Impact of Coronavirus Disease on Persons with Dementia and Their Caregivers: An Audit Study

Abstract

To the editor: The ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionately affected persons with dementia (PWD). A diagnosis of dementia is an important risk factor for mortality in patients with COVID-19. 1) Not surprisingly, many countries have implemented strict public health measures to protect vulnerable groups such as PWD from the deleterious physical effects of COVID-19. The profound impact of the secondary consequences of the pandemic, such as reduced access to healthcare services, disruption of social support networks, and increased social isolation and loneliness, 2,3) on PWD and their caregivers is being increasingly appreciated, prompting the need for a balanced approach to pandemic control.