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The Role of Neuropsychological Factors in Perceived Threat of SARS-CoV-2 in Healthy Ageing

Author

Listed:
  • Massimo Bartoli

    (Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
    These authors have contributed equally to this work and share first authorship.)

  • Nicola Canessa

    (ICoN Center, Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
    Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory of Pavia Institute, 27100 Pavia, Italy
    These authors have contributed equally to this work and share first authorship.)

  • Giuseppina Elena Cipriani

    (Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy)

  • Stefano F. Cappa

    (ICoN Center, Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
    Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Martina Amanzio

    (Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
    European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing, 1049 Brussels, Belgium)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is known to increase older adults’ vulnerability to adverse outcomes. Alongside increased physical frailty, anxiety symptoms associated with the risk of SARS-CoV-2 contagion appear to represent its most prominent ‘sequelae’. The attentional and linguistic resources required for decoding virus-related information may also influence the perceived threat of contagion. However, the possible role of neuropsychogeriatric factors on the latter dimension has never been assessed in a longitudinal study on the older population. To fill this gap, 50 healthy cognitively preserved older adults underwent a neuropsychological and physical frailty assessment before the pandemic (T0). Subsequently, they agreed to be interviewed and re-assessed during the lockdown (T1) and immediately after it (T2) through a longitudinal one-year study. Perceived threat of SARS-CoV-2 at T2 was predicted both by baseline anxiety and frailty scores, and by decreased performance in information processing speed and language comprehension tests. While confirming the joint role of frailty and anxiety, a moderation/interaction model showed that each of them was sufficient, at its highest level, to support the maximum degree of perceived threat of contagion. The contribution of neuropsychological factors to perceived threat of SARS-CoV-2 highlights their importance of tailoring information campaigns addressed to older people.

Suggested Citation

  • Massimo Bartoli & Nicola Canessa & Giuseppina Elena Cipriani & Stefano F. Cappa & Martina Amanzio, 2021. "The Role of Neuropsychological Factors in Perceived Threat of SARS-CoV-2 in Healthy Ageing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-14, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:5847-:d:565121
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fakhar Shahzad & Jianguo Du & Imran Khan & Adnan Fateh & Muhammad Shahbaz & Adnan Abbas & Muhammad Umair Wattoo, 2020. "Perceived Threat of COVID-19 Contagion and Frontline Paramedics’ Agonistic Behaviour: Employing a Stressor–Strain–Outcome Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-22, July.
    2. Liliana Cori & Fabrizio Bianchi & Ennio Cadum & Carmen Anthonj, 2020. "Risk Perception and COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-6, April.
    3. Elena Commodari, 2017. "The Role of Sociodemographic and Psychological Variables on Risk Perception of the Flu," SAGE Open, , vol. 7(3), pages 21582440177, July.
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    1. Giuseppina Elena Cipriani & Massimo Bartoli & Martina Amanzio, 2021. "Are Sleep Problems Related to Psychological Distress in Healthy Aging during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-17, October.

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