conditions and changes in symptoms of PWD during lockdown. Associations between changes in symptoms of PWD and carers' concerns and mental health were investigated.

RESULTS

About 44% of carers experienced anxiety and irritability and reported changes in behavioural and cognitive symptoms in PWD. These changes were associated with worse carers' mental health and concerns about faster disease progression (χ² = 13.542, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

COVID-19-related social isolation has had a negative impact on patients' and carers' mental health. Potential long-term neurocognitive consequences require further investigation.

COVID-19 and the Mental Capacity Act in care homes: Perspectives from capacity professionals

This study explores the experiences of professionals who worked with care home residents with impaired mental capacity in England and Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores (i) how competing risks were balanced and (ii) how the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) functioned in care homes under pandemic conditions, with particular focus on its associated Deprivations of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) systems. Between March and May 2021, we held an online survey and five focus groups aimed at professionals who worked in or with care homes during the pandemic. The study explored issues pertaining to residents with impaired mental capacity, alongside several other topics on which we report elsewhere. For this paper, we filtered data to only include responses from 'capacity professionals'. The resulting sample comprised 120 (out of 266) survey participants and 18 (out of 22) focus group participants. We performed manifest content analysis on the filtered data and found that (1) participants reported a 'massive discrepancy' between the ways different care homes balanced the risk of COVID-19 infection with the risks associated with severe restrictions. (2) Some suggested this was due to vague guidance, as well as care home type and size. Participants told us the pandemic (3) obstructed smooth operation of statutory safeguards designed to protect residents' human rights and (4) resulted in confusion about the remit of the MCA during a public health crisis. Our findings raise concerns about the impact of pandemic-related measures upon care home residents with impaired mental capacity. We urge further exploration and analysis of (a) the variability and inconsistency of restrictions applied at care homes, (b) the strain placed on key safeguards associated with the MCA, (c) uncertainty about the remit of the MCA during a public health crisis and (d) the human rights implications hereof.

How Did the COVID-19 Restrictions Impact People Living With Dementia and Their Informal Carers Within Community and Residential Aged Care Settings in Australia? A Qualitative Study

The aim of this study was to explore how formal social support changed after implementation of the COVID-19 public health measures and how these restrictions affected people living with dementia and their informal carers in Australia. Sixteen informal carers and two people living with dementia were interviewed between August and November 2020. Participants were asked about their experiences of the pandemic and the impact that the restrictions had on their lives and care. Thematic analysis identified four overarching themes describing (a) prepandemic limitations of the aged care system, (b) the aged care system's response to the COVID-19 restrictions, (c) changes affecting informal carers, and (d) the challenges faced by people living with dementia. The findings highlighted the challenges faced by the Australian aged care system before the pandemic and the additional burden placed on informal carers who supported people living with dementia across residential and home settings during the pandemic.

Family caregivers' concerns about advance care planning for home-dwelling people with dementia: a cross-sectional observational study in Japan

Background

The importance of advance care planning for people with dementia has increased during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic. However, family caregivers may have concerns about having conversations regarding advance care planning with their loved ones, which may hinder the initiation of such planning. This study investigated family caregivers’ concerns regarding conducting advance care planning for home-dwelling individuals with dementia.

Methods

A prospective cross-sectional study compared the level of family-caregiver concern between those who had initiated advance care planning and those who did not. In June 2021, an internet-based questionnaire survey was administered to Japan-based family caregivers of persons with dementia. Registered members of a Japan-based survey company were recruited; inclusion criteria were being aged 40 years or older and having been a primary, non-professional caregiver of a family member with dementia. Respondents rated their level of agreement with six statements regarding advance-care-planning-related concerns. Respondents also reported their psychological well-being using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index.

Results

Overall, 379 family caregivers participated in this survey. Of these, 155 (40.9%) reported that their loved ones had initiated advance care planning, of whom 88 (56.8%) stated that care professionals were involved in the advance-care-planning conversations. The level of family-caregiver concern was significantly lower when the loved one initiated the conversation concerning advance care planning. After adjusting for the characteristics of persons with dementia and their caregivers, family caregivers with lower psychological well-being showed significantly higher levels of concern.

