Covid's Impact on Dementia Patients

05/11/2020 - Dementia is a terrible disease, both for those who suffer from it and their loved ones. This has proved an incredibly difficult year for many and I fully appreciate how much more challenging it must be for families caring for loved ones, particularly those who have needed to take on extra responsibilities.

I know that the Government is working closely with system partners, stakeholders, local authorities and the care sector to monitor the impact of Covid-19 on people with dementia and to identify what additional actions may be required to ensure safety, and access to the right support and care.

In addition, research through the National Institute for Health Research was commissioned on how to manage or mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on people with dementia and their carers living in the community. The research has considered the best ways to support people to stay well during the outbreak, including help to manage the psychological and social impacts of social distancing, self-isolation, and lockdown. More information, including summary leaflets, is available here: http://www.idealproject.org.uk/covid/

We should do everything we can to offer support to people with long term health conditions, as well as those who support them, throughout this crisis, and I will continue to monitor this issue closely.