The Longitudinal Impact of Covid-19 Lockdowns on Cognitive Function in Individuals With Alzheimer’ S Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Year: 2025
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Objective This study aims to comprehensively assess the longitudinal repercussions of the COVID-19 lockdowns on individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Methods The study involved a cohort of 130 individuals (50 MCI, 80 AD) who underwent cognitive assessments in Korea from 2018 to 2021. Longitudinal data were collected to assess the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to assess changes in cognitive, psychological, and behavioral functioning in people with MCI/AD. Path analysis was used to explore the relationships between various cognitive measures(MMSE, CERAD, ADL, IADL, SGDS, NPI) and the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR_SUM) Results The findings revealed a statistically significant decline in cognitive function among AD patients during the lockdown period. In contrast, individuals with MCI exhibited comparatively milder deterioration. In the path analysis, MMSE, ADL, and IADL exhibited strong negative associations with CDR_SUM, emphasizing their predictive value in determining the severity of clinical dementia. Discussion & Conclusion This study underscores the disproportionate vulnerability of AD individuals to the cognitive consequences of lockdown measures. Our findings highlight the profound impact of social isolation on cognitive functions in individuals with MCI and AD. The integration of linear mixed-effects models and path analysis offers a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic cognitive changes occurring over time. Future interventions and support systems should prioritize addressing specific cognitive domains, such as memory, activities of daily living, and instrumental activities of daily living, to effectively mitigate the adverse effects of social isolation on dementia progression.
Authors: *Hahyun Lee, Jun-Young Lee
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,693
OpenAlex ID: W4407418293