dos Santos G, Lima-Silva TB. Social distancing, emotional suffering, and cognitive performance in mature and older adults: a literature review.
Dement Neuropsychol 2023;
17:e20220032. [PMID:
37223835 PMCID:
PMC10202326 DOI:
10.1590/1980-5764-dn-2022-0032]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Variables related to social distancing can have negative effects on the emotional well-being and cognition of adults and the elderly.
Objective
The aim of this study was to analyze the available studies that address the relationship between situations of social distancing, socioemotional aspects, and cognition in the lives of mature and older adults.
Methods
A literature review study was carried out between December 2021 and January 2022, involving the SciELO, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases, with studies published between February 2018 and December 2021.
Results
A total of 754 studies were identified, and after selection, 18 were included. Notably, 16 showed significant effects of social distancing on cognition and socioemotional aspects, that is, the greater the social distancing, the lower the capacity for cognitive performance and the higher the index of symptoms of depression and anxiety, for example.
Conclusions
Greater engagement in social activities and a closer contact with friends and family are protective factors against symptoms of depression and anxiety and cognitive decline.
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