| Title | Venue | Year | Impact | Source |
| 3001 | The role of physical health on the relationship between subjective memory complaints, anxiety and depression in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic BACKGROUND: Research demonstrates that subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are associated with anxiety and depression; however, few studies have longitudinally examined the relationship between SMCs and new onset of anxiety and depression symptoms in older adults. In the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, it is also important to consider how existing health conditions may impact these associations. We examined (1) if SMCs predict new onset of anxiety and depression symptoms during the COVID‐19 pandemic in older adults and (2) if physical health problems exacerbate this association. METHOD: We performed hierarchical linear regression analyses to evaluate associations between SMCs and depression and anxiety symptoms during the COVID‐19 pandemic, controlling for age, sex, education, income, baseline anxiety and depression, and cognition. Next, we assessed the interaction between SMCs and health conditions on anxiety and depression symptoms. RESULT: SMCs (β= 0.021, p= .017) and health (β=.165, p<0.001) were directly associated with increased anxiety symptoms; however, the interaction effect was not significant (β=0.002, p=0.697). SMCs (β=0.006, p=0.493) and health (β=0.075, p=0.069) were not directly associated with increased depression symptoms; however, the interaction was significant (β=0.017, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: SMCs and health problems exert independent effects on the development of anxiety symptoms; whereas the effect of SMCs on the development of depression symptoms depends on the presence of health problems. These findings highlight the role health plays in the development of depression and anxiety symptoms in older adults during societal stressors such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. | Alzheimers Dement | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3002 | The Brain Health Champion (BHC) Study, COVID-19 sub-study: The impact of COVID-19 on behaviors adopted following interventions to promote brain-healthy activities BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that brain‐healthy behaviors, such as exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and cognitive/social stimulation, help protect against the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. We have been studying two interventions (health coach vs. physician education) that promote brain‐healthy behaviors in patients with mild dementia (MD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), subjective cognitive decline (SCD), and those at‐risk. When COVID‐19 occurred, we became interested in determining the extent to which the pandemic may have interfered with brain‐healthy behaviors that participants had adopted. We designed a sub‐study to investigate the pandemic’s effects on adherence to brain‐healthy behaviors in participants who completed either intervention in one of our two Brain Health Champion studies (BHC‐1, BHC‐2). METHOD: Participants from BHC‐1 and BHC‐2 were emailed questionnaires in September 2020. Of the 25 respondents, 15 (SCD:2, MCI:8, MD:5) were from BHC‐1 and 10 (At‐risk:5, MCI:5) were from BHC‐2. Questionnaires measured changes from the start of the pandemic (March 2020) in self‐reported physical activity, diet, and social/cognitive activities, as well as current sleep quality and feelings of anxiety and depression. RESULT: Results demonstrated that the pandemic had negatively impacted physical activity (p=.009) and social interactions (p<.001), with no significant changes in diet or cognitive activities. Additional data trends show that at‐risk/SCD participants endorsed more feelings of anxiety and depression than MCI participants. At‐risk/SCD participants also reported worse sleep quality than MCI participants (p=.036) across both studies and intervention arms. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the pandemic significantly impacted activities typically done outside the home (social and physical activity), while activities that are typically done at home were less affected (Mediterranean diet adherence and cognitive activity). The pandemic seemed to diminish brain‐healthy behaviors that participants likely gained from the interventions, demonstrating that clinical/research programs aimed at promoting brain health are strongly influenced by changes in the environment. Trends also show that there may be a direct relationship between anxiety/depression symptoms and sleep disruption in at‐risk/SCD and MCI participants. More research is necessary to determine if these disruptions of behavior and sleep are temporary and will be well‐compensated when COVID‐19 restrictions are lifted. | Alzheimers Dement | 2022 | | CORD-19 |
| 3003 | Role of SARS-CoV-2 in causing blood-brain barrier leakage and microglial activation as a risk factor of cognitive deterioration in subjects at risk of Alzheimer's disease BACKGROUND: The recent pandemic provides evidence of altered central nervous system (CNS) function in response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). SARS‐COV‐2 invades the CNS by binding angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expressed on neurons and glia. SARS‐COV‐2 may have effects on increased permeability of endothelial cells within the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) as studies have shown that the S1 protein can transverse the BBB. This is interesting because leakage of the BBB is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. We hypothesized that SARS‐CoV‐2 infection leads to innate stimulated inflammation, ultimately activating microglial cells and an influx of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and leukocytes in the meninges, contributing to increased permeability of the BBB. This BBB permeability increases AD susceptibility in subjects at risk by causing irreversible damage to the BBB and microglial cell activation. METHOD: We developed a double transgenic mouse model using mice expressing human ACE2 receptor and 5xFAD mice that exhibit increased neuropathology seen in human AD allowing modeling of AD in SARS‐CoV‐2 pathogenesis. The hACE2/5xFAD double transgenic mice were intranasally inoculated with a sub‐lethal dose of SARS‐CoV‐2 to test the hypothesis that SARS‐COV‐2 potentiates AD pathology and cognitive deterioration through impairment of the BBB. Leukocyte and cytokine populations were measured by flow cytometry and single‐nuclei RNA sequencing of the meninges for characterization of microglial populations. RESULT: SARS‐CoV‐2 creates a cytotoxic environment in the brain immediately following infection in hACE2/5xFAD mice leading to leakage of the BBB in the meninges. Activation of microglial innate cells by SARS‐COV‐2 invasion of the CNS will cause neural deterioration having long term implications on cognitive function. The hACE2/5xFAD mouse model allows us to uncover implications for SARS‐COV‐2 on AD cognitive deterioration. CONCLUSION: The hACE2/5xFAD mouse allows modeling of SARS‐CoV‐2 in developing AD cases and allowed us to determine the immune environment generated in the meninges in response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. This mouse model provides a platform to proactively determine the effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 in developing AD cases, a methodology to be exploited for future mouse models determining the relationship of other viruses on AD pathology, and the opportunity to address phenotypes with therapeutics for preventative initiatives. | Alzheimers Dement | 2022 | | CORD-19 |