Conclusions

Family caregivers reported concerns regarding conducting advance care planning. There is a need for educational and clinical strategies that encourage professionals to address the psychological needs of family caregivers.

Distancing Measures and Challenges Discussed by COVID-19 Outbreak Teams of Dutch Nursing Homes: The COVID-19 MINUTES Study

The most severe COVID-19 infections and highest mortality rates are seen among long-term care residents. To reduce the risk of infection, physical distancing is important. This study investigates what physical distancing measures were discussed by COVID-19 outbreak teams of Dutch long-term care organizations and what challenges they encountered. The COVID-19 MINUTES study is a qualitative multi-center study (n = 41) that collected minutes of COVID-19 outbreak teams from March 2020 to October 2021. Textual units about distancing measures were selected and analyzed using manifest content analysis for the first wave: early March-early May 2020; the intermediate period of 2020: mid-May-mid-September 2020; and the second wave: late September 2020-mid-June 2021. During all periods, COVID-19 outbreak teams often discussed distancing visitors from residents. Moreover, during the first wave they often discussed isolation measures, during the intermediate period they often discussed distancing staff and volunteers from residents, and during both the intermediate period and the second wave they often discussed distancing among residents. During all periods, less often admission measures were discussed. Challenges persisted and included unrest among and conflicts between visitors and staff, visitors violating measures, resident non-adherence to measures, and staffing issues. The discussed distancing measures and corresponding challenges may guide local long-term care and (inter)national policymakers during the further course of the COVID-19 pandemic, outbreaks of other infectious diseases, and long-term care innovations.

A cohort study of the impact of COVID-19 on the quality of life of people newly diagnosed with dementia and their family carers

Introduction

COVID‐19 has impacted people with dementia and their family carers, yet little is known about effects on overall quality of life.

Methods

In a UK cohort study, pre‐ and post‐pandemic data were collected from 114 carers and 93 recently diagnosed people with dementia. Latent growth curve modeling examined change in quality of life.

Results

Carers reported significant decline in quality of life, although no change was demonstrated by people with dementia. In multivariable analyses, higher levels of cognitive impairment, deprivation, study site, and lower number of memory clinic contacts were associated with greater decline in carer quality of life.

Discussion

Maintaining life quality for people with dementia during the pandemic appears to have come at the expense of their family carers. This inequity has fallen hardest on those caring for people with more severe dementia, in deprived areas, and with least support from memory services. These effects may be prevented or reversed by post‐diagnostic care.

Resilience in Informal Caregivers of People Living with Dementia in the Face of COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Changes to Daily Life

Abstract. Informal caregivers of people living with dementia (PwD) are at increased risk for the development of stress-related physical and mental illness. Nevertheless, because of differing resilience, they show interindividual differences in their ability to cope. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the associated pandemic control measures and pandemic-related changes to daily life, resilience might be further challenged, and stress might consequently increase. Therefore, we review the evidence on informal caregivers’ experience during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding effects of the pandemic control measures on (a) the caregiver’s health, (b) the care recipient’s health, (c) the stability of the care situation, and (d) coping in daily life. We conclude with implications on how to strengthen resilience and reduce stress in terms of environmental, social, and individual resources.

Trust and inclusion during the Covid-19 pandemic: Perspectives from Black and South Asian people living with dementia and their carers in the UK

INTRODUCTION

People from ethnic minority backgrounds living with dementia are more likely to be diagnosed later and have less access to health and social care support than their White counterparts in the United Kingdom (UK). Covid-19 has exacerbated health inequalities and diminished trust from underserved communities in the government and health services. The wider aim of the study was to explore the impact of covid-19 on Black and South-Asian people living with dementia and their carers as well as exploring the experiences of dementia care. The present paper specifically explores their views on trust and mistrust using an ecological model.

