Lifestyle and psychosocial changes in Mexican elders during the COVID‐19 pandemic

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AbstractBackgroundSocial and physical activity, the optimal control of cardiovascular disease are important factors to prevent mild cognitive impairment and dementia. During the COVID‐19 pandemic these factors could have negatively been affected, and it is crucial to identify and address such changes.Nearly two years into the pandemic for COVID‐19 in worldwide, psychological and behavioural consequences have been observed in the population. Social distancing, mobility restraint and quarantine measures have raised concerns about lifestyles and mental health.MethodThis study included 50 urban‐Mexican elders cognitively health but with risk factors for dementia and mild cognitive impairment (age, mean: 72.6 ± 5.1, 54%, with an average schooling of 9.4 ± 4.3 years, 54% women), who responded face to face to a survey designed by the WORLD‐WIDE‐FINGERS‐SARS‐COV‐2 Initiative, which has the objective of measuring the direct and indirect effects of the pandemic in old age, focusing on changes in lifestyle and psychosocial factors, included frequency of physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption and social activities before and after the pandemic quarantine.ResultA significant reduction in physical activity and attendance to social meetings was found. Other changes reported included decreased time spent with family, relatives and friends, increased sleep problems and augmented snacking but not increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Participants also indicated an increased use of the Internet. Interestingly, even if people had less social interaction, they did not report increased feelings of loneliness.In general, few participants reported changes in physical health (16%) and quality of life (12%) but half of the sample (54%) feel that their memory was poorer than before the pandemic.ConclusionIn conclusion, we observed changes in lifestyle that can negatively affect mental health, as they involve factors linked to the occurrence of dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Therefore, strategies to mitigate the effects of these risk factors should be planned.