Preparing for Future Crises: New Report Identifies Research Priorities on COVID-19's Impact on People with Dementia and Care Partners

Study led by Atlantic Fellow Geeske Peeters and members of the Global Brain Health Institute community encourages international alignment on research to improve care and support for people with dementia and their care partners during future crises.

The new report, Strategizing Transdisciplinary Research Priorities Around the Impact of COVID-19 Control Measures on People with Dementia and Care Partners Living at Home: A 14-Country Perspective, reveals critical research priorities to help better support people with dementia and their care partners during future public health crises. The report, which was led by Geeske Peeters, an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health and epidemiologist, was funded by the Canadian Institute for Health Research through the European Commission’s Joint Programme on Neurodegenerative Disease Research.

The pandemic had a particularly severe impact on people with dementia and their care partners, especially those living at home. Many experienced increased isolation and an accelerated decline in health due to lockdowns and the closure of essential services. During the height of the crisis, governments had to make rapid decisions amid widespread uncertainty, focused on controlling the virus’s spread. In hindsight, it’s clear that some of these measures caused more harm than good, in particular for people with dementia and their care partners. 

The study included a survey of people with dementia, care partners, and healthcare professionals across 14 countries in Europe and the Global South, including Brazil, India, Ireland, and Nigeria. It identified four major areas where future research is needed: physical and mental health, disease progression, and the unique challenges faced by care partners. The findings also highlight the urgent need for improved support structures and better communication regarding available care resources.

"This report provides critical insight into the widespread challenges faced by people with dementia and their care partners during the pandemic,” said Peeters. "Our goal is to ensure that no one faces such crises without proper support in place. We outline a clear strategy that prioritizes research capable of making a real impact on policy and care."

The report provides guidance for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to develop more effective interventions and policies, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not overlooked in future crises.

Read the report

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