Abstract
We examined the changes in cognitive function due to restrictions in daily life during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive decline. This was a retrospective, case-control study. The participants include 88 older adults with mild cognitive decline (mean age = 81.0 [standard deviation = 6.5] years) who participated in a class designed to help prevent cognitive decline. This class was suspended from early-March to end of May 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and resumed in June 2020. We collected demographic and cognitive function test data (Touch Panel-type Dementia Assessment Scale [TDAS]) before and after class suspension and questionnaire data on their lifestyle and thoughts during the suspension. Change in TDAS scores from before and after the suspension was used to divide the participants into decline (2 or more points worsening) and non-decline (all other participants) groups, with 16 (18.2%) and 72 (81.8%) participants in each group, respectively. A logistic regression model showed that the odds ratio (OR) for cognitive decline was lower in participants whose responses were "engaged in hobbies" (OR = 0.07, p = 0.015), "worked on a worksheet about cognitive training provided by the town hall" (OR = 0.19, p = 0.026), and "had conversations over the phone" (OR = 0.28, p = 0.0495). There was a significant improvement in TDAS scores after class was resumed (p < 0.01). A proactive approach to intellectual activities and social ties may be important for the prevention of cognitive decline during periods of restrictions due to COVID-19. We found that cognitive function test scores before class suspension significantly improved after resuming classes. We speculate that continued participation in this class led to positive behavioral changes in daily life during periods of restriction due to COVID-19.
Highlights
Local governments throughout Japan have made efforts against dementia
We examined the changes in cognitive function due to restrictions in daily life during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive decline
None of the individuals participated in the weekly class, which is only attended by new participants, and our subjects comprised those who participated in the follow-up classes that were held once or twice a month
Summary
Local governments throughout Japan have made efforts against dementia. In Houki town (Tottori Prefecture, Japan), classes of about 10–20 people per class are held for community-dwelling older adults with suspected mild cognitive decline to provide cognitive decline prevention programs that combine physical exercise, cognitive training, and education on dementia and lifestyle habits [1]. By participating in the classes in Houki town, participants interact with others; they experience an increase in interpersonal communication in addition to the physical exercise and cognitive training This may contribute synergistically to improve cognitive function. Given the social situation, suspension of the class was an unavoidable decision These classes resumed in June 2020, there were concerns around the progression of cognitive impairment that may have occurred during the suspension period. When these classes resumed, participants were assessed by the Houki town hall staff using a cognitive function test and a questionnaire on lifestyle and thoughts during the suspension. They grasped the condition of the class participants and provided appropriate support
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