The challenges of COVID-19 for people with dementia with Lewy bodies and family caregivers.

Alison Killen,John T O'Brien,Ian G Mckeith,Paul Donaghy,John‐Paul Taylor,Alan J Thomas,Kirsty Olsen

doi:10.1002/gps.5393

Abstract

The challenges of COVID-19 for people with dementia with Lewy bodies and family caregivers.

Highlights

During the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic dementia has been identified as disproportionally common in adults aged over 65 who develop severe COVID-19.1 Observational data from the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infections Consortium confirms a high prevalence of dementia in older adults hospitalised with COVID-19.2 It is so far unclear whether there is any direct effect of dementia pathologies as dementia is a disease of old age, and likely to be associated with a variety of comorbidities, in particular, frailty, which may further exacerbate the risk of severe infection
While the effects of COVID-19 are widespread, it is important to recognise the challenges presented by the significant vulnerabilities associated with Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)
There is a pressing need for research to study the impact of COVID-19 on this population including ensuring that people with DLB are not excluded from studies because of their age, shielding protocols or their dementia diagnosis

Summary

| INTRODUCTION

During the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic dementia has been identified as disproportionally common in adults aged over 65 who develop severe COVID-19.1 Observational data from the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infections Consortium confirms a high prevalence of dementia in older adults hospitalised with COVID-19.2 It is so far unclear whether there is any direct effect of dementia pathologies as dementia is a disease of old age, and likely to be associated with a variety of comorbidities, in particular, frailty, which may further exacerbate the risk of severe infection. In the UK ‘Telemedicine’ is replacing many face-to face consultations during the current pandemic and is being viewed as a potential longer-term alternative for primary care.[14] In addition to age related hearing/visual impairment, people with DLB may find this form of communication challenging to navigate especially when they are feeling unwell. They have significantly more visual complaints when compared to people with AD, including misjudging objects, difficulty reading, and increased double vision[15] and could struggle to interact with the virtual medium. Families can assist healthcare professionals to differentiate between fluctuations commonly experienced by their family member and unfamiliar behaviour that may indicate delirium

Key points

Findings

| CONCLUSION