TUCSON (Sept. 8, 2020) ― The Toole Family Memory Center at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute has moved its community resources and education to virtual offerings to keep patients connected and combat the sense of isolation. A new survey among people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their caregivers show the effects of COVID-19 closures and restrictions have had detrimental effects on the memory and behavior of those with the disease.

For those living in group homes, adult day services have been cancelled, home health aide visits have been curtailed, and daily travels and in-person interactions with visitors have been severely limited in the efforts to stop the spread of the disease.

Of the Alzheimer’s caregivers surveyed, two-thirds (67 percent) said they observed a decline in their loved ones’ memory or behaviors since the coronavirus-related restrictions, closures and isolation have been in place. Nearly a quarter of these – 23 percent – said the decline had been significant. Of patient respondents to the survey, 40 percent said their cognition had declined somewhat and another 2 percent reported significant declines.

Free monthly support groups such as Managing COVID While Caring for Dementia and Taboo Topics in Alzheimer’s Disease, are now available by calling (602) 230-2273 (CARE) or www.BannerAlz.org/Calendar to register.

The next telephone/online support group meets on September 16 at 10 a.m.  

“The team at BAI has been able to help patients and families feel more connected with access to a list of virtual resources, as well as offering telemedicine options. We are finding the addition of these services are reaching patients and families that wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend an in-person support group, educational class, or clinic appointment,” said Michelle Faddoul, BAI memory disorders family and community services navigator. 

The Toole Family Memory Center is a part of Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, an international leader in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Founded in 2006 by Banner Health, one of the country’s largest nonprofit health care systems, the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute is a collaboration with the University of Arizona Health Sciences researchers and clinicians. The center offers a comprehensive range of services for affected patients and families, conducts revolutionary studies in the detection, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s and works to set a national standard of patient and family care while forging scientific collaborations that bring together institutions and disciplines internationally.

About Banner Alzheimer’s Institute

Through its research and care, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute is dedicated to the goal of ending Alzheimer’s disease without losing another generation. Founded in 2006 by Banner Health, one of the country’s largest nonprofit health care systems, BAI has a three-fold focus: to conduct revolutionary studies in the detection, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s; to set a national standard of patient and family care; and to forge scientific collaborations that bring together institutions and disciplines internationally. For more information, visit www.banneralz.org.

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