| 3004 | Modifications in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in a multimodal intervention trial to prevent cognitive impairment in older women with cardiovascular disease BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment disproportionately affects women compared to men, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases risk. Physical activity and cognitive training may have synergistic effects on cognition when delivered together. However, no multimodal intervention has targeted older women (≥65) with CVD or has utilized a scalable lifestyle approach. Our study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of MindMoves, a 24‐week multimodal intervention, on cognition and serum biomarkers in 254 older women with CVD. However, effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic complicated implementation of our original in‐person trial protocol. The purpose of this paper is to describe protocol modifications made by our interdisciplinary team in response to COVID‐19, METHOD: We employ a 2x2 factorial randomized controlled trial design to determine independent and combined efficacies of Mind (cognitive training with BrainHQ) and Move (lifestyle physical activity with goal self‐monitoring and nurse‐led group meetings) interventions. Outcome measures of cognition and serum biomarkers (brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin‐like growth factor 1) are collected at baseline, 24, 48, and 72 weeks. Nurse scientists oversee interventions, cardiologists refer women ≥65 years with CVD and no cognitive impairment from clinics, and a cognitive neurologist and neuropsychologist oversee outcome measures. Pandemic‐related protocol changes were implemented to maximize study integrity and participant/staff safety. Targeted mailings were added to in‐person recruitment strategies. Screening activities shifted to phone. In‐person data collection was modified for phone/virtual settings, including accelerometer mailing (device measure of physical activity), neurocognitive tests validated for phone use, and home‐based participant‐administered dried blood spot collection for serum biomarkers. Women are now provided and trained to use iPad tablets to complete intervention activities virtually (e.g., Move group meetings). RESULT: The anticipated number of participants (19) in the first cohort was recruited without disruption, in the original timeline. Participants completed all phone‐based questionnaires and mailed devices were returned. Randomization occurred as planned. Intervention activities are ongoing, including phone‐based orientations and ≥90% attendance at virtual meetings. CONCLUSION: The modified trial protocol is being successfully implemented during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Results will demonstrate efficacy of pivoting from in‐person to virtual delivery of a lifestyle‐focused multimodal intervention in at‐risk older women with CVD. | Alzheimers Dement | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3005 | Outreach and recruitment of African Americans for Alzheimer's disease studies during the COVID-19 pandemic BACKGROUND: Recruiting African Americans in AD studies remains a challenge, particularly during a pandemic, where major health disparities in this population are illuminated. The recruitment literature suggests myriad factors that contribute to the underrepresentation of AAs, including, but not limited to “mistrust” in researchers and their institutions. Maintaining a continuous presence in the AA community builds trust even when traditional outreach methods are not allowed. We continued to provide outreach and recruitment opportunities through COVID education and food for families as we educated them about AD, and opportunities for study participation. METHOD: While our traditional outreach methods for recruiting AAs were interrupted, we continued to conduct AD outreach using virtual platforms, mobile phone calls, family conference calls and food distributions. We hosted nine webinars on COVID‐19 to maintain a presence in local and national AA communities and to remain connected to existing AD participants. We reached over 160,000 persons through webinars and social media. We established new relationship new faith leaders in the AA community who co‐hosted COVID‐19 webinars and also expressed interest in forming partnerships on AD education. In addition, we hosted food drives in AA communities that not only addressed food insecurity and COVID prevention, but also AD education and AD research opportunities. At the food drives we distributed bags with masks, hand sanitizers, AD brochures, booklets and study participation information. RESULT: Between October and December of 2020, 64 AAs who attended food drives expressed interest in AD studies that required blood draws and cognitive testing. Fifteen enrolled in our genetic study, 15 requested additional follow‐up and 13 expressed interest in participating in more than one study. CONCLUSION: Prior research suggests that recruiting AAs into AD studies requires continuous engagement. We used multiple strategies to maintain contact with the AA community and existing research participants, and successfully increased enrollment in the last quarter of the year. Maintaining consistent and continuous engagement facilitates trustworthiness with AAs and yields positive recruitment outcomes, even in a pandemic where traditional recruitment methods are limited. | Alzheimers Dement | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3006 | P5-82: The correlation of cycle threshold value with severity of COVID-19 at the isolation of new emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases room Arifin Achmad General Hospital Riau Province Indonesia | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3007 | Resilience and perceived stress in cognitively normal older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic BACKGROUND: Psychological resilience, a construct representing a person’s ability to return to their baseline when difficulties occur, can play an important role in determining outcomes in the face of stressors. Resilience is a crucial component to consider during times of prolonged stress, such as experienced during the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic, given that chronic stress has been associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Here, we investigated whether psychological resilience modified levels of perceived stress (assessed over 7 months), as well as examined the influence of demographic variables and Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers on this relationship. METHOD: In May‐November 2020 of the COVID‐19 pandemic, 39 cognitively normal participants (mean age=78.38; 53.85% female) in the Harvard Aging Brain Study (HABS) completed questionnaires assessing stress (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS) and resilience (only at baseline; Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale), higher scores on each measure indicating greater stress and increased resilience, respectively. We used previously collected data to better characterize the cohort, with the Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite (PACC;mean=0.46, SD=0.79) to assess cognition, and PET imaging data to assess Aß burden. A hierarchical regression model was used to assess whether resilience could predict baseline perceived stress. A separate linear mixed effect model (LME) was used to explore how resilience, time, and their interaction may affect stress. Both models also included age, sex, education, cognition, and Aß status (SUVR>1.324). RESULT: Perceived stress levels were generally low (mean=13.54, SD=8.65, range=0‐35), and did not significantly vary over the study period (p>0.5; mean number of timepoints=3.13). Both models demonstrated a main effect of resilience, such that higher resilience was associated with lower stress levels (p<0.001;Figure 1). Perceived stress was not influenced by demographic factors, cognition or Aß status. No significant interaction was found between resilience and time in predicting stress levels longitudinally. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that resilience is critical for coping with stress during the COVID‐19 pandemic, suggesting that resilience could be an important target for potential interventions in the future. Efforts at increasing resilience could not only help support older adults navigating stressful situations, but may also mitigate negative effects of stress on neurocognitive and mental health. | Alzheimers Dement | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3008 | COVID-19-related loneliness and social isolation in caregivers of people with brain health challenges: The CLIC-Caregiver Global Survey BACKGROUND: Prior to COVID‐19, >90% of caregivers of people with brain health challenges (dementia, mental ill health, intellectual disability) experienced high levels of distress, burden, loneliness and social isolation. The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly increased these impacts, particularly since these caregivers are often older and physically vulnerable themselves. The aim of this cross‐sectional study is to explore coping and caregiver burden, loneliness and social isolation in caregivers of people with brain health challenges during the COVID‐19 pandemic. METHOD: CLIC‐Caregiver was a cross‐sectional, online, and global survey (June 2(nd) ‐ November 15(th), 2020) using self‐administered questionnaires directed at informal caregivers of people with long‐term brain health challenges. The study was embedded within a larger survey of loneliness and social isolation for general public (‘Comparing Loneliness and Isolation in COVID‐19’ (CLIC)), including validated loneliness and isolation tools. Translated into ten different languages such as Arabic, French, Romanian, etc, the survey was disseminated over 100 countries. Respondents were included in the CLIC‐caregiver sub‐study if they answered yes to the question ‘Do you provide care and support to a family member or friend with a long‐term or life‐limiting health problem or disability (including mental health)’. The CLIC project received the initial global ethical approval from Ulster University. The data were fully anonymized. RESULT: From the CLIC main study, 5243 (25%) identified themselves as caregivers. This proportion varied in different countries, from 12 % in Romania to 65% in France. 