Dementia increases COVID-19 risks.

Certain conditions are often connected having greater risk factors when it comes to specific infections or viruses.

This is no different with COVID-19.

A previous blog post outlined connections between obesity and COVID-19 complications.

According to recent ABC News 2 article titled “Ohio university study shows people with dementia are more likely to get COVID-19,” dementia also has been linked to contracting COVID-19.

Those with dementia have a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

In fact, a recent Case Western University study found those with dementia were twice as likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19.

Why might this be a trend?

Several factors play a role.

Aging populations with cognitive issues may have limited access to health care and physicians.

Those with memory challenges often find it difficult to remember and manage their routines and health issues.

Protective factors like wearing a mask or washing hands can be more challenging to remember for those with dementia.

Even so, not all patients had equal risk according to the study.

Those individuals with vascular dementia were at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 than those with other forms of this illness.

Those who are black and had cognitive issues also were at greater risk of getting the virus.

At the start of the pandemic those in long-term care facilities were vulnerable.

For these high risk populations, the vaccine may help provide immunity support.

Reference: ABC News 27 (March 8, 2021) “Ohio university study shows people with dementia are more likely to get COVID-19”