Scientists from Alzheimer’s Research UK found that just over one in five (21.8%) individuals who died of COVID-19 between 2020 and 2021 were living with dementia.
The research was conducted by David Thomas et al.
In the study, the team found among deaths due to COVID-19 in England and Wales in 2021, dementia was one of the most common pre-existing conditions.
Combined with data from 2020, this indicates that of the 137,321 patients who died from the virus during this period, some 30,043 (21.8%) had dementia.
The UK’s leading dementia research charity said the figures underlined the urgent need for more funding for dementia research.
Scientists have known for some time that people with dementia have been hit disproportionately hard during the pandemic.
But this new data serves as a stark reminder of the growing challenge we face in tackling the condition, and the urgent need to address it.
People with dementia are more likely to be living with a range of conditions that put them at greater risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Scientists must find new and better ways to treat and reduce the risk of developing dementia if we’re to protect people in the future. That’s why it’s critical that dementia research is made a priority.
The team is calling for the government to set up a Dementia Medicines Taskforce to apply the same approach that delivered life-saving COVID-19 vaccines to bring about the first life-changing treatments for people who desperately need them.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about a new link between heart health and dementia, and 4 tips for people living with Lewy Body Dementia.
For more information about COVID, please see recent studies about a causal link between blood group and severe COVID-19, and results showing scientists find a new treatment option for COVID-19.
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