A Perspective on Covid-19, Dementia, and Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

The impact of the COVID – 19 pandemics has affected the lives of billions of people around the world closing entire countries, isolating people from each other, and changing the day-to-day routines and habits. The US has been particularly hard hit economically, high loss of life, and the unknown lasting effects from the virus. Older adults have been particularly affected as the known risk factors such as cardiac disease, diabetes, and lung disease is more common in older adults [1]. Especially vulnerable group of people negatively affected by this disease has been older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and Related Dementias. Their caregivers have also been challenged with attempting to provide health care supports, residential care, and activities of daily living during a time of so many unknowns and losses [2].