Characteristics of Cognitive Function Changes and Related Factors in Individuals with Cognitive Impairment during the Pandemic of COVID‐19

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to explore the characteristics and factors related to changes in cognitive function in vulnerable individuals with cognitive impairment affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.MethodAmong patients who visited a local university hospital with subjective cognitive complaints, those who had been tested for cognitive function at least once after the onset of COVID‐19 and tested regularly at least three times within the last 5 years were included. Finally, 108 patients were included in this study. They were divided into groups according to whether the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) was maintained/improved and deteriorated. We investigated the characteristics of the changes in cognitive function and related factors during COVID‐19.ResultWhen comparing CDR changes before and after COVID‐19, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p = .317). Alternatively, the main effect of the time when the test was conducted was significant (p<.001). There was also a significant difference in the interaction between the groups and time. When the effect of the interaction was analyzed, the CDR score of the maintained/improved group significantly decreased before COVID‐19 (1st–2nd) (p = .045). After COVID‐19 (2nd–3rd), the CDR score of the deteriorated group was significantly higher than that of the maintained/improved group (p<.001). MMSE recall memory and changes in activity during COVID‐19 were significantly associated with CDR deterioration.ConclusionMemory dysfunction and decreased activity during the COVID‐19 pandemic are strongly related to the deterioration of cognitive impairment.