2323 (44%) had care recipients with dementia, 1761 with physical conditions (disability or long‐term illness), 832 with enduring mental health problems, and 404 with intellectual disability. Measures of caregiver burden, loneliness and social isolation will be compared across geographic regions, sociodemographic factors, and risk factors for poor outcomes sought. Findings will be distributed to relevant stakeholders in the form of a project report, with region and country‐specific outcomes. This will support recommendations and actions supporting caregivers of people with brain health challenges. CONCLUSION: This represents the largest, most widespread survey on the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on caregivers of people with long‐term conditions to date. It will be an important resource for support agencies and to inform policy. | Alzheimers Dement | 2022 | | CORD-19 |
| 3009 | P1-61: Research of respiratory sequelae in COVID-19 patients at 3 months | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3010 | P12-8: New style for bronchoscopy to prevent infection under COVID-19 pandemic | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3011 | Quality of life, mood and cognitive performance in older adults with cognitive impairment during the first wave of COVID-19 in Argentina BACKGROUND: In Argentina, government has established lock down on 19 March in order to decrease SARS‐COV 2 infection. These restrictions have remained effective for long time, with increase of anxiety depression and insomnia as shown in several studies. Older population was particularly at risk due to greater limitations to go out. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of confinement in quality of life, mood and cognitive performance of older adults with cognitive impairment. METHOD: Longitudinal descriptive‐observational study. Patients with cognitive impairment (CDR 0.5‐1) attending to virtual cognitive stimulation sessions have participated. Participants have completed by themselves Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease scale (QOL AD), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐II), Test your Memory (TYM) and an attention and executive battery created by our institution. Same assessments were done at the beginning of the lock down and 7 months later. SPSS program was used and means, standard deviations and paired‐samples t test were calculated. RESULT: 51 adults (43 women, mean age: 68.53 SD: 8.06, mean education: 14.33 SD: 2.63) were included. An increase in BDI ‐II score (p = 0.049) and worse performance in one of the executive attention tests (p = 0.012) were found. No significant differences in total score of QOL‐AD (p = 0.090), TYM (p = 0.067), verbal fluency (p = 0.323) or memory tests (p = 0.098) were found. Reviewing sub items, differences in changes in sleep habits (p = 0.021), decrease in the energy level (p = 0.004), worse subjective record of memory capacity (p = 0.028) and decrease in ability to do housework (p = 0.007) were found. In those who lived alone a higher score in BDI ‐ II (p = 0.030) and TYM (p = 0.22) were found. CONCLUSION: This is the first longitudinal study that measures the impact of lockdown on quality of life and cognitive performance in older adults with cognitive impairment in Argentina. Lockdown and isolation have shown worsening of mood and some quality of life variables and decrease in attention. Finally, our results show an increase in depressive symptoms in those patients who lived alone. | Alzheimers Dement | 2022 | | CORD-19 |
| 3012 | P8-180: Growth inhibitory effects of chemotherapeutics drugs in EGFR-mutated PC9 cells during the COVID-19 pandemic | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3013 | Impact of COVID-19 pandemic in an early-onset dementia clinic in Barcelona BACKGROUND: The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic and related care policies have affected dementia patients. The characteristics of early‐onset dementia (EOD, <65 years) patients in 2020 may provide insights on how to rearrange the provision of care. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed, from 2016 to 2020, the demographic and clinical data of the new referrals at our EOD clinic (Hospital Clínic Barcelona). We used Fisher’s Exact test and Mann–Whitney U test in R4.0.2 (http://www.R‐project.org/) to analyze differences between 2020 and the period 2016‐2019. RESULT: In 2020, we did not visit any new referral from 15th march to 31th may. We evaluated 104 patients in 2020 and 392 patients in 2016‐2019 (mean=98(SD=11.8) patients/year). No differences were found in age at onset (AAO), sex, diagnostic delay and MMSE score (Table1). Significant differences were found in the diagnoses obtained in each period (p<0.000005, Figure1A). In 2020, 19.2% of the patients were diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases (ND), 48.1% with non‐neurodegenerative diseases (NND) and 32.7% with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). On contrast, in 2016‐2019, 26% of the patients were diagnosed with ND, 22.2% with NND and 51.8% with SCD. Compared to 2016‐2019, ND, but not SCD or NND, presented longer diagnostic delay in 2020 (p<0.0005, Figure1B). ND, NND and SCD did not show differences between periods in AAO, sex or MMSE. We did not find differences in the type of ND in each period (Figure1A). Compared to 2016‐2019, Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) presented longer diagnostic delay in 2020 (p<0.005, Figure1B) while ND subgroups did not show differences in AAO, sex or MMSE. Cognitive disturbances in recovered COVID‐19 patients accounted for 16% of NND in 2020 [N=8, AAO 50.63(12), 63% female, MMSE 26.8(2.3)]. CONCLUSION: In 2020, albeit we were forced to stop our normal activity during 2.5 months, we visited a similar number of patients among which we observed an increase in NND, including cognitive disturbances in patients with recovered COVID‐19. On contrast, we found a reduction in SCD and, to a lesser extent, ND. ND showed a longer diagnostic delay in 2020 that mainly affected FTLD. Whether COVID‐19 pandemic entails a diagnostic delay in dementia patients must be confirmed in 2021. | Alzheimers Dement | 2022 | | CORD-19 |
| 3014 | The dementia policies in Australia relating to the COVID-19 pandemic BACKGROUND: Australia has a population of 26 million, and on January 28th 2021, 28,794 COVID‐19 infections and 909 deaths. 685 deaths were at residential aged care facilities, and data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that 72.7% of the people who died of the coronavirus in Australia (up to 31 August 2020) had at least one pre‐existing chronic condition listed on their death certificate, with dementia the most common (noted on 41% of death certificates). This presentation will present and discuss the key Australian dementia policy interventions implemented during the pandemic. METHOD: A scoping review of published academic, media, policy papers, white papers, and grey literature was conducted. We extracted relevant information pertaining to policies relating to dementia care during the COVID‐19 pandemic. RESULT: The Australian government is managing the COVID‐19 outbreak as a health emergency, and have developed and funded a comprehensive response. For the older population and those with ADRD, the key policies include the National Health Plans, specific plans for people with disabilities, telehealth expansions, mental health and wellbeing pandemic response plans, home delivery of prescriptions, the establishment of an Aged Care Health Emergency Response Operations Centre, and a National COVID‐19 Aged Care Plan. In Victoria, the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre was established. