Anticipating and mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
Autor
Brown, Eric E.
Kumar, Sanjeev
Rajji, Tarek K.
Mulsant, Benoit H.
Institución
Resumen
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing global morbidity and mortality, straining
health systems, and disrupting society, putting individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) at risk of significant harm. In this Special
Article, we examine the current and expected impact of the pandemic on individuals with ADRD. We discuss and propose mitigation strategies for: the risk
of COVID-19 infection and its associated morbidity and mortality for individuals with ADRD; the impact of COVID-19 on the diagnosis and clinical management of ADRD; consequences of societal responses to COVID-19 in different
ADRD care settings; the effect of COVID-19 on caregivers and physicians of individuals with ADRD; mental hygiene, trauma, and stigma in the time of COVID19; and the potential impact of COVID-19 on ADRD research.
Amid considerable uncertainty, we may be able to prevent or reduce the harm
of the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences for individuals with ADRD
and their caregivers. (Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2020; 28:712−721)