LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A new survey found the coronavirus pandemic has negatively impacted Americans living with Alzheimer's and dementia. The Greater Kentucky/Indiana chapter of the Alzheimer's Association said there are roughly 70,000 people living with Alzheimer's or dementia in the Commonwealth, with about 270,000 caretakers.
What You Need To Know
- COVID-19 has negatively impacted Americans living with Alzheimer's, dementia
- Survey finds that 42% of caregivers have been unable to see loved ones due to COVID-19 restrictions
- 70% of caregivers also observed decline in loved one's memory or behavior, survey found
- Estimated 70,000 people with Alzheimer's or dementia in the Commonwealth
Community Outreach Coordinator April Stauffer said with COVID-19 restrictions at nursing homes and assisted living facilities, people with Alzheimer's and dementia are more isolated. Nonprofit UsAgainstAlzheimer's conducted the survey from Oct. 8-14, finding that 42% of caregivers have been unable to see their loved ones due to COVID-19 restrictions.
"Services and resources they’ve used have closed or postponed services like adult day centers," Stauffer said. "Maybe they benefited from an at-home care agency in the past. They may be more afraid to bring that person in.”
The survey also found that 70% of caregivers observed a decline in their loved one's memory or behavior. Of the respondents who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, 42% believe their cognition has declined in some capacity.
“All of those things are good for our memory and cognition. We are taking away that ability. Of course, it’s going to have some kind of affect on our cognition, especially for people with dementia,” Stauffer said.
The survey also showed 77% of caregivers feel more stressed now than they did before the pandemic. Stauffer wants all caregivers to know that they should not go through this alone. There are resources available to help such as virtual caregiver support groups, online Memory Cafe meetings, and virtual tours with the Speed Art Museum.
"You're with other people on the call and on the Zoom call who are kind of experiencing the same things you are. Those two programs have been wonderful for people who have been so isolated at home. It gives them others to experience life with," Stauffer said.
The Greater Louisville/Indiana chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves most of the Commonwealth, with the exception of some counties in Northern Kentucky. Kentuckians in that area can receive help through the Greater Cincinnati chapter.
There is also a 24-hour helpline for anyone needing assistance. That number is 1-800-272-3900.