This condition DOUBLED death risk during the pandemic [NOT the virus!]

Friend, I can’t think of anyone who’s been completely UNTOUCHED by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even if you NEVER got sick yourself…

We’ve ALL dealt with political division… supply chain issues… rising prices… restrictions… isolation… and more.

But some folks have taken an even GREATER hit…

And it’s not necessarily the ones who got INFECTED.

Because even the INDIRECT effects of the pandemic might’ve dealt quite a blow…

And according to the latest news, some of the WORST affected might’ve been some of our most vulnerable loved ones.

I’m talking about older folks with dementia.

While memory loss doesn’t DIRECTLY shorten lives… as folks die WITH dementia and not FROM it…

Death rates tend to be HIGHER among dementia patients… even in “normal” times.

But a recent analysis of Medicare enrollees reveals that early on in the COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020… dementia-related mortality SKYROCKETED by more than 25%, compared to pre-pandemic statistics from 2019.

That’s not all…

Because EXCESS mortality was 2X as high for older folks with dementia as for those without the condition.

Now, if you know someone… love someone… or care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or any other form of dementia…

You know how they’re in the crosshairs for OTHER, possibly lethal conditions…

Like stroke… Parkinson’s… depression… and more.

Dementia could also open the door to infections…

And outcomes tend to be worse among dementia patients who do catch the virus.

But among the group of patients studied in this analysis… the excess deaths weren’t all from COVID-19.

The authors of the study suggest that the excess mortality could be attributed to ANOTHER reason…

The healthcare industry was essentially turned UPSIDE DOWN during that time period!

Dementia patients in nursing homes weren’t allowed to see visitors. And those receiving care at home couldn’t leave… and care providers couldn’t always get to them.

You think YOU struggle with the technology necessary to conduct a “telehealth” visit with your doc on a computer or smartphone? Imagine trying to do that with dementia!

Friend, it’ll be a long time before we completely understand the full impact of “pandemic life” – that is, BEYOND infection rates and other headline-grabbing statistics.

But as we approach the 2-year anniversary of “pandemic times” this month, let’s not leave those with dementia behind.

If you’re the primary caretaker, I know you must feel burned out by now. And that may mean it’s time to get some extra help.

If your loved one with dementia is in a care facility, go check on them if you’re allowed to. Make sure they’re getting fresh air and sunshine.

Let them know they’re not alone.

We may not be completely out of the woods yet… but keeping them away from the outside world could be doing more harm than good.