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will be given to priority groups from February 2021, which include aged care and disability care residents and workers (people with dementia account for 52% of all residents in aged care facilities). Strict policies were put in place for aged care facility visitations, and for the aged care workforce, such as the use of personal protective equipment and limiting staff to work in only one facility. Advocacy bodies were also key, and Dementia Australia and Dementia Support Australia, for example, developed advice to support people experiencing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: There are currently no active cases in residential aged care in Australia, zero locally acquired cases for several weeks, with the (minimal) new cases emerging from the hotel quarantine system. Health policies have managed to limit the spread of COVID‐19 infection in Australia. | Alzheimers Dement | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3015 | Socio-psychological impact of COVID-19 on a diverse cohort of older adult research participants in New York BACKGROUND: During the spring of 2020, New York was overwhelmed by COVID‐19 and older adults as well as ethnic minorities were disproportionately affected. The Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) located in East Harlem in New York City, serves a predominantly low income, Latinx community. It was imperative to gauge the impact of COVID‐19 on our diverse group of older adult research participants. METHOD: Participants enrolled in the ADRC with a Clinical Dementia Rating Scale of 0 (75%) or .5 (24%) completed evaluations between May and December 2020 for the National Alzheimer’s Cooperative Center Uniform Data Set (NACC UDS) and were administered a 33‐item COVID‐19 questionnaire over the telephone that was modified from the questionnaire provided by NACC. The 15–20 minute survey asked questions about social, psychological, and emotional experiences with COVID‐19, including whether they had lost a loved one to COVID, as well as items targeting the psychological sequelae of the pandemic (depression, isolation, a sense of loss of control, for example). RESULT: 198 participants completed the questionnaire. Of these, 55% were non‐Hispanic White, 15% were non‐Hispanic Black, 14% were Hispanic, and 16% were Asian. The overall sample’s mean age was 76.4±7.5, mean education 15.80±3.1years, and 62.6% were male. Survey results indicated that 89% felt the pandemic had been disruptive to their lives, and 30% had lost a loved one to COVID. Sixty‐three percent of participants reported being in touch remotely with friends or family nearly every day, and 24% 2‐3x/week. Thirty two percent reported feeling they could not control important things in their life and feeling anxious (46%), bored (41%), and lonely (30%). Twenty seven percent reported feeling depressed and 23% experienced sleep problems. CONCLUSION: In this diverse sample of community dwelling older adults, most were able to remain in close contact with family and friends, and many reported the pandemic as disruptive. However, fewer reported experiencing a loss of control as well as psychological or emotional distress (i.e., depression) which may reflect adaptive mechanisms worthy of further study. | Alzheimers Dement | 2022 | | CORD-19 |
| 3016 | P1-15: Chest X-ray improvement in COVID-19 moderate symptoms with remdesvir and favipiravir: A comparative study | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3017 | P14-9: Lung function analysis of COVID-19 survivors in dr. Zainoel Abidin Hospital Banda Aceh, Indonesia | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3018 | P16-95: High incidence of MPO-ANCA positive interstitial pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3019 | P7-8: Effect of surgical mask on exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3020 | P5-122: A case of secondary organizing pneumonia caused by relapse of inflammation after COVID-19 treatment with systemic corticosteroid and tocilizumab | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3021 | COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease: Meninges-mediated neuropathology BACKGROUND: SARS‐CoV‐2 the causative agent of COVID‐19 displays a broad range of pathophysiology. Cytokine storms associated with COVID‐19 damage the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) and allow pro‐inflammatory factors to invade the brain, further promoting neurodegeneration. While SARS‐CoV‐2 viral RNA and proteins have been detected in brain tissues, the mechanisms of neuroinvasion remain unknown. COVID‐19 has had a disproportionate impact on those suffering from neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Understanding the mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐2 neuroinvasion is crucial to study the long‐term neurocognitive effects of COVID‐19 on AD pathology. Viruses can infiltrate the brain through the meninges via infected immune cells. The meninges regulate the immune surveillance of the brain and play a key role in the efflux of pathogens from the brain. Meningeal dysfunction has been demonstrated to exacerbate amyloid‐beta pathogenesis. In this study, we explore the neuroinvasion pathway of SARS‐CoV‐2 through the meninges and its effect on AD pathology. METHOD: 5x FAD x hACE2 mice were inoculated intranasally with a sublethal dose of SARS‐CoV‐2. The mice were maintained for 2 weeks. Mouse brains and meninges were harvested. The tissue was stained and immunofluorescence imaging was conducted to study viral proliferation and immune responses. Histo‐cytometry was conducted for quantitative imaging analysis. Gene expression studies were done using Nanostring assays. All experiments involving the SARS‐Cov‐2 virus were carried out in a BSL3 facility. RESULT: This ongoing study demonstrates the proliferation of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus in the brain via meningeal lymphatics. SARS‐CoV‐2 infection resulted in increased neuroinflammation. Additionally, inflammatory responses induced meningeal dysfunction resulting in increased amyloid‐beta pathology and cerebrospinal fluid drainage. CONCLUSION: Given the increasing evidence for a viral hypothesis of Alzheimer’s Disease it is extremely important to study the neurodegenerative effects of COVID‐19 which has affected millions worldwide. We demonstrate that SARS‐CoV‐2 infiltrates the brain via the meninges promoting neuroinflammation. Furthermore, amyloid‐beta pathologies are exacerbated by COVID‐19 in animal models providing preclinical evidence of the long‐term neurodegenerative effects of COVID‐19. | Alzheimers Dement | 2022 | | CORD-19 |
| 3022 | O19-3: The outcomes of evolving treatment regimens among COVID-19 Confirmed severe and critical cases admitted at the lung center of the Philippines | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3023 | Impact of COVID-19 on family care partners of persons with dementia in long-term care settings in Canada: Not a 'one-size-fits-all' story BACKGROUND: COVID‐19 has been devastating for older adults, particularly residents in long‐term care/retirement (LTC) homes. In an effort to curb the transmission of COVID‐19, public health measures have been put in place in many LTC homes, including mask wearing, physical distancing, and visitor restrictions. As the pandemic passes the one‐year mark, we are starting to understand the profound impacts of COVID‐19 and the corresponding public health measures on persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their family care partners (CPs). This research is part of a larger study exploring the impact of COVID‐19 on the wellbeing and social connections of PLWD and CPs. In this presentation, findings from qualitative interviews conducted with CPs of PLWD in LTC homes are shared. METHODS: The overall study used an intrinsic case study design, involving survey and interview data. Following completion of a survey, participants were invited to participate in an in‐depth qualitative interview. Interviews were conducted by phone or online, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Eighteen CPs were interviewed. The impact of visitor restrictions varied between LTC homes and changed over the course of the pandemic, which was extremely challenging for CPs. At homes with visitor restrictions, the inability to visit family members with dementia was described as stressful, unfair, and frustrating. CPs stressed the importance of being able to visit their relatives, and ensuring their family members had regular social interaction to support their physical, social and emotional wellbeing. Even when CPs could visit, masks and physical distancing made communication with some PLWD challenging. Visitor policies also influenced perceptions of care. Some CPs felt that the needs of their family members with dementia were being met by the home, while others weren’t sure because CPs weren’t in the homes to assist staff and provide support to their family members with dementia. CONCLUSION: While COVID‐19 and the pandemic restrictions have been difficult for all CPs of persons with dementia in LTC, for some it has been agonizing. Understanding these varied experiences can help inform the development of individually‐tailored resources to better support the wellbeing of CPs. | Alzheimers Dement | 2022 | | CORD-19 |
