A new study at Northwell Health has found that older adults who were hospitalized with COVID-19 and had been taking psychotropic medication before their hospitalization were at a higher risk of dementia.
The researchers analyzed data from 1,755 patients who were over the age of 65 and had been hospitalized with COVID-19.
They discovered that 12.7 percent of these patients developed dementia within a year of their hospitalization.
They also found that patients who had been taking psychotropic medication before their hospitalization had a higher risk of developing post-COVID dementia.
Psychotropic medications are medications that affect a person’s mental state, including their mood and behavior.
These medications include antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants.
The researchers found that patients who were taking antipsychotics and mood stabilizers/anticonvulsants before their hospitalization had the greatest risk of developing post-COVID dementia.
The study also found that delirium, a state of confusion and disorientation, was significantly associated with a higher risk of developing post-COVID dementia.
However, the researchers noted that their study did not recommend that people stop taking their psychotropic medication.
Instead, they suggest that doctors should take a patient’s medication history into consideration when assessing their risk of developing post-COVID dementia.
It’s important to note that two of the study’s authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.
Despite this, the findings suggest that older adults who have been taking psychotropic medication and are hospitalized with COVID-19 may be at a higher risk of developing post-COVID dementia.
Clinicians should be aware of this risk when treating their patients and take steps to mitigate this risk where possible.
COVID-19 and dementia
COVID-19 has been linked to an increased risk of dementia in older adults.
There have been reports of individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 experiencing a range of neurological symptoms, including confusion, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.
These symptoms have been collectively referred to as “brain fog.”
In addition to the current study, researchers have noted that there is evidence to suggest that COVID-19 may increase the risk of developing dementia in individuals who have not previously been diagnosed with the condition.
The virus has been found to cause inflammation in the brain and can potentially damage brain cells, leading to cognitive impairment and dementia.
It is also worth noting that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on individuals with pre-existing dementia.
Studies have shown that people with dementia who contract COVID-19 may experience a more rapid progression of their cognitive decline.
COVID-19 can cause further damage to the already compromised brains of individuals with dementia, leading to a more aggressive deterioration of their cognitive abilities.
Given the potential impact of COVID-19 on brain health, it is important for clinicians to closely monitor the cognitive function of patients who have been infected with the virus, particularly those who are at a higher risk of developing dementia.
In addition to this, preventative measures, such as staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, and managing chronic health conditions, may help to lower the risk of developing dementia.
In conclusion, COVID-19 has been linked to an increased risk of developing dementia, particularly in vulnerable populations such as older adults and individuals with pre-existing cognitive impairment.
More research is needed to better understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 on brain health and to develop strategies to mitigate these effects.
If you care about COVID, please read studies about how diets could help manage post-COVID syndrome, and zinc could help reduce COVID-19 infection risk.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about ultra-processed foods linked to higher dementia risk, and results showing Vitamin B supplements could help reduce dementia risk.
This study was published in the medical journal Frontiers in Medicine.
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