Maintaining Mental Health During a Pandemic Part 1: Consequences of Isolation & Tips to Prevent Them

COVID-19 Special Series This episode begins our pivot to addressing the important issues facing individuals during the current COVID-19 pandemic. We will speak to researchers and doctors discussing the present and future impact of the pandemic on those with cognitive impairment and those without. We are starting with a two-part series on the psychological and behavioral consequences of the pandemic. Our guest, Art Walaszek, MD, speaks on the effects of social distancing and how individuals or caregivers can stay healthy during this time. Guest: Art Walaszek, MD, Geriatric Psychiatrist, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Episode Topics:

• Does social distancing negatively affect you? 5:00
• How does this affect individuals with cognitive impairment or their caregivers? 11:00
• What can we all do to prevent any negative effects from social distancing? 15:30

Show Notes:  All of the important issues happening right now cannot be fully covered, so we strongly encourage you to go to trusted sources for specific information, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your state and local health department websites, and the Alzheimer's Association. You can also find resources on our website and that of the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute. For other interesting and important stories on the COVID-19 pandemic, I would recommend my colleague at UW Health Jonathan Kohler, MD, of the Surgery Sett podcast who has a special series called "The Frontlines of COVID."