Clinical outcomes of COVID‐19 infection among patients with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. Issue 5 (4th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Ying; Li, Mingfei; Kazis, Lewis E.; Xia, Weiming
• Is Part Of: Alzheimer's & dementia. Volume 18:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 911
• Page End: 923
• Publication Date: 2022-04-04
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease -- angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors -- angiotensin II receptor blockers -- COVID‐19 -- mild cognitive impairment -- severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Alzheimer Disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Démence; Maladie d'Alzheimer; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.83
• DOI: 10.1002/alz.12665
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-5260

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and COVID‐19 share common risk factors including hypertension. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) are frequently prescribed antihypertension medications. Methods: This study analyzed 436, 823 veterans tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. We conducted both classical and propensity score weighted logistic models to compare COVID‐19 outcomes between patients with AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to those without cognitive impairment, and examined effect of ACEI/ARB prescription. Results: There was a statistically significant association between AD and increased odds of infection and mortality. MCI was not found to be a risk factor for infection. Subjects with MCI exhibited poor clinical outcomes. Prescribing ARBs but not ACEIs was significantly associated with a lower risk of COVID‐19 occurrence among AD and MCI patients. Discussion: Exploring beneficial effects of existing medications to reduce the impact of COVID‐19 on patients with AD or MCI is highly significant. Highlights: There is significant association between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and increased risk of COVID‐19 infection and odds of mortality. Subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) defined by claims data exhibit poor clinical outcomes, but MCI was not found to be a risk factor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Prescribing angiotensin II receptor blockers was significantly associated with a lower risk of COVID‐19 occurrence among AD/MCI patients.