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 family carers and four people living with dementia from South Asian or Black communities living in the community. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data.

DESIGN

An exploratory qualiative design was used.

RESULTS

Four main themes were developed exploring trust at the structural, organisational, community and individual level. At the structural level, participants discussed the inequity of Covid-19, some lack of trust in the UK Government and confusion in its messaging, and the anxiety sometimes leading to curtailment of media usage. At the organisational level, there was some evidence of a perceived lack of person-centred and culturally sensitive care from healthcare professionals, as well as concerns around care homes as places of safety. At the neighbourhood community level, participants discussed both a distrust as well as a strengthening of relationships and, at the individual level, factors such as knowledge of services, identity, and faith influenced their experience of the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

People living with dementia need support at all levels and this study highlights how the pandemic impacted each level. Ways to improve trust in the Government and health professionals alongside culturally adapted health messaging should be explored. Alongside this, an examination of how cultural values and norms may influence help-seeking responses to dementia and increase trust in services may be helpful post-pandemic.

Responding to the needs of persons living with dementia and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons from the Care Ecosystem

Background and Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for persons with dementia, their caregivers, and programs that support them. The Care Ecosystem (CE) is a model of dementia care designed to support people with dementia and their family caregiver dyads through on-going contact with a care team navigator (CTN) and an expert clinical team. CTNs provide support, education and resources and help dyads manage dementia-related concerns as they evolve over the course of the disease. We aimed to understand how the Care Ecosystem responded to the needs of dyads during the initial three months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a survey and qualitative interviews with staff members from four established Care Ecosystem programs located in four different states to explore 1) challenges dyads voiced during the pandemic, 2) CE staff approaches to addressing the needs of dyads and 3) programmatic challenges faced and lessons learned.

Findings

Nine staff members from four Care Ecosystem programs with an active collective caseload of 379 dyads were interviewed. Themes were identified that included dyad concerns regarding fear of illness, changing attitudes towards long term care, decreased availability of services and resources, and impacts on patient and caregiver health and well-being. Programmatic challenges included maintaining effective communication with dyads and program staff, technological readiness, workflow restructuring and program sustainability.

Discussion and Implications

Approaches in supporting people with dementia and their caregivers should demonstrate flexibility, responsivity, and creativity and these findings provide insight for understanding how dementia care programs can be positioned to offer continuous support for this vulnerable population.

Translational Significance

During the pandemic, persons with dementia and their caregivers reported concerns relating to viral exposure, functional and behavioral decline of the person with dementia, difficulty accessing resources, changing attitudes towards long term care and experiences of loneliness and isolation. The Care Ecosystem, a supportive dementia care model, faced challenges relating to program sustainability and workflow. Telephone-based and scheduled contacts with dyads, along with strong organizational and community partnerships were factors in supporting dyads. Results from this study inform programs on ways to support persons with dementia and their caregivers during unexpected events that threaten public health and safety.

Stimuli changes and challenging behavior in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

COVID-19 restrictions in nursing homes resulted in a reduction in stimuli for residents. This study aimed to explore observed effects of changes in stimuli, both targeted (e.g., planned recreational activities) and untargeted (e.g., spontaneous noise), on challenging behavior in nursing home residents during COVID-19 anti-pandemic measures.

Methods

In an online survey, nursing home healthcare professionals in the Netherlands provided their perspectives on the effects of the reduction in untargeted stimuli on residents with mild, advanced, or no dementia, and on different types of challenging behavior (i.e., psychotic, depressed, anxious, agitated, or apathetic behavior). Additionally, we asked participants’ opinions about strategies for limiting untargeted stimuli and for adjusting targeted stimuli for optimal management of challenging behaviors.

