To compare the prevalence of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and psychotropic medication use before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Findings:
Prevalence of two or more BPSDs increased from 19.0% in 2019 to 20.2% in 2020.
Depressive symptoms increased by 63%, from 17.4% in 2019 to 28.3% in 2020.
Psychosis-related symptoms changed minimally, while agitation-related symptoms decreased slightly.
Antipsychotic and sedative use decreased, while antidepressant and antianxiety use remained steady.
Interpretation:
The increase in BPSD, particularly depressive symptoms, during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for enhanced mental health support and screening in nursing homes.
Limitations:
The study is limited to data from three states and may not be generalizable to all nursing homes in the U.S.
The reliance on Minimum Data Set assessments may not capture all nuances of BPSD.
Conclusion:
The findings underscore the importance of addressing mental health needs in nursing home residents during public health emergencies.
