Vaccine a Priority for Alzheimer's Patients, Who Face 'Cascade of Risks' From the Virus

KSNV News 3 says the Alzheimer's Foundation of America is urging Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers in southern Nevada and elsewhere to get inoculated for COVID-19 as soon as possible. "We know that they're more likely to get COVID if they have Alzheimer's disease," said the University of Las Vegas' Jeffrey Cummings. "We know that they're more likely to be hospitalized, and we know that we are more likely to die if they are hospitalized. There's just a cascade of risks." Cummings added that while the vaccine brings the restoration of normalcy closer, clear communication is essential. "Be direct and be simple in the language," he recommended. "Say things like, 'I can't be with you now, but I can be with you soon' so that the message can be reassuring and positive, and it must be within the memory span of the individual."