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Study shows people with dementia twice as likely to contract COVID-19

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A recent study shows people with dementia are two times as likely to contract COVID-19 than those who don’t have it.

On top of that, the study shows Black Americans are three times as likely to get it.

READ: Florida expanding homebound senior COVID-19 vaccination program to WWII, Korean War vets

The study by the Journal of Alzheimers Association screened the electronic records of nearly 69 million Americans over age 18. It found those with dementia were two times as likely to contract COVID-19.

Keith Gibson, with the Southeast Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, said it’s something his organization has suspected since the pandemic began, pointing to one main reason.

READ: Homebound Altamonte woman struggles to get COVID vaccine despite qualifying for county program

“Socioeconomic status being a biomarker and indicator of the onset of cognitive decline,” Gibson said.

Gibson said he hopes the study spurs a dialogue that leads to better vaccine access for minorities and continued education throughout all communities.

READ: ‘It is the next step toward freedom’: How local counties are mobilizing to vaccinate homebound seniors for COVID-19

“Until we find a cure or a way to slow it down, we have to think outside the box,” he said.

Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.

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