| 3024 | P11-17: Outcomes of COVID-19 critical care patients in Indonesia periphery | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3025 | P1-55: Pulmonary function after nintedanib treatment in post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis Chest CT scan showed extensive fibrosis for which she received methylprednisolone and physical therapy, eventually weaning her off HFNC but still with persistence of dyspnea on mild exertion. 1 Philippine General Hospital, Philippines, 2 St Lukes Medical Center, Philippines Physicians worldwide have been reporting substantial cases of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. In conclusion, Nintedanib improved pulmonary function and chest CT findings in post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. [Extracted from the article] Copyright of Respirology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3026 | P5-21: Serum ferritin levels: A cost-effective marker for severity of pneumonia in patients with COVID-19 | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3027 | WW-FINGERS-SARS-CoV-2 in Finland: Changes in lifestyle and risk factors for cognitive impairment during the pandemic in the FINGER study BACKGROUND: Restrictions enforced in many counties during the COVID‐19 pandemic may have both short‐ and long‐term effects on the risk factors relevant for cognitive impairment and dementia. The COVID‐19 pandemic occurred during the post‐intervention follow‐up phase of the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) postponing the planned follow‐up visits of the participants. We investigated how the first phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic affected lifestyles and other risk factors among the FINGER participants using a postal survey. METHOD: A survey was sent in June 2020 to 859 eligible FINGER participants. The survey was developed to assess the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic and related infection‐control measures on lifestyles, daily life, commitment to distancing measures, access to healthcare and social services, and changes in cognitive and social activities, as well as emotional health and wellbeing. RESULT: A total of 735 participants responded to the survey (85% of the eligible participants). They were on average 78 years old at the time of the survey. Majority of the participants adopted some distancing practices during the first months of the pandemic. Older participants were more likely to practice total isolation than younger ones. Pandemic‐related changes were reported in social engagement, including less contact with friends and family, and less frequent participation in cultural events or associations, but on the other hand the frequency of remote contacts with others was increased. About a third of the participants reported that their physical activity was reduced, and this was more common among those who had been less active earlier. Pandemic‐related changes in lifestyle and activities were more evident among those living alone. CONCLUSION: Finnish older persons were mainly reporting that they coped in the pandemic situation quite well. Older participants seemed to be more susceptible to negative changes. Also persons with less physical activity previously were likely to reduce their activities even more. This may have long‐term consequences on the cognitive health of older adults, and it may also impact the longer‐term effects of the FINGER intervention. | Alzheimers Dement | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3028 | P5-80: A case report of pneumothorax associated with COVID-19 pneumoniae | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3029 | P5-77: Prognostic factors associated with death and progressiveness of COVID-19 disease at Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3030 | Effects of the lifestyle of the elderly before and after COVID-19 on subjective health, depression and quality of life: The application of multiple group analysis BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to identify differences in effectiveness between the two periods before and after COVID‐19 by using a multiple group analysis to determine the effect of the lifestyle(physical activity, activity participation, and nutrition) of the middle and older people on subjective health, depression and quality of life. METHOD: Among those aged 55 and older, the study measured lifestyle, subjective health, depression, and quality of life for a total of 327 people. We used SPSS 25 for general characteristics of subjects, descriptive statistical analysis of variables, and AMOS 20 for validation of variables, affirmative factor analysis, and effectiveness analysis on paths. RESULT: Multiple group analysis shows that the path of health→depression was significant at 99% confidence before COVID‐19 and between activity participation→quality of life at 90% confidence. CONCLUSION: Comparison of final research models from two periods before and after COVID‐19 shows that social isolation resulting from COVID‐19 negatively affects depression and quality of life. These results suggest that health care is essential for middle‐aged and elderly people, and that measures should be taken to address the restrictions on participation in activities caused by social isolation. | Alzheimers Dement | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3031 | Psychological status in the participants of the API ADAD Colombia trial assisted by a comprehensive mental health program during COVID-19 pandemic BACKGROUND: Due to the global SARS‐CoV2 pandemic it has been hard to conduct research, including research related to prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. The Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative (API) Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer’s Disease (ADAD) Colombia trial is being conducted in participants with family history of early‐onset dementia due to the PSEN1 E280A mutation who are cognitively unimpaired at baseline. Participants are enduring three stressors: 1) fear of developing dementia; 2) logistic changes to the study caused by the public health emergency due to the pandemic; and 3) concern about getting infected by SARS‐CoV2. Objective: To describe the frequency of new or exacerbated psychological disorders among the participants of the API ADAD Colombia trial assisted by a comprehensive mental health team during the COVID‐19 pandemic. METHOD: Participants in the API ADAD Colombia trial have free access to psychology and psychiatry services, either in person or through teleassistance, as well as psychoeducational offerings. These mental health services are provided by the site, outside of the study protocol, and are supported by Health and Social plans which were created to support participants’ wellbeing during the trial. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation and percentages) were used to analyze characteristics and frequency of mental health issues in the participants. RESULT: 66 participants (53 women, 80.3%) were treated by the Mental Health Team from March 1(st), 2020 through December 31(st), 2020. Mean age was 44.09 (SD 6.97) y.o. Before and after the pandemic onset, the most common psychological problems were anxiety (before 36.4%, after 63.6%) and depression (before 34.8 %, after 37.9%). From people who received psychological and psychiatric services, 70% vs. 81.6% felt that those services helped them, respectively. Among participants who received psychological vs. psychiatric assistance, 71.4% vs. 86.9% of patients with depression, 70.3% vs 75% of patients with anxiety and 60% vs 76.2% of patients with other disorders, felt the services helped them with these conditions. