Studies explore potential, concerning connection between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease According to a recent study, the number of deaths attributable to Alzheimer’s and dementia during the pandemic has jumped by 12% in Minnesota alone. Author: Karla Hult Updated: 8:21 PM CST February 20, 2021 MINNEAPOLIS — Several new studies show a possible – and concerning – connection between COVID-19 infections and those who already have or may develop Alzheimer’s and other dementia. In fact, one study is even researching whether a COVID infection may increase a person’s chance for developing dementia – of which Alzheimer’s is the most common form – down the road. Latest studies: jump in ALZ deaths, Alzheimer’s patients twice as likely to contract COVID