Bianchetti A, Rozzini R, Bianchetti L, Coccia F, Guerini F, Trabucchi M. Dementia Clinical Care in Relation to COVID-19.
Curr Treat Options Neurol 2022;
24:1-15. [PMID:
35221646 PMCID:
PMC8863507 DOI:
10.1007/s11940-022-00706-7]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review discusses the complex relationship between COVID-19 and dementia and how the pandemic has affected the management of patients with dementia. This population resulted particularly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and its effects and also to the negative effects of the measures taken worldwide to control the spread of the virus.
RECENT FINDINGS
Patients with dementia were at increased risk for COVID-19 compared to patients without dementia, and diagnosis of dementia represents an independent risk factor for hospitalization in COVID-19 patients. Mortality due to SARS-CoV2 infection in subjects with dementia is 2-5 times higher than in the general population. Cognitive impairment and delirium have been described in COVID-19 survivors. SARS-COV2 pandemic exacerbates the vulnerability of dementia patients and their caregivers, due to the morbidity and mortality from COVID-19, the indirect effects of the pandemic on the social supports, and the effects on healthcare system on which they depend.
SUMMARY
The COVID-19 pandemic requires people with dementia to move from traditional models of health care to innovative models for home care, to support caregivers' burden, and to improve long term care.
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