Results

In total, 199 professionals completed the survey. Residents with advanced dementia and those with psychotic and agitated behavior seemed to benefit from the reductions in stimuli not specifically targeted at the resident. In contrast, residents without dementia and those with depressive and apathetic behavior seemed to be negatively affected by reductions in untargeted stimuli. Participants would like to continue reducing untargeted stimuli in the future (e.g., limiting the use of corridors adjacent to residents' rooms) and to adapt existing or introduce new initiatives involving targeted stimuli (e.g., small-scale, individually tailored activities). Responses to open-ended questions revealed additional initiatives that could be useful in nursing home care.

Conclusions

This study provided lessons to learn from the COVID-19 measures in nursing homes. While many residents may have been negatively affected by the restrictions imposed during the pandemic, specific resident groups may have benefitted from the reduction in untargeted stimuli and from the adjustments made to daily activities. Various strategies and initiatives used in nursing homes during the pandemic seem promising for meeting individual needs in managing challenging behavior. These findings suggest that certain stimuli may affect specific resident groups differently. This underlines the importance of finding the right balance between stimuli and tranquility, tailored to the needs of individual residents. It is important to consider the stimuli present in nursing homes, whether targeted or untargeted, when analyzing and treating challenging behavior.

Psychometric Evaluation of the German Version of the Social Functioning in Dementia Scale

BACKGROUND

Dementia is one of the most common and most severe disorder in old age. In addition to cognitive decline and functional impairment, changes in social functioning occur in the course of dementia. Currently, there is no valid instrument in German language to assess social functioning in individuals with dementia.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to adapt and psychometrically evaluate a German version of the Social Functioning in Dementia Scale (SF-DEM).

METHODS

First, a multi-step and team-based translation process based on the TRAPD model was performed. Second, we interviewed dyads of individuals with mild dementia and caregivers to test the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, interrater reliability, construct validity, and acceptance of the German version of the SF-DEM.

RESULTS

The internal consistency of the patient-rated (α= 0.72) and the caregiver-rated (α= 0.76) SF-DEM is at an acceptable level. The interrater reliability was excellent for both versions (patients: ICC = 0.98, CI [0.95-0.99]; caregiver: ICC = 0.95, CI [0.89-0.98]) and the test-retest reliability was moderate (patients: ICC = 0.57, CI [0.26-0.77]; caregiver: ICC = 0.58, CI [0.27-0.78]). Caregiver-rated SF-DEM correlated strong with LSNS-6 (rs = 0.60, p < 0.01), QoL-AD (marriage: rs = 0.61, p < 0.01; friends: rs = 0.51, p = 0.01). In addition, the SF-DEM was accepted by the participants.

CONCLUSION

The German SF-DEM is a valid, reliable, and acceptable instrument to assess social functioning in individuals with dementia. Further research should address the psychometric properties in individuals with more severe dementia.

Person-centered dementia care during COVID-19: a qualitative case study of impact on and collaborations between caregivers

Background

Little is known about the actual impact of COVID-19 on caregivers of older people with dementia and resultant collaborations among them to provide continued person-centered care while undertaking infection control measures. In this study, we explored the impact of providing dementia care during COVID-19 on caregivers involved in dementia care.

Methods

This is an exploratory qualitative case study. The participants were family members living with older people with dementia, care managers, and the medical and long-term care facility staff. Data were collected from 46 caregivers via face-to-face and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

The interviews identified 22 themes related to the impact of COVID-19 on different positions of the caregivers involved in dementia care and their collaboration, and we categorized them into six categories. The core themes were “re-acknowledgement of care priorities” and “rebuilding of relationships.” When caregivers’ perceptions were aligned in the decision-making processes regarding care priorities, “reaffirmation of trust” and “strengthening of intimate relationships” emerged as positive changes in their relationships. Furthermore, the differences in the ability of each caregiver to access and select correct and appropriate information about COVID-19, and the extent of infection spread in the region were related to “anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic” and caused a “gap in perception” regarding infection control.

Conclusions

The present study clarified that the process of aligning the perceptions of caregivers to the objectives and priorities of care for older people with dementia during COVID-19 pandemic strengthened the relationships among caregivers. The findings of this study are useful for caregivers involved in person-centered dementia care.

