Title | Cognitive, Functional, and Emotional Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greek Patients with Neurocognitive Disorders. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2022 |
Authors | Tsiakiri, A, Vlotinou, P, Terzoudi, A, Heliopoulos, I, Vadikolias, K |
Journal | J Alzheimers Dis |
Volume | 88 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 537-547 |
Date Published | 2022 |
ISSN | 1875-8908 |
Keywords | Aged, Cognition, Cognitive Dysfunction, Communicable Disease Control, COVID-19, Greece, Humans, Neurocognitive Disorders, Neuropsychological Tests, Pandemics |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Prolonged periods of social deprivation, such as COVID-19-related lockdowns, are associated with deleterious effects on cognitive functions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to gauge the effect of prolonged social isolation on the cognitive function of older adults with neurocognitive disorders. METHODS: We recruited 125 older adults with minor or major neurocognitive disorders divided into two groups. The control group was tested at the first period of the study (October 2018-May 2019), whereas the experimental group was evaluated at the second chronological period of the study (October 2020-May 2021) during the second wave of COVID-19. Neuropsychological tests were performed at baseline and six months after baseline. RESULTS: In the control group, significant changes in the scores from the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; p = 0.049) and the Functional Rating Scale for Symptoms of Dementia (FRSSD; p = 0.005) were found between baseline and follow-up assessments, whereas no changes were identified in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE; p = 0.229) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS; p = 0.619) scores. In the experimental group, the scores from all neuropsychological tests (MoCA, MMSE, GDS, and FRSSD; p < 0.001 for all) were significantly different at follow-up when compared with those at baseline measurements. Moreover, significant deterioration of specific functions assessed in MMSE and FRSSD was detected, especially in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: This study highlights cognitive functions directly affected by social deprivation of individuals with neurocognitive disorders. The findings can be used in the rehabilitation from confinement and its negative consequences. |
DOI | 10.3233/JAD-220118 |
Alternate Journal | J Alzheimers Dis |
PubMed ID | 35599488 |