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Neuropsychological Effects of the Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Caregivers: The “ACQUA” (Alzheimer–COVID QUArantine Questionnaire) Study

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  • Alessandro Trebbastoni

    (Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
    Stroke Unit, Department of Emergency, Ospedale dei Castelli, 00040 Ariccia, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Roberta Margiotta

    (Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
    PhD Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Fabrizia D’Antonio

    (Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Sonia Barbetti

    (Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Marco Canevelli

    (Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Sofia Diana

    (Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Antonella Di Vita

    (ASReM—Azienda Sanitaria Regionale del Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy)

  • Letizia Imbriano

    (Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Micaela Sepe Monti

    (Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Giuseppina Talarico

    (Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Cecilia Guariglia

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
    Cognitive and Motor Rehabilitation and Neuroimaging Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Bruno

    (Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Background: The lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, imposed in many countries in 2021, led to social isolation and the interruption of many activities that were useful in stimulating cognition. The impact of these changes has been particularly severe in older subjects with cognitive impairment. Methods: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of lockdown on Alzheimer’s disease patients (in cognition, behavior, and autonomy) and on their caregivers (in emotions, burden, and quality of life). We created a questionnaire and performed an extensive semi-structured telephone interview with each caregiver. The main outcomes were (1) changes in cognitive and behavioral symptoms and autonomy levels in the patients and (2) effects on caregivers’ emotions, burden, and quality of life. Results: The lockdown severely impaired patients’ cognition and independence and worsened behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. These effects contributed to increasing caregivers’ burden and stress levels, with a significant perceived deterioration in quality of life among caregivers with higher education levels ( p = 0.047). Conclusions: This study might contribute to our understanding of the impact of lockdown on Alzheimer’s disease patients and their caregivers, to guide future public health interventions aimed at preventing and/or reducing the consequences of similar extraordinary events in frail subjects.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandro Trebbastoni & Roberta Margiotta & Fabrizia D’Antonio & Sonia Barbetti & Marco Canevelli & Sofia Diana & Antonella Di Vita & Letizia Imbriano & Micaela Sepe Monti & Giuseppina Talarico & Cec, 2024. "Neuropsychological Effects of the Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Caregivers: The “ACQUA” (Alzheimer–COVID QUArantine Questionnaire) Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(12), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:12:p:1622-:d:1536274
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cara Bailey & Ping Guo & John MacArtney & Anne Finucane & Susan Swan & Richard Meade & Ellie Wagstaff, 2022. "The Experiences of Informal Carers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-18, October.
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