Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Behavioral Symptoms in Dementia and the Use of Psychotropic Medications - Takeaways - MDSpire

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Behavioral Symptoms in Dementia and the Use of Psychotropic Medications

  • By

  • Jung Min Yoon

  • Kwame Kissi-Twum

  • Alison M. Trinkoff

  • T. Joseph Mattingly

  • April 13, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    The prevalence of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) increased from 19.0% in 2019 to 20.2% in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • 2

    Depressive symptoms among nursing home residents surged by 63%, rising from 17.4% in 2019 to 28.3% in 2020.

  • 3

    Psychosis-related symptoms remained stable, while agitation-related symptoms slightly decreased from 30.0% in 2019 to 29.6% in 2020.

  • 4

    Antipsychotic and sedative medication use decreased, whereas antidepressant and antianxiety medication use remained unchanged during the pandemic.

  • 5

    The study highlights the need for enhanced depression screening and mental health support for nursing home residents during public health emergencies.

Original Source(s)

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Behavioral Symptoms in Dementia and the Use of Psychotropic Medications

  • by Jung Min Yoon, Kwame Kissi-Twum, Alison M. Trinkoff, T. Joseph Mattingly

  • April 13, 2026

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