On February 2, 2020, people wearing masks wait for permission to cross the road in Shibuya District in Tokyo, Japan. Getty Images News
SINGAPORE A group representing more than 100 dementia and Alzheimer associations around the world believes that the world is not ready for an impending tsunami of dementia and the additional cases Covid-19 might bring. Alzheimer's Disease International has urged the World Health Organization (WHO) and all governments to urgently accelerate research into the possible impact of COVID-19's potential on increasing dementia rates. The pandemic could lead to a significant increase in dementia cases over the long-term. Some research has shown that Covid infections can increase the risk of developing dementia. A brain disease that causes memory loss, thinking problems, and emotional dysfunction is called dementia. Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia, is currently untreatable. The London-based group stated Wednesday that "dementia rates could drop temporarily due to the high number of people with dementia dying from COVID-19," citing a release.
It said that the neurological effects of COVID-19 could lead to a rise in dementia cases over the long-term. According to Johns Hopkins University official data, more than 217,000,000 cases of Covid-19 were reported since the virus first appeared in China in late 2019. More than 18 million cases have been detected within the past 28 days. It is probable that the actual number of Covid cases worldwide is higher than reported. This is due in part to insufficient reporting capacity and testing that has not been done to detect infections.
Covid and dementia
The Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) stated that more research should be done in order to understand the connection between Covid dementia and the neurological symptoms of COVID-19. Paola Barbarino (chief executive of ADI) stated that many dementia experts are concerned about the connection between dementia and neurological symptoms of COVID-19. A working group has been formed by the Medical and Scientific Advisory Panel of ADI, which is made up global experts in dementia. It will examine this link and offer recommendations for how to address it.
Dr. Alireza Atri is a cognitive neurologist and chair of the advisory board. He said that he was "particularly concerned" about the long-term effects of Covid. He said that symptoms include loss of taste, smell, brain fog, or loss of mental clarity. It also causes problems with memory, concentration, and thinking. Atri is the director of Banner Sun Health Research Institute, the U.S. He explained that Covid can cause brain damage, clot micro vessels, and infuse the body with inflammation. The doctor explained that this can make it easier to access things that could harm your brain and can cause neurological disorders like dementia to appear earlier.
A wave of dementia cases
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 50 million people worldwide have dementia. There are also nearly 10 million new cases each year. ADI forecasts that the number of dementia cases will rise to 78million by 2030 from 55 million in 2016, even before Covid-19. According to the group, costs associated with dementia could increase by $2.8 trillion annually. This includes medical care expenses. Barbarino stated that the WHO, governments, and research institutions around the world should prioritise research funding and set aside resources to address the looming pandemic of dementia.
