The associations of life quality, depression, and cognitive impairment with mortality in older adults with COVID-19: a prospective, observational study

Acta Clin Belg. 2022 Jun;77(3):588-595. doi: 10.1080/17843286.2021.1916687. Epub 2021 Apr 17.

Abstract

Aim: Associations of depression, dementia, and poor life quality with mortality of COVID-19have not been studied yet. We aimed to identify the risk factors for mortality and analyze the associations with patients' physiological and mental well-being, as reflected by comorbidities, life quality, depression, and cognitive impairment.

Methods: : Older patients receiving inpatient hospital care for COVID-19 were included.Demographic data, medical history, symptoms at admission, laboratory findings, and treatment outcomes were recorded.

Results: : There were 122 patients with a median age of 73.0 years. The mortality rate was 9.0% (n = 11 patients). Patients with mortality were significantly active smokers, obese, and having comorbidities using polypharmacy. Weight loss ≥of 10% during hospitalization was significantly associated with mortality.Poor life quality and a higher risk of depression, cognitive impairment, and falling were more frequently seen in non-survived patients. (p < 0.05). High ferritin was the only independent risk factor for mortality (OR = 15.61, 95% CI:1.08-226.09, p = 0.044).

Conclusion: : The presence of comorbidities, depression, cognitive impairment, higher falling risk, and poor life quality were significantly associated with higher mortality rates in older adults with COVID-19. High ferritin level was an independent risk factor for mortality.

Keywords: COVID-19; cognitive impairment; coronavirus; dementia; depression; older adults.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • COVID-19* / mortality
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / epidemiology
  • Depression* / epidemiology
  • Ferritins
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life*

Substances

  • Ferritins