Delirium and Covid-19 in the old adults: practical implications / Confusion et Covid-19 chez la personne âgée : implications pour la pratique

Covid-19 is the pathology associated with infection with the pandemic SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus. In people over 75 years of age, several studies alert clinicians to specificities. In particular, the confusion, acute brain failure, appears to be linked to Covid-19. This review of the literature explores the implications for practice of the presence of delirium during Covid-19 at the level of: epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic phase, prerequisites and management. It also details the implications of post-acute infection.

La Covid-19 est la pathologie liée à une infection au coronavirus pandémique SARS-Cov-2. Chez les personnes âgées de plus de 75 ans, plusieurs études alertent les cliniciens sur des spécificités. En particulier, la confusion, altération fonctionnelle cérébrale aiguë, semble être liée à la Covid-19. Cette revue de la littérature explore les implications pour la pratique de la présence d'un tableau confusionnel dans la Covid-19 au niveau : de l'épidémiologie, de la physiopathologie, de la phase de diagnostic, des préalables et de la prise en charge. Elle détaille aussi les implications dans les suites de l'infection aiguë.

COVID-19 and the elaboration of personal plans in + 50: a Brazilian experience.

BACKGROUND: In front of the physical and social isolation, as well as feelings of fear and instability imposed by the pandemic of COVID-19, especially for risk groups such as people 50 + , it became even more relevant to discuss the formulation of personal plans for this age population. This study aimed to analyse the individual plans of people 50 + , considering their perception, feelings and life experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is a mixed study (quali-quantitative), using Minayo's methodology for content analysis and frequency analyses, made with 39 participants from the University of Brasília Educational Program, Universidade do Envelhecer - UniSER/UnB. We used a word cloud system and a wheel of life tool to showcase the results. RESULTS: Analysing professional achievements and situations participants want to overcome, the categories of feelings that stand out were Loving Relationships, Sadness, Family Absence, Grief, Trauma and Regret. Intellectual Development, Personal Fulfilment, Purpose and Creativity, Hobbies and Fun were the most mentioned personal plans displayed by the wheel of life. The key personal changes mentioned were to be less shy, prioritise themselves, change how they interact with others, and focus on their health. CONCLUSIONS: This study concludes that perception, feelings and life experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic did not seem to directly affect the path in elaborating personal plans.

Characterization of the dietary profile of the old adults in Ibero-american during of pandemic by COVID 19

Objective: To characterize the food profile of the Older People of Ibero-America in times of the COVID 19 pandemic. Material and methods: Multicenter study in 12 Ibero-American countries, an online survey was applied that included sociodemographic questions and a Food Intake questionnaire that included the frequency of consumption for vegetables, sugary drinks, legumes, dairy products and portion of food. Results: The sample was made up of 624 participants, 72.1% (n= 450) of women. 54.7% of women do not consume sugary drinks, while in men 54% consume at least one glass a day (p=0.012). 35.6% of men consumed >= 3 legumes per week versus 23% of women (p=0.020). 37.3% of women consume >= 2 daily servings of dairy products, in men only 28.1% (p= 0.030). Women have a higher consumption of vegetables (44.7%, n= 201) compared to men (28.7%), (p=0.001). 17.4% of the total sample increased the size of the food portion, being higher in women (p=0.005). Conclusion: Women have healthier eating habits than men based on fruits, vegetables, on the other hand, the variation in size increases, especially in women.

Older Adults and the COVID-19 Pandemic, What About the Oldest Old? The PACOVID Population-Based Survey.

Introduction: The literature draws a mitigated picture of the psychosocial effects of the lockdown in older adults. However, the studies conducted so far are mainly based on web surveys which may involve selection bias. The PACOVID survey relies on a population-based design and addresses the attitudes, psychological and social experiences of the oldest old regarding the pandemic and lockdown and their impact. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional phone survey involving 677 persons. Baseline report on attitudes, psychological, and social experiences of the oldest old, regarding the pandemic and lockdown measures. Results: The mean age was 87.53 (SD 5.19). About 46% were living alone during the lockdown. Concerning difficulties, "none" was the most frequent answer (35.6%). For questions addressing how often they had felt sad, depressed, or lonely (CESD-scale), the most frequent answers were "never/very rarely" (58.7, 76.6, 60.8%) and 27.1% had anxious symptomatology (STAI scale). Most (92.9%) felt socially supported. Engaging in leisure activities was the most frequent coping strategy, and for numerous participants the lockdown did not represent much of a change in terms of daily routine. A very good knowledge and awareness of COVID-19 and the safety measures was observed. Comparisons with measures collected before the pandemic showed low changes in subjective health and the CES-D questions. Discussion: With a methodological design limiting selection bias, our results claim for a weakened psychosocial impact even though the participants are concerned and aware of the pandemic issues. These results highlight the resources and resilience abilities of older persons including in advancing age.