The Effects of COVID-19 on People with Dementia

He remembers people and events fairly well, but his memory fails him when it comes to body functioning and mobile skills. He can have trouble remembering how to bathe or turn on the oven. Under normal circumstances, Stephanie's caretaker role in her family is almost a full-time job outside of her full-time as a professor. In the time of COVID-19, she is overwhelmed trying to wear both hats of professor and caretaker and feels her husband's well being is deteriorating rapidly due to social isolation.

"He used to go to a men's coffee and take part in a bunch of local activities, which got him out of the house a few times a week," said Stephanie. "With COVID-19, his anxiety is very high and his depression is at an all-time high. He has other ailments, so he is fearful of getting COVID-19. Every time he hears about cases, it exacerbates it. His mobility has changed, and he can't walk as far as he could before. He doesn't know what to do with himself until he goes to bed at 7pm." 

Ron's deterioration and need for more attention at home has negatively affected Stephanie's mental well being too. "I'm a full-time caregiver and a full-time instructor, and it's very challenging to do both in normal times. Ron's depression is much worse than it used to be, and he needs me more than ever. If I go for a walk, it might help my anxiety, but it will increase his tenfold. I've become more isolated because of it, and it's affecting my mental health. There are no caregivers coming in to help, so it's me 24/7."

Stephanie is hopeful that once vaccinations are available, her home life will stabilize. She believes the province needs to prioritize people with complex diseases in the vaccine rollout so that people like her husband Ron who are rapidly deteriorating without a social network can get back on track. The health effects of COVID-19 go beyond just those who get sick with the virus. Some people, particularly those with dementia, are suffering more than others due to social isolation.