A coalition representing nearly 100 associations focused on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease warned that the world is not prepared to face an imminent and significant wave of dementia caused by COVID-19 resulting from infection with the coronavirus. The "Alzheimer’s Disease International" coalition, based in London, urged the World Health Organization (WHO) and governments to monitor the potential impacts of COVID-19 on rising dementia rates.
The coalition stated that the pandemic could lead to a substantial increase in the number of dementia patients, citing several studies indicating a potential increased risk of dementia for those infected with COVID-19. They added that the widespread disease could cause dementia symptoms to appear earlier.
According to the Mayo Clinic's website, dementia is not a specific disease but describes a wide range of symptoms, including memory loss, and decreased concentration and attention; Alzheimer's is a type of dementia but not the only one.
In the short term, the global incidence of dementia is expected to decline, according to the coalition, due to widespread deaths among those affected by the condition as a result of COVID-19, which the coalition estimated accounts for 25-45% of total coronavirus deaths. However, in the long term, the number of individuals with dementia may significantly rise due to the neurological impacts of COVID-19.
The coalition stated that more understanding is needed regarding the connection between dementia and COVID-19. Paula Barbarino, the coalition's CEO, mentioned: "Many dementia experts around the world are extremely concerned about the association between dementia and the neurological symptoms of COVID-19."
The coalition's Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of global dementia experts, formed a working group to study this connection and provide recommendations on how to address the issue. The chair of the advisory committee, Aleria Atri, expressed particular concern about the effects of COVID-19, including symptoms like loss of taste and smell, "brain fog," lack of mental clarity, as well as difficulties in concentration, memory, and thinking.
