Gerocovid 19 and implications for territorial management of old people affected with dementia

Background This study is part of a wider observational project addressed to old people in different care settings. To assess the suitable strategies to deal with the lockdown created by the Covid‐19 emergency, to better care for the elderly outpatient and home patients suffering from cognitive disorders. Medical, social and psychological conditions will be evaluated for identifying the effects of Covid‐19 pandemics on older patients with dementia. Method The present study is retrospective and in part prospective and will involve 100 older adults. They will be administered MMSE for assessing cognitive functions, ADL, and IADL for functional status, CIRS for assessing comorbidities, 5‐items GDS for mood evaluation, and SF‐36 for detecting the perceived quality of life. Contacts with both outpatients and home patients will be managed either by phone, preferably by video call (Whatsapp, Facetime) or, in a few cases, via Skype. Results The results of tests, the prescription of aids, and treatment plans are recorded on an electronic registry as anonymized clinical data. Moreover, a general questionnaire about the clinical investigation site focusing on the specific preventive measures and the change of the operating methods at home was compiled on a dedicated Information Technology platform by all participating centers. Changes in blood pressure, use of personal protective equipment, the need for operators or patients to quarantine in the event of suspected/full‐blown infection will be reported. Other information will be requested on the effects of social distancing, the presence of formal/informal caregivers, and the methods of procurement. Psychological reactions to the effects of isolation at the baseline and three months (anxiety, depression, acceptance, denial), changes in sleep, and bowel function and differences according to housing conditions will be assessed as well. Conclusion The Gerocovid 19 could be a remarkable study for the management of outpatient and home patients affected with cognitive disorders.