Isolation takes toll on Alzheimer’s patients amid pandemic

DENVER — Bart Bartholomew noticed the changes in his wife soon after the coronavirus pandemic began. More Coloradans are dying from Alzheimer’s disease during the coronavirus pandemic, and the recent rise in new cases and hospitalizations has doctors worried that a “third wave” in this state will cut people off from the care they need and make those living in long-term care facilities even more isolated. “Ultimately, more of those patients are going to be those who are in living facilities and are at risk.” At least 1,053 people died from Alzheimer’s disease in Colorado during the first six months of the pandemic, which is up 26% from the 3-year-average for the same period, according to data from the state Department of Public Health and Environment. Alzheimer’s and dementia often progress slowly over a period of years, but if a person’s brain is stressed, they can experience “dips” and will have a harder time bouncing back than someone without a cognitive disorder, said Dr. Samantha Holden, medical director of the CU School of Medicine’s Neurobehavior and Memory Disorders Clinic. Chatting with loved ones via video can also help, although sometimes it can be “disorienting” for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, Holden said.