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

Carpinelli Mazzi, Michele; Iavarone, Alessandro; Musella, Caterina; De Luca, Marzia; de Vita, Dalila; Branciforte, Stefano; Coppola, Alessia; Scarpa, Rosa; Raimondo, Sabina; Sorrentino, Sara; Lualdi, Flavia; Postiglione, Alfredo

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.