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive mental health program immersed in a trial to prevent or treat devastating diseases as dementia, could mitigate the psychological effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic in study participants. | Alzheimers Dement | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3032 | Study protocol: SOcial LImitations Turn Up DEmentia (SOLITUDE)-Impact of COVID-19 social isolation on patients' cognition and mental health and on carers' wellbeing BACKGROUND: Social isolation and loneliness are both known to exert detrimental effects on mental health and cognitive functioning, as well as on medial temporal lobe volume in older adults. Reduced social interactions have also been found to increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older people. Since restrictions to social contacts have been imposed to tackle the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, this study aims to investigate the long‐term impact of the resulting social isolation on people with mild dementia and their carers. METHOD: This study has been implemented using a multi‐centre longitudinal observational design to monitor mental health (9‐item Patient Health Questionnaire and Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire), cognitive performance (telephone Mini‐Mental State Examination and Telephone Assessment of Cognitive Function) and quality of life (Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease) of patients with mild dementia due to neurodegenerative aetiologies, as well as carers’ burden (12‐item Zarit Burden Interview). Additionally, a structured interview is included to assess the potential impact of social isolation on everyday functioning of patients and carers. Participants are assessed telephonically at three time‐points: baseline and two follow‐ups after 3 and 6 months. RESULT: Six centres across the UK have confirmed capacity and capability to recruit up to eighty participants. Between September and December 2020, twenty‐nine participants have been recruited across different sites and completed the baseline assessment. Moreover, nine participants have already completed the 3‐month follow‐up. CONCLUSION: This study (predicted completion date: July 2021) is expected to provide valuable insights into the potential long‐term consequences of lockdown measures on people with dementia and their carers. Moreover, it will enable the identification of potential risk/protective factors for decline in mental health and cognition due to extensive changes in patients’ social environment. Findings from the SOLITUDE study may inform preventative and management strategies for decline in mental function targeting people with dementia, who may be the most affected by social isolation and loneliness. | Alzheimers Dement | 2022 | | CORD-19 |
| 3033 | Effects of COVID-19 on cognition of older African Americans BACKGROUND: The Covid‐19 pandemic, with its diverse effects (e.g., on quality of life, health and illness, physical and psychological well‐being, social and economic life), has also been suggested to effect cognitive functioning. To better understand the possible effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic, we examined cognitive functioning of older African Americans. METHOD: Study included 164 community‐dwelling older African Americans (mean age= 75.6, range=64‐94) recruited from the Wayne State Institute of Gerontology Healthier Black Elders Center and general Detroit area. Responses were gathered over the phone between 7/28/2020 to 1/14/2021. Change in cognitive functioning was evaluated with the newly developed Cognitive Change Questionnaire (CCQ) in which participants self‐evaluated their cognition related to daily activities (e.g., memorizing, paying attention, task switching) on a 5‐point scale (1–Much easier, 3–No difference, to 5–Much harder), comparing it to the pre‐pandemic time. In addition, all participants received the TICSm phone‐based cognitive screen. Responses to COVID‐19 were measured on these scales: positive emotions (e.g., gratitude, happiness), negative emotion (e.g., anger, fear), unmet needs (e.g., food, medical care), and personal issues (e.g., economic problems, reduced privacy). RESULT: Findings showed that 106 (65%) participants did not report any COVID‐19 related cognitive changes, 7 (4%) indicated improved cognitive functioning, and 50 (31%) indicated that their cognitive functioning was worse as compared to pre‐COVID‐19 times. Average CCQ scale score (range 8‐40) was 26.86. CCQ scale showed good psychometric properties (Cronbach alpha=.84). Significant correlations were obtained between CCQ and TICSm subscales: r=–.16 (p=.05) with total score, r=–.19 (p=.01) with immediate recall, and r=–.24 (p=.002) with delayed recall. Stepwise regression analysis showed that COVID‐19 related responses explained 24% of variability on CCQ: participants reported greater cognitive decline if they expressed greater level of negative emotions (21% explained variance) and higher anxiety (3% explained variance). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that a sizeable percentage of older community‐dwelling African Americans do self‐report cognitive decline following COVID‐19, associated with increased presence of negative emotions and anxiety. The possibility of altered cognitive function should be considered not only for quality‐of‐care issues, but also when recruiting for research trials during and after the pandemic. | Alzheimers Dement | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3034 | The impact of ICT use on feelings of loneliness and isolation during the COVID-19 lockdown among older people BACKGROUND: Older adults are at risk of psychological consequences along home segregation during COVID‐19 pandemic. Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) are crucial in such context even among older people. Aim: to explore the impact of being ICTusers on loneliness and ICTs use among older adults from pre to lockdown period. METHODS: Data were extracted from the fourth follow‐up (2018) of the InveCe.Ab, a multidimensional population‐based study (NCT01345110) on 70‐75 older people living in Abbiategrasso (Milan, Lombardy) at baseline (2009). Sixty‐six of them were trained for SNS use in 2019, as a part of the ANS‐SE study (NCT04242628). A telephone interview was administered during the lockdown period (March‐May 2020), collecting information on self‐perceived loneliness measured by the 3‐item UCLA loneliness scale and ICT use [smartphones, computers, internet and Social Network Sites (SNSs)]. Participants in the pre‐lockdown assessment reporting use of any ICT were defined as ICTusers. Cross‐sectional differences between ICTusers and non‐users were explored using Independent Sample t‐test or Chi‐square test. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to compare the long‐term effect of being ICTusers and non‐users on loneliness change (UCLA 3‐item total and subscales) and ICT use change, including the pre‐lockdown measures and being trained for SNSs use as covariates, followed by post‐hoc comparisons. RESULTS: Pre‐lockdown participants with ICT use data available were 623 (163 ICT users, 460 non‐users). Table 1 shows that ICTusers were mostly men, more educated, showed fewer depressive symptoms (GDS) and higher global cognition (MMSE) than ICTnon‐users. ICTusers felt less total loneliness, fewer feelings of a lack of companionship and isolation from others than ICTnon‐users. Pre‐lockdown ICT use was on average 2.11 (DS 1.05). Longitudinal significant difference emerged between the two groups on total loneliness, with ICTusers (n=130), showing a decrease (mean difference (SE): ‐0.382 (0.179); 95% CI: ‐0.733, ‐0.030; p=0.033) compared to non‐users (n=296). ICTusers (n=130), reported fewer feelings of isolation (mean difference (SE): ‐0.213 (0.068); 95% CI: ‐0.348, ‐0.079; p=0.002) than non‐users (n=300). CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID‐19 lockdown, former ICTusers were protected against feelings of loneliness and isolation. The ICT use did not change in both groups. | Alzheimers Dement | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3035 | P5-70: Effectiveness of favipiravir in COVID-19 patients with multiple (≥2) or less (<2) comorbidities: A real word experience from India | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3036 | P5-58: Efficacy of concurrent administration of tocilizumab with corticosteroids for patients with COVID-19 | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3037 | P2-24: Ways to tackle the highly transmissible delta virus As COVID attacks not only the lung but also the neurological system, this makes antibody-conjugated nanoparticles particularly useful as it can penetrate into various tissue better, e.g. photothermal nanoparticles conjugated with neutralizing antibodies can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 on shining light of wavelength 500-850nm. To manufacture SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing mAbs, we first isolate antibodies from convalescent patients, immunized animals or phage-displayed human antibody libraries. 