Communication around COVID-19 can be a particular challenge with FTD. People with FTD may be unable to communicate effectively that they are not feeling well. It may be difficult to convince them of the rationale for minimizing risk. Individuals with FTD may have difficulty remembering to wash their hands, or in regulating social distance. They may also have difficulty being empathetic or insightful enough to understand the risk that not adhering to these practices may pose for others.

While grasping COVID-19 information is challenging for any of us, for people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) it can be especially hard. People living with PPA may not be able to find the words to formulate their questions or express their feelings. Others may have difficulty understanding what they read in newspapers or hear on television. These challenges in communication can cause frustration, confusion, and apprehension. Caregivers should review COVID information with the person diagnosed, simplify it as much as possible, and repeat the process as often as is reasonable.

While families and professional caregivers already have huge responsibilities, these obligations now increase because we have to be additionally mindful of helping our loved ones engage in good hygiene and social contact. Moreover, caregivers are at increased risk because of physical proximity, frequent contact, and the stress and burden that caregiving can bring.