Lifestyle and behavioural changes in older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic are associated with subjective cognitive complaints

Abstract Subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) is a self-reported experience of persistently impaired cognitive functions which could be the earliest red flag of neurocognitive disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic and related restriction measures changed the lifestyle and behaviour of older adults. The aim of this study was to assess the relation of these changes and SCC status in Hungary. This cross-sectional study analysed the data of 359 elderly Hungarians who filled out the WW-FINGERS-SARS-CoV2 survey. A quarter of the respondents (n:88) reported SCC in connection with the pandemic. We compared sociodemographic features, health status, lifestyle, and social life parameters between subjects with reported SCC and without. To eliminate the potential interrelation across group differences, stepwise logistic regression was applied. Participants with SCC showed the following characteristics, compared to individuals without: (1) they were older; (2) they were more likely to be women; (3) they had a higher number of chronic disorders; (4) showed more prominent impairment in physical mobility; (5) had worse sleep quality; (6) spent less time with family; and (7) used internet more frequently during the pandemic (all p’s