COVID-19, loneliness, social isolation and risk of dementia in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the relevant literature

Abstract

Objectives

During the COVID-19 lockdown, social isolation and feelings of loneliness (SIFL) in the older population have increased, and they can be a risk of dementia, especially in vulnerable older people. The current research is a systematic review meta-analysis of the studies that approach the risk of dementia in older people with SIFL.

Methods

The ten studies selected for meta-analysis utilised an opportunistic sample of older people in the community from age 50 to above with no dementia and enrolment. The populations consisted of cohorts of an average of 8,239 people, followed for a mean period of 6.41 years. Random effect meta-analysis summarised the Cox Proportional Hazard Ratios and Relative Risks of the individual studies.

Results

Results of the meta-analysis show that in older people, the risk of developing dementia because of the impact of prolonged loneliness and social isolation is about 49 to 60% [HR/HR = 1.49; CI₉₅=1.37−1.61] higher than in those who are not lonely and socially isolated.

Conclusion

The biopsychosocial model of dementia supports the need for more integrated social programs and reduced risks for the older persons who, during the COVID-19 lockdown, have suffered from deprivation of support from primary carers and restricted social interactions.

Keypoints

• During the COVID-19 lockdown, social isolation and feelings of loneliness in the general population have increased.

• Older persons are more vulnerable to social isolation and feelings of loneliness (SIFL).

• SIFL in older people has been associated with an increased risk of dementia.

• The current study’s findings suggest the need to improve healthcare policies to reduce the impact of SIFL in older persons during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• loneliness
• social isolation
• dementia
• risk
• meta-analysis

Acknowledgment

The authors are thankful for all the mental health carers and agencies who constantly provided social support to older people in the community during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Authors’ contributions

Both authors of the current study have conceived and designed the study, participated in the data acquisition, performed statistical analyses, and drafted the manuscript, tables, and figures.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest arising from the current study.

Geolocation information

Although the data extracted from the current study derive from International research centres, other data, policy, or aspects discussed also driven by the current conditions in the United Kingdom.

Data availability statement

The data deriving from the statistical analysis in the current study are available in this article. The original data for the meta-analysis are accessible from the single studies cited.