TELEMEDICINE FOR DEMENTIA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. PROS AND CONS

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has a major impact on individuals’ physical and mental health, including patients who suffering from various forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. Worldwide, significant rates of dementia are affecting physicians, patients' families and health systems, and raise concerns about the likelihood of developing COVID-19. Hence, patients with dementia may have to wait a long time to be (re) examined – which means difficulty in managing the disease properly, deterioration of mental functions and a reduction in the quality of life and life expectancy. For these reasons, health professionals are now using telemedicine. However, it seems that patients with dementia find it difficult to get acquainted. Various studies have indicated low participation rates, noting significant barriers such as patients' inability to handle new technologies and the equipment needed. Although the WHO supports new ways of managing public health, however, many research protocols are needed to evaluate and document the possibilities and acceptance of telemedicine.