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Alzheimer's Disease and Face Masks in Times of COVID-19.
Gil, Roger; Arroyo-Anlló, Eva M.
  • Gil R; Emeriti Professor of Neurology, University Hospital, Poitiers, Director of the Ethical Reflection area of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.
  • Arroyo-Anlló EM; Department of Psychobiology, University of Salamanca, Neuroscience Institute of Castilla-León, Spain.
J Alzheimers Dis ; 79(1): 9-14, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-949039
ABSTRACT
Generalized lockdown caused by COVID-19, necessary yesterday, can no longer be that of tomorrow. It will no longer be possible to cram the humblest into cramped areas, but priority must be given to prevention (certainly with physical barriers, hydro-alcoholic gel, face masks), biological diagnosis, isolation, and also the care of any infected person. COVID-19 has hit the most vulnerable first in terms of biological inequality, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Those with AD can have sensorial deficits and perception troubles, including visual difficulties and the inability to recognize faces and emotions. Face masks and physical distancing can disrupt facial familiarity and make it more difficult to recognize emotional facial expressions. It can provoke distress, which the visitor can perceive and feel obligated to take off the face mask. This gesture should not be considered as an act of indiscipline, but an act of empathy. Transparent face masks could improve the suffering of AD patients, distraught in the presence of their loved ones whose masks hide their faces. Wearing a mask should not be due to fear of punishment, but as an understanding of the responsibility of each individual in the control of the current pandemic. It may be necessary to convince more citizens of this civic duty, using clear and attractive messaging in order to standardize the wearing of face masks for the general public and to adapt them to the needs of patients.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Communicable Disease Control / Alzheimer Disease / COVID-19 / Masks Type of study: Observational study Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: J Alzheimers Dis Journal subject: Geriatrics / Neurology Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: JAD-201233

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Communicable Disease Control / Alzheimer Disease / COVID-19 / Masks Type of study: Observational study Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: J Alzheimers Dis Journal subject: Geriatrics / Neurology Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: JAD-201233