Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Amber E. Barnato, John D. Birkmeyer, Jonathan S. Skinner, A. James O’Malley, Nancy J.O. Birkmeyer
Older adults are at elevated risk for severe illness and death from COVID-19. Those living in nursing homes, including patients with dementia, have been severely affected.1 National vital statistics data is likely an underestimate of the mortality impacts of COVID-19 in dementia populations, for whom non-COVID-19 attributed excess mortality increased significantly during the 2020 Spring and Summer surges.2 Many nursing home residents received end-of-life palliation in place, electing to avoid hospital transfer,3 consistent with preferences to avoid lifesustaining treatments.4–8 However, among patients with dementia who were hospitalized, many of whom may have been community dwelling, little is known about their treatment intensity and outcomes.