Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Alzheimer’s Patients and Caregivers
Author Information
Author(s): Trebbastoni Alessandro, Margiotta Roberta, D’Antonio Fabrizia, Barbetti Sonia, Canevelli Marco, Diana Sofia, Di Vita Antonella, Imbriano Letizia, Sepe Monti Micaela, Talarico Giuseppina, Guariglia Cecilia, Bruno Giuseppe
Primary Institution: Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome
Hypothesis
The pandemic and its accompanying control measures might worsen patients’ cognitive and behavioral impairment over time, leading to an increase in care needs for those who rely most strongly on personal care.
Conclusion
The lockdown severely impaired patients’ cognition and independence and worsened behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, increasing caregivers’ burden and stress levels.
Supporting Evidence
- 81.6% of caregivers reported changes in the patient’s general health condition during lockdown.
- 74.1% of caregivers noted a worsening in at least one cognitive domain of the patients.
- 92.9% of caregivers reported the onset or worsening of neuropsychological symptoms in patients.
Takeaway
The lockdown made it really hard for people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, causing more confusion and stress for both.
Methodology
The study used a semi-structured telephone interview with caregivers to assess the impact of lockdown on patients' cognition, behavior, and autonomy.
Potential Biases
Caregivers' emotional state may have influenced their reporting of patients' symptoms.
Limitations
The study relied on caregivers' perceptions, which may be biased, and lacked objective evaluations of patients' symptoms.
Participant Demographics
Caregivers aged 29 to 89, predominantly female (64.5%), with a median age of 60.1 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.047
Statistical Significance
p = 0.047
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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