2023-05-13 12:30:00
What were the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on vulnerable people? Researchers at Tohoku University in Japan asked themselves the question. They conducted a study to observe the effects of isolation measures on the mental health of people with dementia. In Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reportsthey explain that they were exposed to a higher risk of anxiety and depression.
Dementia: Decreased social interaction puts mental health at risk
The team analyzed data from more than 4,500 older participants, collected between 2018 and 2021. Their goal was to understand the links between participation in social activities and mental health in people with dementia during the pandemic. In particular, they wanted to measure the impact of social distancing measures and confinements.
The various analyzes carried out have shown an increased risk of depressive symptoms and anxiety in elderly people with dementia before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. “The overall level of depressive symptoms increased between 2019 and 2020 due to the onset of the pandemic and restrictions-induced lifestyle changes“, note the authors. According to them, the lack of social interactions was associated with these various symptoms.
Covid-19: why are people with dementia particularly vulnerable to isolation?
“Older people with dementia may experience chronic psychological distress due to their reliance on care in daily life, compounded by rapid lifestyle changes and reduced social contact in 2020.”, observe the authors. Indeed, people with dementia derive many benefits from participating in social activities: it gives them a sense of continuity and improves their quality of life. I’World Health Organization reminds us that there is no cure for dementia, but that it is possible to act “to help both those living with the disease and those who care for them”. According to the organization, the improvement of the quality of life of the patients passes in particular by the maintenance of a physical activity, but also by the participation in activities and social interactions which “stimulate the brain and maintain daily functions”. However, the measures taken during the pandemic did not allow this type of activity to be maintained.
According to the WHO, more than 55 million people suffer from dementia worldwide, and it is one of the leading causes of addiction.
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