New information from the Alzheimer’s Association sheds light on how COVID-19 might impact people with dementia and caregivers. While dementia is not believed to increase the risk of COVID-19, other factors such as dementia-related behaviors (e.g. difficulty following CDC protocols for handwashing), age and common health conditions may affect the risk. The Alzheimer’s Association compiled a list of best practices for caregivers of people with dementia living at home and in assisted living. Tips include placing signs in bathrooms to remind people with dementia to wash their hands for 20 seconds, demonstrating thorough hand-washing and using hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol when the person cannot get to a sink or wash his/her hands easily. For these and additional tips, please check the Alzheimer’s Association COVID-19 web page.
