Effects of COVID-19 isolation on older adults with and without Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Consequences of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults with and without Alzheimer's disease
Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-10834085 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being socially isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental and thinking skills of older adults, especially Veterans, and aims to understand how this isolation affects both healthy seniors and those with Alzheimer's, while also considering other pandemic-related factors that might play a role.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002400-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10834085 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and over, particularly Veterans, with or without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 years old or do not have any cognitive impairments may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental and cognitive health of older adults, particularly Veterans. It aims to understand the relationship between isolation and cognitive function in both healthy older adults and those with Alzheimer's disease. The study will also explore additional factors related to the pandemic that may influence these outcomes, such as coping mechanisms and health-related consequences. By examining these relationships, the research seeks to provide insights into the long-term effects of isolation on this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support strategies for older adults experiencing isolation, ultimately enhancing their cognitive health and overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social relationships significantly impact cognitive health in older adults, suggesting that this study's focus on isolation during the pandemic is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Boston Health Care System
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Budson, Andrew — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Budson, Andrew
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Pandemic isolation and memory in older Veterans with and without Alzheimer's
This project looks at how COVID-19 social isolation affected thinking and memory in older Veterans with and without Alzheimer's disease.
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Using smartphones to spot isolation and loneliness linked to Alzheimer’s risk
This project uses brief smartphone surveys and passive phone sensors to find patterns of loneliness and social isolation that may signal higher Alzheimer's risk in older adults with normal thinking.
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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on long-term care for older adults with and without dementia.
This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic changed the care for older adults, especially those with Alzheimer's and related conditions, to help find better ways to support them during tough times.
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How COVID-19 may damage the brain and interact with Alzheimer's risk
This project looks at whether COVID-19 can harm the brain's protective barrier and worsen Alzheimer's-related changes in older adults, and whether effects differ between men and women.
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Investigating how air quality and living conditions affect social isolation and cognitive function in rural communities at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
This study is looking at how air quality and the places we live can affect feelings of loneliness and memory problems in older adults in rural Florida who might be at risk for Alzheimer's disease, and it involves tracking daily activities and social interactions over five years.
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Using telemedicine to improve care for nursing home residents with Alzheimer's and related dementias
This study is looking at how using telemedicine can help nursing home residents with Alzheimer's and related dementias get better care, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, by making it easier for them to see doctors without having to leave their homes.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.