Anticipating and Mitigating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2020 Jul;28(7):712-721. doi: 10.1016/j.jagp.2020.04.010. Epub 2020 Apr 18.

Abstract

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 COVID-19; 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.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease and related disorders; COVID-19 pandemic; caregivers; clinical care; clinical research; coronavirus.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease* / epidemiology
  • Alzheimer Disease* / therapy
  • Alzheimer Disease* / virology
  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Communicable Disease Control* / methods
  • Communicable Disease Control* / organization & administration
  • Comorbidity
  • Coronavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Coronavirus Infections* / psychology
  • Critical Pathways / trends
  • Dementia* / epidemiology
  • Dementia* / therapy
  • Dementia* / virology
  • Humans
  • Pandemics* / prevention & control
  • Patient Care Management* / methods
  • Patient Care Management* / organization & administration
  • Patient Care Management* / trends
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / prevention & control
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / psychology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Social Stigma
  • Vulnerable Populations / psychology