Changes to postdiagnostic dementia support in England and Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

To explore the impact of COVID-19 on postdiagnostic dementia care and support provision in England and Wales.

DESIGN

Qualitative research using semistructured interviews, via video or telephone conferencing.

SETTING

Services providing postdiagnostic support across health, social care and the third sector.

PARTICIPANTS

21 professionals previously recruited to an ongoing research programme on postdiagnostic dementia care (or colleagues, if unavailable).

RESULTS

Key themes identified from the data were: challenges caused by COVID-19; responses to those challenges, including a widespread shift to remote working; and effects of COVID-19 on future postdiagnostic support. Challenges included changing and sometimes conflicting guidelines; a lack of access to support; identifying and responding to emerging needs; emotional and physical impact of COVID-19; and balancing COVID-19 risk with other risks such as deterioration. Some dementia services closed, while others adapted and continued to provide support thus potentially widening existing inequalities. There were also some unintended positive outcomes, including improved cross-sector and multidisciplinary working between professionals.

CONCLUSION

Delivering postdiagnostic dementia support during COVID-19 required essential adaptations. While some changes were detrimental to service users, others were identified as potentially beneficial and highly likely to become the new 'norm', for example, use of blended approaches, combining virtual and face-to-face work, thus allowing more flexible, integrated care. Our data have implications for policy and practice to improve the response to the lingering effects of COVID-19 as well as creating service provision that is more resilient to future pandemics or other periods of disruption.

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

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a worldwide public health concern. It continues to spread rapidly throughout the world causing multiple physical and psychological consequences in the population. Especially, people affected by severe psychiatric or neurological diseases are highly susceptible to serious health complications not only due to the direct effect of the infection but also to the indirect effect of COVID-19 following social distancing during lockdowns and its general social consequences. Indeed, lockdown and difficulties in using the care services produced psychological consequences in caregivers such as depression, anxiety, and worsening of the quality of life which in turn affected the ability to manage patients. Our aim was to systematically review the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 lockdown in caregivers of patients with cognitive impairment and dementia and the impact on the health of their patients. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted by searching in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science by two independent researchers following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. Data extraction and quality assessment were also performed. Papers were screened for eligibility by abstract and then those which met inclusion criteria were included in this review. Results: The initial search returned 410 records. After the abstract screening and the inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied, 315 were excluded because they were irrelevant, 30 because they were reviews, meta-analyses, letters to editors, editorials, guidelines, or case reports, and 10 because they were duplicates. Then, 38 out of 55 abstracts/full-text articles were excluded because they did not simultaneously assess mental health of patients and caregivers. In the end, 17 papers were deemed eligible and included in the present review. Conclusion: Based on current literature, the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown caused severe psychological consequences for caregivers of patients with dementia, worsening their mental health, and increasing the psychological and physical burden, independently from the severity of the disease of their relatives, which resulted also independently globally worsened.

Relationship Between Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 and Loneliness in Patients With Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Study From Iran

OBJECTIVES

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people all around the world, the elderly is at a higher risk of suffering from its consequences. One of the serious concerns is developing loneliness and post-traumatic stress symptoms, which may contribute to cognitive decline at older ages. This study aimed to examine the psychological responses and loneliness in elderly patients diagnosed with dementia.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients diagnosed with dementia, with ages older than 40, and 19 caregivers were enrolled in the study. The patients have undergone a comprehensive neuropsychiatric interview and were assessed with De Jong Gierveld Scale for loneliness and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). The severity of dementia was assessed by Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST Scale) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

RESULTS

No significant difference was seen in patients and caregivers in the IES-R and loneliness scales. A higher level of avoidance and social and total loneliness were seen in higher FAST levels (p-value: 0.046). There was a negatively significant correlation between MoCA score and avoidance. Hyperarousal was significantly correlated with emotional loneliness in patients.

CONCLUSION

We found a direct relationship between cognitive decline and the psychological impacts of COVID-19. Our results highlight the need for more comprehensive studies to further investigate the influence of the pandemic on the worsening of cognitive impairment and loneliness in patients with dementia.

