Coronavirus Disease-2019 in Older People with Cognitive Impairment

Yves Rolland1, Marion Baziard2, Adelaide De Mauleon2

  • 1Gerontopole of Toulouse, Institute on Aging, Toulouse University Hospital (CHU Toulouse), 20 rue du Pont Saint-Pierre, Cité de la Santé, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse 31059, France; CERPOP Centre d'Epidémiologie et de Recherche en santé des POPulations UPS/INSERM UMR 1295, Toulouse, France.

Insights

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic severely impacted patients with cognitive impairment, increasing their infection risk and exacerbating neuropsychiatric symptoms due to isolation measures.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Geriatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presented unique challenges for vulnerable populations.
  • Patients with cognitive impairment were identified as a high-risk group due to their clinical characteristics and living situations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with cognitive impairment.
  • To assess the clinical characteristics, infection risks, and neuropsychiatric symptom expression in this population during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • This study involved a review of clinical data and patient outcomes related to COVID-19 infection.
  • Analysis focused on the effects of isolation measures on cognitive impairment and associated symptoms.

Main Results:

  • Patients with cognitive impairment faced increased exposure to COVID-19 and a higher likelihood of severe illness.
  • Pandemic-related isolation measures significantly worsened neuropsychiatric symptoms in this patient group.
  • The burden on families and healthcare professionals caring for these patients increased substantially.

Conclusions:

  • Cognitive impairment patients experienced disproportionately severe consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Effective management strategies are needed to mitigate the impact of pandemics on individuals with cognitive impairment and their support systems.

Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
663
Cognitive Development During Adulthood01:30

Cognitive Development During Adulthood

Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
237
Dementia01:30

Dementia

Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
162
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment01:22

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
258
Aging01:26

Aging

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
164
Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia01:30

Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia indicate a reduction or absence of typical behaviors and emotional responses found in healthy individuals, while positive symptoms reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
116