The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality in people with dementia without COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to determine whether there was any significant difference in mortality amongst people with dementia without COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous years.MethodsA literature search was conducted in 5 databases. The relative risk ratio and confidence interval was used to estimate the change in mortality rates amongst people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The I2 value was used to assess heterogeneity, publication bias, and sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsPooled analysis of 11 studies showed that mortality amongst people living with dementia was significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic for people with dementia without COVID-19. Mortality risk increased by 25% during the time period studied.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that people with dementia had a significant increased mortality during the pandemic even if they did not have COVID-19 which could be an indication of worsened quality of care. Further research into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on dementia mortality is warranted.

Has COVID‐19 affected dementia diagnosis rates in England?

“…For example, in Sweden there was a larger decline in dementia diagnoses during 2020 which was not correlated with mortality. 34 To understand the landscape of dementia diagnoses in England it is imperative that the prevalence rates of dementia are accurately captured. An up-to-date multicentre population-based cohort study is required to understand any changes in the epidemiology of dementia in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.…”