Minimal Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of People Living With Dementia: Analysis of Matched Longitudinal Data From the IDEAL Study

OBJECTIVE

Research suggests a decline in the mental health and wellbeing of people with dementia (PwD) during the COVID-19 pandemic; however few studies have compared data collected pre-pandemic and during the pandemic. Moreover, none have compared this change with what would be expected due to dementia progression. We explored whether PwD experienced changes in mental health and wellbeing by comparing pre-pandemic and pandemic data, and drew comparisons with another group of PwD questioned on two occasions prior to the pandemic.

METHODS

Community-dwelling PwD enrolled in the IDEAL programme were split into two groups matched for age group, sex, dementia diagnosis, and time since diagnosis. Although each group was assessed twice, one was assessed prior to and during the pandemic (pandemic group; n = 115) whereas the other was assessed prior to the pandemic (pre-pandemic group; n = 230). PwD completed measures of mood, sense of self, wellbeing, optimism, quality of life, and life satisfaction.

RESULTS

Compared to the pre-pandemic group, the pandemic group were less likely to report mood problems, or be pessimistic, but more likely to become dissatisfied with their lives. There were no changes in continuity in sense of self, wellbeing, and quality of life.

DISCUSSION

Results suggest the pandemic had little effect on the mental health and wellbeing of PwD, with any changes observed likely to be consistent with expected rates of decline due to dementia. Although personal accounts attest to the challenges experienced, PwD appear to have been resilient to the impact of lockdown and social restrictions during the pandemic.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults mental health services: A mixed methods study

OBJECTIVES

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on older adults mental health care. Our study aimed to explore staff perspectives on key challenges and innovations in order to help inform the delivery of older adults mental health care in subsequent waves of the pandemic.

METHODS

A mixed methods online questionnaire developed by National Institute for Health Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit was used to gather staff perspectives on their challenges at work, problems faced by service users and their carers, and sources of help and support. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative analysis and descriptive content analysis for qualitative analysis.

RESULTS

158 participants, working in either community or inpatient settings, and from a range of professional disciplines, were included. For inpatient staff, a significant challenge was infection control. In the community, staff identified a lack of access to physical and social care as well as reduced contact with friends and families as being challenges for patients. Remote working was seen as a positive innovation along with COVID-19 related guidance from various sources and peer support.

CONCLUSION

Our study, with a focus on staff and patient well-being, helps to inform service development for future waves of the pandemic. We discuss measures to improve infection control in inpatient settings, the role of voluntary organisations in supporting socially isolated community patients, the need for better integration of physical and mental health services at an organisational level, and the importance of training staff to support patients and their families with end of life planning.

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

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.

Systematic Review on the Mental Health and Treatment Impacts of COVID-19 on Neurocognitive Disorders

Objectives. The COVID-19 pandemic has had many public health impacts, especially on vulnerable individuals including adults with neurocognitive disorders (NCD). With increasing literature, this systematic literature review aimed to address the mental health effects of COVID-19 on people with NCD in addition to examine the impact of the pandemic on treatments/resources for NCD. Methods. A literature search was conducted in the electronic databases of PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Studies were included so long as they assessed the mental health or therapeutic effects of COVID-19 on NCD. Results. Among the retrieved articles, 59 met eligibility criteria. First, the pandemic and resulting self-isolation led to many detrimental effects on psychological well-being. Exacerbation and relapses of neurocognitive and behavioral symptoms were observed, as well as emergences of new psychological symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety). Second, therapeutic and community services for individuals suffering from NCD, such as social support services and outpatient clinics, were disrupted or reduced leading to postponed appointments and evaluations, as well as reduced access to medications. These issues were somewhat palliated with the growth of telemedicine. Conclusions. This systematic review highlights the extent of the effects of the pandemic, and the topics addressed should be taken into consideration by healthcare practitioners, institutions, and policymakers to ensure that proper measures are employed to protect this population from additional harm.