Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Following COVID-19 Public Health Measures on People Living With Dementia and Carers

Abstract

Background: To date, there appears to be no evidence on the longer-term impacts caused by COVID-19 and its related public health restrictions on some of the most vulnerable in our societies. The aim of this research was to explore the change in impact of COVID-19 public health measures on the mental wellbeing of people living with dementia (PLWD) and unpaid carers. Method: Semi-structured, follow-up telephone interviews were conducted with PLWD and unpaid carers between June and July 2020. Participants were asked about their experiences of accessing social support services during the pandemic, and the impact of restrictions on their daily lives. Results: 20 interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed, which produced 3 primary themes concerning emotional responses and impact to mental health and wellbeing during the course of the pandemic: 1) Impact on mental health during lockdown, 2) Changes to mental health following easing of public health, and 3) The long-term effect of public health measures. Conclusions: The findings from this research shed light on the longer-term psychological impacts of the UK Government’s public health measures on PLWD and their carers. The loss of social support services was key in impacting this cohort mentally and emotionally, displaying a need for better psychological support, for both carers and PLWD.

People with young-onset dementia and their families experience distinctive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions

“…This small study provides early insight into the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for people with YOD and their families. Our sample reported similar experiences and concerns with care related to the pandemic and associated restrictions as those reported by older people with dementia and their families in international studies, including social isolation, boredom, and loneliness (Hanna et al, 2021), an associated increase in challenging behavioral responses (Cagnin et al, 2020), and anxiety both about contracting the virus and the ongoing impacts of restricted access to supports (Hariyanto et al, 2021).…”

The effect of COVID-19 isolation measures on the cognition and mental health of people living with dementia: A rapid systematic review of one year of quantitative evidence

“…They usually require day-to-day assistance and may not be able to understand or adapt to rapidly changing situations [1] . The challenge of living with dementia during COVID-19 was increased by the reduction in therapeutic and essential support services as a consequence of public health COVID-19 containment measures [ 2 , 3 ]. For instance, specialist dementia consultations were postponed or suspended and day centers, home services and therapeutic and support activities closed or curtailed in many countries [ 1 , 3 ].…”

The impact of COVID-19 on the lives of community- dwelling people with dementia and informal carers in the context of using the social and medical services – a qualitative study

“…Uncertainty around the coronavirus added to the loss of the sense of control ( 41) and adversely affected the overall well-being of people with dementia (42)(43)(44). Lack of environmental stimulation caused by Pandemic restrictions turned out to be a considerable accelerator of decline in emotional and cognitive functioning (19,45).…”