Impact of COVID-19 on Alzheimer's and dementia community

Last Saturday I was reminded again of the burden COVID-19 places on our oldest and most fragile. A dear friend posted picture on social media, of herself with her octogenarian father, garbed up in their opposing red and blue jerseys and brandishing their fists in mocked fight, as the Georgia-Florida game lit up the TV behind them. I commented, hoping she had sprung him from memory care for the game. The picture was a few years old, my friend replied, adding that the isolation caused by COVID was devastating to her father. As a dementia caregiver trainer and support group facilitator, I hear stories like these all the time. This pandemic affects the lives of all Americans, but families impacted by dementia are hit especially hard. 40% of all COVID-19 deaths are staff or residents in long-term care. My friend does not know whether she’ll ever get to hug her father again.

The number of deaths from Alzheimer’s and dementia during the pandemic – and the percentage increase over pre-pandemic numbers – is troubling. Georgia’s 26% increase in deaths for those with dementia makes us the seventh highest among all states.

In observation of National Family Caregiver’s Month, I urge Georgia’s long-term care communities to make plans to address visitation and isolation, as families can no longer meet outdoors with winter approaching. November is also National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.Please join me in urging Governor Kemp to prioritize this vulnerable population with regards to testing, the distributions of vaccines, and the allocation of personal protective equipment as he and the state take action to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on our state.

Cloud Conrad

Advocacy Volunteer, Alzheimer’s Association