A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analysis of Cognitive Function and Well-Being of Older Adults in Panama During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental illness, accelerated cognitive decline, and deepened social inequalities. In low and middle-income countries (LMIC) such as Panama, it is unclear as to whether, and to what extent, the pandemic lockdowns affected cognitive, mental, and physical health of older adults. This study investigated changes in cognitive function, mental health, and physical health in a sample of Panamanian older adults assessed before and during the pandemic, and examined whether sociodemographic variables were associated with cognition and mental health. Participants completed in-person interviews between 2018 and early 2020 and a follow-up telephone interview between February and May 2021. Repeated measures analyses showed no significant changes in cognitive function or depression; however, participants reported fewer chronic illnesses. Linear regression analysis indicated that higher cognitive function during the pandemic was associated with younger age, higher education, and having sufficient income. An attrition analysis compared participants who completed both interviews to those who were lost to follow-up, revealing that participants who dropped out of the study had lower socioeconomic status and greater impairment at baseline. These findings highlight the need for targeted support for vulnerable older adults during public health crises.

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