Changes in Brain-Health Related Modifiable Risk Factors in Older Adults After One Year of COVID-19-Restrictions

Abstract

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has major influence on lifestyle and mental health, which might affect brain-health and increase the risk of cognitive decline, particularly in older adults. We aimed to describe changes in modifiable risk factors related to brain-health in older adults after one year of COVID-19 restrictions.MethodsAn online survey was disseminated between February and March 2021 to 17,773 registrants of the Dutch Brain Research Registry, aged ≥50, without a self-reported diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Participants were asked to report potential changes in behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to pre-pandemic, in eight domains related to brain health: physical activity, sleep, feeling of memory decline, perceived stress, feeling of loneliness, diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking. We used negative binomial regression analyses to relate (socio)demographics, subjective memory complaints and COVID-19 related aspects (fear of, or current/past COVID-19 infection) to the number of reported detrimental and beneficial changes as dependent variable.Results3,943 participants (66 ± 8 years old; 76% female; 71% highly educated) completed the survey. After one year of COVID-19-restrictions, 74% reported at least one detrimental lifestyle change unfavorable for their brain health, most frequently reported were feelings of loneliness, sleep problems, and less physical activity. 60% of participants reported at least one beneficial change, which were most often more physical activity, healthier dietary habits, and less alcohol consumption. Individuals who are younger [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98–0.99], female (1.20, 1.11–1.30), living alone (1.20, 1.11–1.28) and in urban environments (1.18, 1.08–1.29), who are less satisfied with their income (1.38, 1.17–1.62), experiencing subjective memory complaints (1.40, 1.28–1.52) and those with a past or current (1.19, 1.06–1.34) or fear of a COVID-19 infection (1.33, 1.25–1.42) reported higher numbers of detrimental changes.DiscussionThe COVID-19 pandemic has influenced lifestyle in both positive and negative ways. We identified (socio)demographic factors associated with more detrimental changes in modifiable risk factors related to brain health, suggesting that some individuals are more vulnerable for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings provide an opportunity for targeted prevention and education to promote a healthy lifestyle during and after the pandemic.

Lifestyle and behavioural changes in older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic are associated with subjective cognitive complaints

“…During NREM sleep, acquired information is reactivated and integrated into long-term memory, which is stabilized by a synaptic consolidation process during REM sleep 53 . Furthermore, higher frequency of sleep disorders and impaired sleep quality in relation to pandemic was observed with the same survey in the United Kingdom in 37% of the responders 20 , so the increase in sleep problems seems to be general across the various geographical regions.…”

“…The survey focused on changes in lifestyle factors, management of chronic noncommunicable diseases, as well as psychosocial factors, all of which are relevant to cognition and are expected to be affected by the pandemic. Local results in some countries are already available 18 – 20 .…”

Older adults’ perspectives towards optimizing lifestyle behaviors and strategies to support healthy brain ageing during COVID-19 restrictions

“…Another detrimental impact consistent with previous research is reduced physical activity levels during home confinement ( 28 , 37 ). The reductions on all levels of physical activity and greater amounts of time sitting daily ( 39 ) is described in several cross-sectional studies in Dutch, Japanese, Italian and Australian older adult samples ( 32 , 33 , 40 , 41 ). Our study expands on this and provides insights into the personal challenges involved in adapting and managing their lifestyles to foster physical activity under these new circumstances.…”

“…Specific to brain health, Waterink and colleagues ( 32 ) found that 74% of participants reported at least one adverse lifestyle change, however, 60% of participants also reported at least one positive change including increased exercise, healthier food consumption and reduced alcohol consumption. These behaviors also differed based on sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, living circumstances, and income.…”

Einfluss der Corona-Pandemie auf kardiovaskuläre Risikofaktoren – Daten von 1775 Teilnehmern der ELITE Studie vor und während der Corona Pandemie

“…Lockdown und Quarantäne, Veränderungen der Arbeitsbedingungen, wirtschaftliche Probleme und soziale Isolation lassen befürchten, dass sich die ohnehin nicht ausreichende Kontrolle von kardiovaskulären Risikofaktoren, zumindest bei einem Teil der Bevölkerung, weiter verschlechtert haben könnte. Auf der anderen Seite sind auch positive Effekte der Pandemie auf Präventionsmaßnahmen denkbar 17 18 19 20 . So könnte der Lockdown bei einigen Personen zu weniger Stress und mehr Zeit für Sport geführt haben.…”