COVID-19 restrictions promoted the newly occurring loneliness in older people – a prospective study in a memory clinic population

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1340498
• Publication Date: 2024-03-11T05:04:51Z
• Authors: Michaela Defrancesco; Timo A. Schurr; Alex Hofer
• Keywords: Social Isolation; UCLA Loneliness Scale; Depression; Pandemic

Introduction A high burden and many negative outcomes for older people were associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Social isolation loneliness are prevalent health problems impacting well-being quality of life may have increased due to pandemic-related restrictions. Methods: This study investigate influence pandemic on in visiting a mem40ory clinic between March 2020 September 2022. We conducted prospective, single-center, questionnaire-based observational follow-up assess potential predictors newly occurring, loneliness. Next developed questionnaire, comprehensive neuropsychological test battery, Neuropsychiatric Inventory Geriatric Depression Scale used. Results In total 426 (mean age: 76.48 years, 12.9% cognitively intact, 33.1% diagnosed Mild Cognitive Impairment, 49.8% dementia, 4.2% depression) completed questionnaire at baseline 166 follow-up. Newly occurring was indicated by 22.3% participants 24.1% participants. logistic regression analysis showed that living alone (OR 5.452) having less contact friends 2.771) most predictive occurrence The use digital communication media as an alternative strategy social interaction lowest dementia patients (6-13%). Discussion conclusion, personal contacts close friendship network appear be more decisive prevent than does media. However, promoting intensified useful counteract loneliness, especially patients.