IMPACT OF THE COVID‐19 PANDEMIC IN ADRD PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS IN A LATIN‐AMERICAN COUNTRY

ABSTRACT

Background Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) patients and caregivers have been significantly affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic and have seen their access to healthcare disrupted. ADRD has emerged as a key comorbidity of COVID‐19. Little is known about the impact of the pandemic in ADRD patients living in countries with reduced vaccinations rates. Our objective was to assess the impact of the pandemic in ADRD patients and caregivers in Peru, which has one of the world's highest COVID‐19 death rate. Method As part of the Genetics of Alzheimer's disease In Peruvian Populations (GAPP) study, we performed a cross‐sectional study in ADRD patients and caregivers. We employed the National Alzheimer Coordination Center COVID‐19 survey to evaluate the impact of the pandemic in our cohort. We also considered the severity of cognitive impairment, measured by the Cognitive Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). Result the GAPP cohort had 52 ADRD cases and 213 controls. The median age was 72 (54‐95 IQR 12), and 68.68% were females. A third of patients reported COVID‐19 symptoms;of those, 2.71% were hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (1 patient needed respirator). Over 50% of participants reported at least some cognitive or behavioral changes (with memory being the most predominant), with no difference between cases and controls. Overall, participants felt moderately concerned with infection and social distancing, with no differences between groups. Caregivers reported higher degrees of concern, especially for ADRD participants. 25% of caregivers reported being affected significantly by the pandemic, mainly because of decreased takeover by family or friends, especially among those looking after ADRD participants. Over 50% considered their income reduced. Finally, their willingness to participate in research projects was not impacted significantly. Conclusion The COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted ADRD patients (especially those with higher CDR) and their caregivers, reducing their financial income and their caregiving ability. These results could help in developing COVID‐19 public health policies that include specific needs for ADRD patients.