Pandemic isolation and memory in older Veterans with and without Alzheimer's

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

Researchers will follow older Veterans, some with Alzheimer's disease and some without, to track changes in thinking and memory after pandemic-related social isolation. They will collect information on loneliness and social contact using surveys and use VA medical records and standard cognitive tests to measure memory and daily function. The team will compare Veterans who experienced more isolation to those who had more social support and will examine other pandemic-related factors that might help or worsen outcomes. The goal is to link changes in social connection during COVID-19 to later cognitive and health outcomes.

Why it matters

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.

• Effects of COVID-19 isolation on older adults with and without Alzheimer's disease

  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 mig

  NIH research VA Boston Health Care System · Boston, United States · NIH-10834085

• 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.

  NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11297690

• 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.

  NIH research Syracuse University · Syracuse, United States · NIH-11248189

• 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.

  NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11232333

• 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.

  NIH research Florida Atlantic University · Boca Raton, United States · NIH-11084529

• 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.

  NIH research Harvard School of Public Health · Boston, United States · NIH-11012841

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.