1 Wong Tai Sin Hospital, Hong Kong Delta virus is a newly widespread mutant that shows increase resistance to most vaccine due primarily to the mutation of spike protein. [Extracted from the article] Copyright of Respirology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3038 | The impact of pandemic-related measures on COVID-negative dementia inpatients BACKGROUND: During the COVID‐19 pandemic, infection control measures and changes to patient flow have drastically altered the care provided to inpatients with dementia. Some of these emergency steps mainly affected COVID‐19 positive patients, whereas others had an impact on all. This project aimed to examine the pandemic’s impact on the demographics, care and outcomes of inpatients with dementia who did not test positive for the virus. METHODS: This analysis formed a part of an overarching initiative at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, which leveraged the National Audit of Dementia (NAD) framework to assess care during the pandemic. A tailor‐made questionnaire was composed of the relevant NAD elements and additional items, including questions on capacity assessment. The full sample included 100 patients with dementia admitted between April and July 2020. In this project, data from patients who tested negative for COVID‐19 (n=75) were compared to the local results of the last available NAD (2018; n=50). A combination of student’s t, binomial, and Chi‐squared statistical tests was applied to numerical, two‐answer categorical, and multiple‐answer categorical data respectively (with FDR correction where appropriate). RESULTS: Demographics of dementia patients admitted during the pandemic were different, with fewer males (27% vs. 40% in 2018), fewer ethnic minorities (13% vs. 36%) and fewer patients admitted from their own home (45% vs 63%). During admission, fewer functional assessments were carried out and less patient‐specific information made available. Inpatient falls were less frequent (19% vs. 64%), presumably due to decreased opportunities for mobility. Admissions were shorter overall, but discharges appeared less well planned and coordinated. Rates of delirium and mortality were unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: While major outcomes appear unchanged, the real impact may be masked by limited, selective admissions. The findings highlight the need to preserve assessment and discharge planning for COVID‐negative patients with dementia during future crisis response measures. | Alzheimers Dement | 2022 | | CORD-19 |
| 3039 | Enhancing dementia care during the Corona pandemic: Zooming from home BACKGROUND: The Covid‐19 pandemic has created social isolation across all age groups. Literature reports that persons with dementia experience significant social isolation resulting in stress and anxiety for their caregivers as well. Interactive communication technologies like Zoom have been employed to reduce the impact of the pandemic. However, we find no reports using this technology with persons with dementia. Our study used the Zoom platform to maintain social connectivity with 16 day center clients who represent an immigrant community identified with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. We hypothesize that by using technology which allows facial recognition and communication and by focusing on the meaning of home, these persons and their carers expressed positive emotional feelings and remained engaged with their social world despite what was going on around them. METHOD: Online psychodrama sessions were conducted for 7 weeks, 1 hour each week during the COVID‐19 lockdown. Carers were instructed on using the tablet and preparations needed for the Zoom session. The session was video recorded following the ethics guidelines of the day center MELABEV and manually transcribed. NVivo software was used in the qualitative analysis. RESULT: Five main themes emerged from this analysis: Emotions, Home/Family, Social Connectivity, Reminiscence with Objects, and Carers Participation. Clients demonstrated significant social interaction without inhibition in their participation and displayed emotional expressions of what home means to them. In contrast to recent literature, neither clients nor their caregivers exhibited anxiety, stress, depression, or security issues despite their social isolation. Despite cognitive limitations, the clients were engaged, connected, interacted, and communicated with one another in very personal ways. CONCLUSION: Results support the notion that technology like Zoom offers an option for preventing social isolation and mitigating the negative impact of supporting someone with dementia during this pandemic and other crises. From a societal perspective, particularly during COVID‐19, the importance of making available technology to persons with dementia and seeing them socially connect and engage through a medium not part of their generation has far‐reaching implications not only for future research but also for policy considerations, mitigating social isolation and caregiver burden among a vulnerable population. | Alzheimers Dement | 2022 | | CORD-19 |
| 3040 | P8-37: Delayed visit and treatment of lung cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3041 | Communication during Covid-19: Use of video conferencing technology by people living with dementia BACKGROUND: The use of videoconferencing technology has increased as an alternative communication method for people to retain social and clinical contact during Covid‐19 restrictions. This study investigated the uptake, limitations and benefits of videoconferencing for people living with dementia (PLWD). METHOD: Twenty‐three PLWD, 87 caregivers (on behalf of PLWD) and 39 healthy control participants anonymously reported their experiences of using videoconferencing technology during the Covid‐19 pandemic (PLWD: 38‐90 years; controls: 32‐100 years). The online survey ran between December 2020 and April 2021. Respondents represented experiences of people living with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD; 27), Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD; 23), Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA; 24), Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA; 22), Lewy Body Dementia (LDB; 7). Mann‐Whitney U tests were used to compare Likert ratings of videoconferencing experiences between PLWD or diagnostic subgroups and controls. RESULT: The majority of survey respondents that use videoconferencing technology reported an increased usage during the Covid‐19 pandemic than before (85%). However, 28% of PLWD did not use videoconferencing at all, compared to 3% of healthy controls. Only 53% of PLWD reported they liked using videoconferencing technology compared to 67% of controls, and this was lowest for people with LBD (33%) or PCA (40%). Interestingly, 64% of people with FTD liked videoconferencing and rated it more engaging than traditional telephone calls compared to healthy controls (p=0.045). People with AD, PCA and FTD found online meetings with multiple people more difficult than controls (p=0.036; p<0.001; p=0.030). Qualitative responses to questions on telemedicine were mixed, with PLWD three times more likely to report overall negative consequences (e.g. “communication better face‐to‐face”) than positive benefits (e.g. “less tiring”) for cognitive clinic and dementia‐related GP appointments, compared to face‐to‐face visits. CONCLUSION: The use of videoconferencing by PLWD and healthy controls has increased during the Covid‐19 pandemic. However, a significant proportion of PLWD surveyed are not able to use these technologies, with different profiles of uptake and enthusiasm across dementia subtypes. Our findings suggest that whilst representing a helpful alternative to face‐to‐face communication during the pandemic, videoconferencing (particularly in clinical settings) may be a significant barrier to communication for some people with cognitive impairment. | Alzheimers Dement | 2022 | | CORD-19 |
