POLAR: Psychosocial effects of corona measures in people with Alzheimer's

POLAR aims to make people with Alzheimer's more resilient to the consequences of the corona measures. They are having a hard time during corona. Not only are patients extra susceptible to the virus, informal caregivers are also hit hard by the measures. Most people with Alzheimer's live at home and use (in)formal care and support networks. Formal care concerns, for example, case management and daytime activities and these have often stopped due to the measures. This has increased the pressure on informal caregivers considerably. POLAR maps the effects of corona on the patient's behavior, mood and functioning, burden on loved ones and care use. In addition, online information tools are being developed about dealing with the consequences of the corona measures. This contributes to positively influencing the support system around people with Alzheimer's during and after COVID-19. POLAR is a collaboration between the Amsterdam Alzheimer Center, Amsterdam UMC, Alzheimer Netherlands and Pharos. First results During the second lockdown, patients and healthcare providers adapted better to the challenges of the lockdown. The psychosocial and behavioral effects decreased and patients experienced more social support compared to the first lockdown. Support from family and friends appears to be an important protective factor for negative outcomes in patients and caregivers. The first results were published in January 2022 published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.