Abstract
BackgroundThe impact of the new coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is deteriorating as time passes and the virus keeps spreading. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of prolonged isolation because of the COVID‐19 pandemic on people with dementia and their caregivers.MethodCaregivers answered online questions regarding their own physical and psychological burden, and of the person they take care of. The study took place in Athens, Greece, from November 2020 to April 2021. Participants were mostly members of online seminars of the Athens Alzheimer’s Association. Questions referred to their own burden, the overall decline of the persons they take care of, and changes in specific domains as well (i.e., mood, mobility, compliance with the new measures). Further, we also asked about any changes between the two major lockdown periods. Possible answers were: “not at all”, “moderately”, “a lot”. Statistical analysis included descriptive (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percent) and inferential statistics (chi‐square test). Analysis was performed including the total sample and then, by three different stages of dementia (early, middle, late).ResultA total of 339 caregivers took part in the study. People suffering from dementia that were referred at, were mostly women, with a mean age of 81 (S.D.: 7.5) years old, mostly being in the middle stage of dementia. Results indicated significant decline, both in an overall aspect of the people with dementia, and in specific domains (mostly communication and mood). Regarding the caregivers, they reported having significantly increased physical and psychological burden, and also, noticing an overall change between the two lockdowns in their own burden. Analysis by dementia‐stage group indicated that significant decline occurred both in the middle‐stage and the late‐stage group.ConclusionAn urgency for further support of both the people with neurodegenerations and their caregivers is needed. Collaboration among care workers, online programs, governmental support, and day‐care centers should be planned to ensure continuity of care for those in need during the pandemic.
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