| 3042 | P5-83: The correlation between cycle threshold polymerase chain reaction COVID-19 with the extent of chest X-ray abnormalities and D-dimer in COVID-19 patients at Arifin Achmad General Hospital Riau Province | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3043 | Loneliness experience through COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown is related with resting-state brain networks functional connectivity BACKGROUND: The reduction in social interactions often associated with old age frequently initiates or aggravates loneliness, increasing the risk of a number of diseases including depression and dementia (Mushtaq et al., JCDR. 2014;8(9):E01–WE4.). Loneliness has been related to particular patterns of brain resting‐state networks (RSNs; Spreng et al., Nat Commun. 2020;11(1):6393). However, the role of RSNs in a resilient response to reductions of social interactions remains unknown and the COVID‐19 pandemic provides a unprecedent opportunity to investigate it. METHOD: Repeated loneliness assessments were collected by the Barcelona Brain Health Initiative (BBHI; www.bbhi.cat/en/) using the short UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell et al., J Pers Assess. 1978; 42(3):290–294). Two timepoints were measured over two years prior to COVID‐19 outbreak and four thereafter (March, April, June and October 2020). We used baseline resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI), from 281 participants (mean age 53.91±7.35; 137 women), acquired within 1‐2 years prior to the pandemic to compute resting‐state functional connectivity (rs‐FC) for each pair of nodes defined by the Schaefer‐Yeo atlas. Then, we utilized partial least squares (PLS) analysis for the decomposition of two multivariate sets (i.e., rs‐FC and loneliness scores) into latent variables of maximal covariation. RESULT: We identified two latent trajectories significantly correlated with two latent connectivity patterns, each of them describing approximately opposite baseline rs‐FC and loneliness levels during the months with the most severe restrictions (i.e., March and April). The first latent trajectory showed greater baseline loneliness improving during the pandemic, associated with higher within‐network connectivity in the limbic and salience networks. The second trajectory captured individuals with baseline loneliness levels similar to the average population, improving in March, at the beginning of outbreak, and worsening in April, which was related to lower baseline within‐network connectivity in the DMN and higher in the dorsal attention and visual circuits. CONCLUSION: Present findings reveal specific associations between RSNs’ functional connectivity and opposite changes in feelings of loneliness during an unanticipated period of severe social restrictions. Specifically, lower rs‐FC of limbic networks combined with high connectivity of salience system at baseline suggested greater resilience to the negative impact during the pandemic on loneliness. | Alzheimers Dement | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3044 | P5-94: The usefulness of a combination of age, body mass index and blood urea nitrogen as prognostic factors in predicting oxygen requirements in patients with COVID-19 | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3045 | The impact of COVID-19 related isolation on the mental health of Alzheimer's disease caregivers: Where does communication technology fit in? BACKGROUND: The COVID‐19 lockdown and social isolation protocols implemented to slow the spread of the virus created a unique environment of separation between individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their informal caregivers. The health and wellness of dementia caregivers has been shown to be affected by the challenges of their caregiving role. Yet the inability to fulfill these roles may exude equally detrimental health outcomes. Furthermore, the impact of communication technologies such as smart phone and tablet apps, is not yet fully understood. This study investigated the mental health outcomes of ADRD caregivers in the wake of widespread COVID‐19 related social isolation, and the influence of app use on these outcomes. METHOD: Caregiver perceptions were gathered via a web‐based survey (available in both French and English). Inclusion criteria included: self‐reported status as a dementia caregiver, 18 years of age or older, and ability to read either English or French. Survey data was analyzed via descriptive statistics and specific variables of interested were investigated deeper via principal component analysis and ordinal regression model analysis. RESULT: A total of 84 complete surveys (67 English, 17 French) were collected. Of these, 80% reported that their loved one was isolated due to some form of institutionalization or hospitalization. Furthermore, 87% of respondents reported that they experienced negative mental health outcomes related to either experiencing, or worrying about isolation from their loved one. Using no or only 1 smart device application was significantly associated with increased likelihood of negative mental health outcomes for the caregiver. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the need for methods of mitigating the negative effects of physical separation in periods of health and safety‐related lockdowns and isolation. Furthermore, the potential alleviating effect of increased technology use was indicated by the increased risk of health concerns with less app use as compared to more app use. Future studies should further investigate the extent to which various smart personal device applications can facilitate care provision at a distance. | Alzheimers Dement | 2022 | | CORD-19 |
| 3046 | Short-term impact of COVID-19 on consumption spending and its underlying mechanisms: Evidence from Singapore We examine the short‐term impact of COVID‐19 on consumption spending and its underlying mechanisms using individual‐level monthly panel data from Singapore. Although Singapore's case fatality rate was one of the lowest in the world in the early stage of the pandemic (0.05%), we find that the COVID‐19 pandemic reduced household consumption spending by almost one quarter at its peak, with a larger response from households with above‐median wealth. We show that the reduction in consumption spending is associated with the nationwide lockdown policy, heightened economic uncertainty and reduced income. In addition, we find a substantial increase in monthly savings among households without income losses, suggesting a substantial rebound in consumption spending after the lifting of the lockdown. The results from June 2020 confirm this conjecture, as we find that consumption spending rebounded by about 10 percentage points in that month. | Can J Econ | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3047 | P1-83: A case report of primi 30 weeks of pregnancy with COVID-19 pneumonia with dengue fever | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3048 | P11-14: Blood gas analysis and alveolar-arterial gradient as predictor of mortality confirmed COVID-19 patients outcome in Tertiary Referral Hospital | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3049 | Lower motor function prior to the Covid-19-imposed lockdown predicts emotional distress in older adults with T2D BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with accelerated cognitive decline and increased dementia risk. Lockdowns imposed due to the Covid‐19 outbreak led to unprecedented changes in the life of older adults. However, little is known about emotional distress consequences. We assessed associations of grey matter (GM) volumes (N=179), cognitive and motor functions (N=403) with emotional distress of older adults with T2D from the Israel Diabetes and Cognitive Decline Study (IDCD). METHODS: During the first Covid‐19‐related lockdown in Israel, we applied a phone questionnaire, which included information about anxiety (“Over the last two weeks, how much have you been bothered by Feeling anxious or nervous?”; Anxiety levels now compared to before Covid‐19), depression (“Over the last two weeks, how much have you been bothered by feeling sad, down, or uninterested in life?”; sad feelings now compared to before Covid‐19), general well‐being (“How are you feeling in general?”), optimism towards the future (“Are you optimistic towards the future?”). Grey matter (GM) volumes (measured by high resolution T1‐weighted MRI), cognitive (a global measure summarizing 14 cognitive tests) and motor function (gait speed and grip strength), are routinely assessed by the IDCD study. Spearman correlation adjusting for age, sex, education, HbA1c and duration of T2D (as well as TICV for the GM analyses) examined associations of GM, cognitive and motor functions with emotional distress measures. RESULTS: The sample averaged 72 years of age (SD=4.4), and 14 years of education (SD=3.5); 40.9% were female. Lower grip strength prior to lockdown was associated with increased sadness (r=‐0.21, p<0.001) and anxiety (r=‐.011, p=0.020), less optimism (r=0.10, p=0.042) and lower general feeling (r=0.17, p=0.0005). Slower gait speed was associated with increased sadness (r=0.13, p=0.005). Lower GM was associated with greater anxiety during the lockdown (r=‐0.19, p=0.011) and compared to before Covid‐19 (r=‐0.19, p=0.012). Global cognition was not associated with any of the emotional distress measures. CONCLUSIONS: Motor function, but not cognitive function, were associated with lockdown imposed emotional distress in older adults with T2D. These associations point to the importance of good motor function and physical conditioning in emotional well‐being related to acute stress related to stay‐at‐home‐orders. | Alzheimers Dement | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
| 3050 | P5-81: Correlation of serum ferritin level with disease severity of COVID-19 at Arifin Achmad General Hospital Riau Province | Respirology | 2021 | | CORD-19 |
