The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on nutritional status in Alzheimer's disease

Background In March 2020, the WHO declared a global pandemic due to the novel coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 and several governments planned a national quarantine in order to control the virus spread. Acute psychological effects of quarantine in frail elderly subjects with special needs, such as patients with dementia, have been poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to assess modifications of nutritional status during quarantine in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Methods Participants were recruited from patients referring to Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia in Italy. A total of 205 patients were included. A structured telephone interview was delivered to family caregivers of patients with diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD). At baseline (T0) and month 6 (T1) since quarantine declaration, nutritional risk assessment were assessed by Self.Mini Nutrition Assessment (Self MNA). Results A total of 205 subjects (79,6 ± 6,4 years old, M=42%) were enrolled. A baseline according with the Self‐MNA test score, 32,7% were classified as malnourished, whereas 42% of were at risk of malnutrition. A T1 according with the Self‐MNA test score, 37,1% were classified as malnourished, whereas 46,3% of were at risk of malnutrition. Conclusion Quarantine induces a rapid increase malnourished and risk of malnutrition an AD. Health services need to plan a post‐pandemic strategy in order to address these emerging needs.