
Dementia: Another Risk Factor of a Severe COVID-19 Infection

Buzz around the Coronavirus pandemic doesn’t seem to be calming down. Every other day some new discovery is made, which leaves people either scared or hopeful for a better future. But sadly, what’s entailed in this post might leave you a bit worried.

Getty Images | While everyone is at equal risk to contract the Coronavirus, the elderly are at a higher risk
Since the commencement of the pandemic, we’ve all been hearing that people with comorbidities like diabetes, cancer, and lung diseases are more prone to contract the infection, isn’t it? However, now you can add one more condition to the list. A recent study published on February 9, 2021, has found that people with dementia are at a higher risk of being infected by the virus.
Join us as we make you familiar with the new research.
Read – Does Wearing 2 Masks Protect Against COVID-19 Better Than One?
Findings of the new study
The research regarding dementia as a risk factor of COVID-19 was done while analyzing nearly 61.9 million people’s electronic health records from February 1, 2020, to August 21, 2020. All the participants were above the age of 18, and they represented approximately one-fifth of the US population.

Adobe Stock | A study reports that in addition to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and asthma, people with dementia are twice as likely to be infected by COVID-19
Through the study, researchers inferred that in addition to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and asthma, people with dementia were twice as likely to be infected by the Coronavirus as compared to those who don’t have it. In terms of the severity of the infection in such people, researchers said that there are 4.4% more chances that people with dementia can die from the disease as compared to those who don’t have it.
Read – Here’s Why Diabetes Can Make Coronavirus More Severe
Despite the oddity, the study didn’t come as a surprise. Throughout the pandemic, experts have been speculating that people with dementia are not only more prone to get the infection but can be seriously impaired from it.
Even more risky – people with vascular dementia
In the same research, it’s also been deduced that people with vascular dementia are at a greater risk of contracting the infection as compared to people suffering from other types of dementia.
Vascular dementia is caused by conditions that reduce blood flow or that damage blood vessels (just like when a stroke blocks an artery, over time, blood vessels get damaged).

Medical News Today | It’s also been deduced that people with vascular dementia are at a greater risk to contract the infection
To sum it up
Dementia is a condition characterized by a decline in mental ability. And the most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. As experts say, COVID-19 infection can turn out to be risky for people with dementia. Also, since in dementia, there’s a need for assistance in the patients’ daily activities, social distancing can be hard to comply with.
We can take away from these findings that we should encourage more people to take protective measures like wearing masks and have wider adoption of vaccination.
More inMedicare
-
`
This is Why Doctors Recommend Vegan Diet to Runners
The training schedule of athletes is typically arduous, and that’s why a healthy diet is mandatory to keep up their strength...
March 12, 2021 -
`
Is Two Really Better Than One? Latest COVID-19 Advice on Masks
The coronavirus is constantly being examined and studied by scientists all over the world. In the beginning, the novel virus wasn’t seen as...
March 11, 2021 -
`
Saved by the Bell Star Dustin Diamond Diagnosed With Cancer
If you’re an 80s kid, there’s no way you don’t know about Dustin Diamond. The NBC teen sitcom Saved by the Bell was...
March 9, 2021 -
`
Build a Healthy Relation with Exercise Using These Tried and Tested Tips
With the use of social media daily, everyone is constantly bombarded with the ideal body image and is pressured into looking...
March 8, 2021 -
`
New Research Reveals Gap in Medical Knowledge Regarding Normal Blood Pressure Level for Women
A key component of your heart’s health and your overall well-being is maintaining your blood pressure at an optimal level. Timely...
March 8, 2021 -
`
Keeping Children Safe From Hand Sanitizers – A Few Tips
Since the spread of the Coronavirus, two things have become supremely essential: a face mask and a hand sanitizer. With precautions...
March 5, 2021 -
`
Survey Uncovers Shocking Harassment of Doctors on Social Media
During the Coronavirus pandemic, the world witnessed numerous cases of medical professionals being shunned by people. Many doctors, nurses, and other...
March 5, 2021 -
`
What Is Mindful Eating and Is It Beneficial?
The theory behind mindful eating is simple. Just paying a little bit of attention to what you consume daily can boost...
March 3, 2021 -
`
If You’re Having Trouble Sleeping During the Pandemic, We Have Answers for Your Questions
Insomnia rooted in sleep deprivation and inability to sleep due to pandemic effects is termed coronasomia- sounds familiar? The American Medical...
March 3, 2021
You must be logged in to post a comment Login