Open AccessA cohort study of the impact of COVID‐19 on the quality of life of people newly diagnosed with dementia and their family carers
Author(s) -
Hicks Ben,
Read Sanna,
Hu Bo,
Wittenberg Raphael,
Grahamslaw Amanda,
Karim Anomita,
Martin Evelyn,
Nuzum Eleanor,
Reichental Jacob,
Russell Alice,
Siddle Elaine,
Storey Bryony,
Tipping Eva,
Baxter Kate,
Birks Yvonne,
Brayne Carol,
Brimblecombe Nicola,
Dangoor Margaret,
Dixon Josie,
Gridley Kate,
Harris Peter R.,
Knapp Martin,
Miles Eleanor,
Perach Rotem,
Robinson Louise,
Rusted Jennifer,
Stewart Rob,
Thomas Alan J.,
Banerjee Sube
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: translational research and clinical interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.49
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 2352-8737
DOI - 10.1002/trc2.12236
Subject(s) - dementia , cohort , quality of life (healthcare) , pandemic , gerontology , medicine , cohort study , covid-19 , memory clinic , family member , family caregivers , psychology , psychiatry , family medicine , disease , nursing , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty)
COVID‐19 has impacted people with dementia and their family carers, yet little is known about effects on overall quality of life. Methods In a UK cohort study, pre‐ and post‐pandemic data were collected from 114 carers and 93 recently diagnosed people with dementia. Latent growth curve modeling examined change in quality of life. Results Carers reported significant decline in quality of life, although no change was demonstrated by people with dementia. In multivariable analyses, higher levels of cognitive impairment, deprivation, study site, and lower number of memory clinic contacts were associated with greater decline in carer quality of life. Discussion Maintaining life quality for people with dementia during the pandemic appears to have come at the expense of their family carers. This inequity has fallen hardest on those caring for people with more severe dementia, in deprived areas, and with least support from memory services. These effects may be prevented or reversed by post‐diagnostic care.