A new international report, funded by the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) through the European Commission’s Joint Programme on Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND) funding scheme, has been released, outlining key research priorities that address the impact of COVID-19 control measures on people with dementia and their care partners living at home. This 14-country perspective aims to define a comprehensive research strategy to improve policies and support systems in future crises, focusing on Europe and the Global South.
The report, entitled “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”, highlights the urgent need for research that informs how people with dementia and their care partners can be better supported during public health emergencies. The primary goal of the report was to identify research priorities in response to the challenges faced by people with dementia and their care partners due to COVID-19 restrictions. By involving stakeholders from 14 countries, the report defines a research strategy that can drive policy improvements and ensure appropriate support in future crises.
The report is based on findings from a systematic literature review, online survey and stakeholder consultation process. In total, 29 people with dementia, 110 care partners, and 117 healthcare professionals were involved in the survey, which was distributed across 14 countries in Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. The top 10 research priorities identified by stakeholders across all regions and groups clustered together in four themes, spanning physical health and daily routine; mental health; disease progression; and impact on carers. These priorities reveal common concerns about the worsening health and well-being of people with dementia during the pandemic and highlight the urgent need for better support structures and communication about available care resources. The report also emphasises that future research is essential to prevent accelerated decline during public health crises, calling for improved strategies to ensure that people with dementia and their care partners are better informed, reducing stress, anxiety, and the care burden they experience. Read the report, here:
https://www.gbhi.org/news-publications/strap-strategizing-transdisciplinary-research-priorities
