The early impacts of COVID-19 on people living with dementia: Part I of a mixed-methods systematic review

Objectives: The aim of this Part I systematic review was to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of people with dementia living either in the community or in residential care. Methods This review was registered on PROSPERO [CRD42021248050]. Five data bases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched in July 2021. Studies were included if they reported on the impacts of the pandemic on people living with dementia, either in the community or residential settings, and published in English, German, Polish, or Spanish. Risk of bias was assessed using the Standard Quality Assessment QualSyst. Results Forty papers from 33 studies reported on the effects of COVID-19 on people with dementia. Included studies were conducted across 15 countries, focusing on single-country evaluations except in one study. Three studies focused on people with dementia residing in care homes, whilst the remainder reported on those in the community. Studies were categorised into five impacts: Cognition; Independence and physical functioning; Behavioural symptoms; Well-being; and Access to care. All studies reported on the negative impacts of the pandemic on various aspects of people with dementia’s lives, including faster cognitive, physical, and behavioural deterioration, limited access to care, and poorer mental and social health. Conclusions Future restrictions need to consider the need for people with dementia to stay cognitively, physically, and socially stimulated to live well. Longitudinal research is required on the long-term impacts of the pandemic on the lives of people with dementia, including time to care home entry.