Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Dementia: Recommendation of the Korean Dementia Association.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has influenced every aspect of our lives. The importance of personal hygiene has been emphasized, and the awareness of the civil society regarding infectious diseases has increased. However, this change has created another dilemma. Quarantine is essentially based on social distancing.1 The basic principle is to avoid possible contact among individuals. Meanwhile, dementia management is based on interpersonal contact in all aspects.2 No patient with dementia can live alone. It was the basic goal and assumption of a national dementia policy to ensure that family support and community safety networks are working properly.3 Patients with neurological diseases, including dementia, may have low awareness of the first symptoms of COVID-19 due to atypical presentations.4 In addition, dementia is thought to increase the risk of developing COVID-19.5