Could DECLINING brain health leave the door WIDE OPEN for the virus?
Friend, I hope you’re safe where you are… and that you have everything you need.
This has been a harsh winter for many Americans – in more ways than one.
But we have reason to be optimistic about the future… even as the COVID-19 pandemic wears on.
And immunity to the novel coronavirus is becoming more widespread.
But we can’t rest on our laurels just yet.
Because it turns out certain folks have DOUBLE the risk for COVID-19…
And we need to do what we can to protect them.
Double trouble
According to the latest report from The Alzheimer’s Association, dementia patients could be TWICE as likely to catch COVID-19 as adults without dementia.
And that’s not all…
Because compared to “normal” adults who also come down with COVID-19… their outcomes are WORSE.
I’m talking hospitalization… and even death.
That makes sense, considering how COVID-19 has been associated with neurological symptoms… like brain fog… even in otherwise healthy adults.
Imagine how “COVID brain” could COMPOUND existing cognitive impairment!
Now, we COULD reason that those with dementia are less likely to be able to take care of themselves… including washing and sanitizing their hands, wearing masks, and maintaining 6 feet of distance…
And THAT’S what puts them in the crosshairs.
But folks with dementia are also less likely to be in public… among crowds… or among strangers.
And according to this latest study, the risk persisted even when the authors adjusted the statistics for nursing home stays.
That tells me that someone is bringing the virus home to them.
But something else is going on here, too.
The researchers’ theory is that in dementia patients, a damaged blood-brain barrier could allow certain pathogens – including viruses — to PERMEATE brain tissue.
The link to the novel coronavirus isn’t just with Alzheimer’s disease… or dementias associated with “old age.”
The BIGGEST risk was associated with vascular dementia and presenile dementia, which strikes folks YOUNGER than age 65.
And the odds seem to be EQUALLY stacked against guys and gals with dementia.
Now, this virus is SO new… there’s a lot we still don’t know about it.
And this most recent study only looked at patients through August 2020 – over the course of just 6 months.
But if you’ve got someone in your life with dementia, don’t take any chances.
Help them stay protected by supporting their healthy hygiene habits… encouraging brain-sharpening activities… and embarking on immune-boosting routines like moving around a little more and getting plenty of sun exposure.
To protecting those who can’t protect themselves,
Melissa Young
