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Correlations between COVID-19 and burden of dementia: An ecological study and review of literature.
Azarpazhooh, MR, Amiri, A, Morovatdar, N, Steinwender, S, Rezaei Ardani, A, Yassi, N, Biller, J, Stranges, S, Tokazebani Belasi, M, Neya, SK, et al
Journal of the neurological sciences. 2020;:117013
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current evidence on the association between COVID-19 and dementia is sparse. This study aims to investigate the associations between COVID-19 caseload and the burden of dementia. METHODS We gathered data regarding burden of dementia (disability-adjusted life years [DALYs] per 100,000), life expectancy, and healthy life expectancy (HALE) from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 study. We obtained COVID-19 data from Our World in Data database. We analyzed the association of COVID-19 cases and deaths with the burden of dementia using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS Globally, we found significant positive (p < .001) correlations between life expectancy (r = 0.60), HALE (r = 0.58), and dementia DALYs (r = 0.46) with COVID-19 caseloads. Likewise, we found similar correlations between life expectancy (r = 0.60), HALE (r = 0.58) and dementia DALYs (r = 0.54) with COVID-19 mortality. CONCLUSION Health policymakers should clarify a targeted model of disease surveillance in order to reduce the dual burden of dementia and COVID-19.
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Tackling challenges in care of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias amid the COVID-19 pandemic, now and in the future.
Mok, VCT, Pendlebury, S, Wong, A, Alladi, S, Au, L, Bath, PM, Biessels, GJ, Chen, C, Cordonnier, C, Dichgans, M, et al
Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association. 2020;(11):1571-1581
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Abstract
We have provided an overview on the profound impact of COVID-19 upon older people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and the challenges encountered in our management of dementia in different health-care settings, including hospital, out-patient, care homes, and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have also proposed a conceptual framework and practical suggestions for health-care providers in tackling these challenges, which can also apply to the care of older people in general, with or without other neurological diseases, such as stroke or parkinsonism. We believe this review will provide strategic directions and set standards for health-care leaders in dementia, including governmental bodies around the world in coordinating emergency response plans for protecting and caring for older people with dementia amid the COIVD-19 outbreak, which is likely to continue at varying severity in different regions around the world in the medium term.