COVID-19 and the global pandemic have caused significant disruption to all aspects of life including Alzheimer’s clinical research worldwide.
COVID-19 and the global pandemic have caused significant disruption to all aspects of life including Alzheimer’s clinical research worldwide. The impact of COVID, quarantine, and the resulting fear and isolation are causing problems, but also driving unprecedented innovation. Yet the urgency to make scientific advances in Alzheimer’s and other dementia is so high that we must look at how we can safely resume, continue and even accelerate clinical research. The environment we are in is allowing us to establish creative and innovative ways to safely move some studies forward.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, U.S., long-term care facilities, their staff and residents are experiencing a crisis due to a lack of transparency, and an inability to access the necessary testing, accurate data and information. According to some estimates, more than 59,000 residents and workers have died from the coronavirus at nursing homes and other long-term care communities. The Alzheimer’s Association is advocating for important and accessible changes, through policy recommendations, to help families as well as professional care providers.
A robust discussion at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® (AAIC®) 2020 included experts from the Alzheimer’s Association, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center and University of Texas Health San Antonio discussing their professional experiences and viewpoints on these evolving, provocative topics:
- The impact of the pandemic on Alzheimer’s research trials.
- What we know about the impact of coronavirus on the brain and cognition.
- The devastating effects on people with dementia in residential care facilities, and the Alzheimer’s Association’s long-term care policy recommendations.
- Health disparities the pandemic is putting in high relief, that also strongly impact people with dementia and their families.
Read more at Alzheimer’s Association
