Research Symposium

BIO

I am from Orlando, FL, with a strong passion for healthcare research and medicine. My goal is to become a physician, combining clinical practice with research to improve patient outcomes. I am dedicated to understanding and addressing healthcare disparities, particularly in vulnerable populations.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy on Alzheimer’s Disease: Examining the Influence of ADRD Stage on Acceptance Among Patients With Chronic Conditions

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive condition that affects memory and thinking. While vaccine hesitancy has been studied in many groups, little is known about how AD and chronic conditions affect acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. This study analyzed vaccine acceptance in AD patients with chronic conditions like COPD, cancer, and hypertension using data from the All of Us Researcher Workbench. It included patients with AD who had contracted COVID-19, excluding those with other neurodegenerative diseases or severe comorbidities. Data on demographics, medical history, cognitive assessments, and vaccination status were evaluated. Results showed that early-stage AD patients had the highest vaccine acceptance (98.1%-98.8%) due to better cognitive function and caregiver support. Acceptance declined in middle-stage AD (79.2%-83.3%) as patients became more dependent and caregivers were more hesitant. Late-stage AD patients had the lowest acceptance rates (47.8%-52.0%) due to increased health risks, fewer healthcare visits, and end-of-life concerns. This study emphasizes the need for targeted strategies to address vaccine hesitancy in AD patients, especially in advanced stages, focusing on caregiver education, better healthcare access, and personalized vaccination approaches.

Keywords: Alzheimer's, Dementia, Vaccine Hesitancy