Effects of COVID-19 on Dementia Patients

Abstract

Dementia, a major syndrome affects adversely on a person’s cognitive functioning. It disables a person to think, calculate, and understand any information properly. [1] It is quite hard for the patients of dementia to understand Global Pandemic conditions and behave accordingly. In this thesis, we examine the effects of a global pandemic like COVID-19 on the people suffering from dementia. We discuss how hard it is for these patients to understand and cope with the world’s changing situation. Their lack of motivation and emotional control unable them to cope with the anxiety and nervousness that results because of the pandemic. [1] These patients are the most vulnerable persons as they depend on others for their survival. It is difficult for dementia patients to deal with quarantine and isolation. It is even harder for them to realize the importance of precautions like social distancing, wearing a mask, and other rituals like personal hygiene. [2] Dementia patients often forget to wash or sanitize hands, covering their mouth during coughing or sneezing and maintaining a physical distance. Patients with mild dementia don’t comply with these recommendations because of depression or lack of interest. While patients with severe conditions, do not understand and remember these commands. The negligence put these patients at higher risks of contracting COVID-19