The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially challenging for Alzheimer's patients.
A report from the Alzheimer's Association shows a 16 percent increase in deaths among people with Alzheimer's and dementia during 2020. Researchers say preliminary data shows the pandemic has affected caregivers as well, due to the shutdown of adult day care centers and long-term care facilities prohibiting visitors.
Research into COVID and dementia is ongoing. Doctor Erin Hascup, with the Dale And Debra Smith Center For Alzheimer's Research And Treatment at SIU School of Medicine, says the center is looking into long-term impacts.
“It's research into what the long-term effects are, in terms of learning and memories, of potentially getting COVID in this population that might already have some cognitive impairment,” she said.
Hascup says they are also looking into how COVID could impact aging and memory in people without Alzheimer's.
