Time of isolation, education and gender influence the psychological outcome during COVID-19 lockdown in caregivers of patients with dementia

Key summary points Aim To evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 emergency lockdown on the psychological outcome in caregivers of patients with dementia and on the loss of welfare services in these patients. Findings Time of isolation, education and gender had a significant effect on anxiety and depression. A marked reduction of health services was observed in all patients with dementia. Message The lockdown registered a particularly negative impact on people with dementia and their caregivers. Purpose The study evaluated the effects of the COVID-19 emergency lockdown on the psychological outcome in caregivers (children or spouses) of patients with dementia and the loss of the welfare services in these patients. Methods Zung’s depression and anxiety assessment scales and the Perceived Stress Scale were administered by a telephone interview or a self-compilation directly on the online platform. Results The sample consisted of 239 participants (men = 124; women = 115) with a mean age of 54.4 years (SD = 12.1). Education was associated with significantly lower overall anxiety and depression scores while days of isolation and female gender were associated with the higher scores. A marked reduction of health services was observed in all patients. Conclusion The lockdown registered a particular impact on people with dementia and their caregivers. Many people with dementia were deprived of care services and time of isolation had a significant negative effect on anxiety and depression in caregivers.