Feature Article
Social Isolation in Dementia: The Effects of COVID-19

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2021.05.002Get rights and content

Highlights

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    People with dementia in private homes and long-term care facilities are at risk for social isolation and/or loneliness and limited physical activity.

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    This is especially true during a pandemic, such as COVID-19.

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    Some interventions targeted at reducing the harms associated with social isolation, loneliness, and lack of physical activity already exist.

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    More research is needed regarding specific interventions based on patient ability, living environment, available supports, and resources.

Abstract

The aim of this literature review is to identify the effects of social isolation and lonliness on persons with dementia and to highlight interventions for private homes and long-term care facilities. It includes articles published in the last 5 years for a total of 45 articles. Social isolation and/or lonliness is linked to reduced quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and psychotropic drug use in people living with demential. Interventions, including physical activity, should be individualized and patient centered.

Keywords

COVID-19
dementia
social isolation

Cited by (0)

Aurora Curelaru, DNP, FNP-C, Sarah J Marzolf, DNP-FNP-C, Jean-Claude K. G. Provost, DNP-FNP-BC, Helen H. H. Zeon, DNP-FNP-C, are all nurse practitioners employed by a not-for-profit practice that offers primary care in the home to frail, underserved, and elderly in the Portland, OR, metro area. Dr. Provost can be contacted at [email protected].

In compliance with standard ethical guidelines, the authors report no relationships with business or industry that would pose a conflict of interest.

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