The Changes of Quality of Life, Behavioural Problems, and Cognition Among Older Adults With Severe Dementia Under Social Distancing Measures in Residential Homes

This study examined the association between social distancing measures and Quality of Life (QoL), behavioural problems, and cognition among older adults with severe dementia in residential homes. QoL (Chinese version of the Quality of Life for Late-Stage Dementia), behavioural problems (Chinese version of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory), cognition (Chinese version of the Cognitive Test for Severe Dementia), and clinical variables were evaluated at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Activity involvement was recorded on a monthly basis. Sixty-four participants completed the one-year follow-up. QoL worsened continuously from baseline to month-12; correlated with reduced activity involvement and increased depression level. Behavioural problems increased significantly from baseline to month-12; correlated with reduced activity involvement and deteriorated self-care function. Cognition declined significantly from baseline to month-12; correlated with reduced non-sedentary time. The findings suggest that social restrictions may be negatively related to the QoL, behavioural problems, and cognition of residents with severe dementia.