| Contributors: |
Bacigalupo, I.; Giaquinto, F.; Salvi, E.; Carnevale, G.; Vaccaro, R.; Matascioli, F.; Remoli, G.; Vanacore, N.; Lorenzini, P.; Arabia, G.; Amorosi, A.; Bargagli, A. M.; Bartorelli, L.; Basso, C.; Berardinelli, M.; Bernardi, M. P.; Bianchi, C. B. N. A.; Blandi, L.; Boschi, F.; Bruni, A. C.; Caci, A.; Caffarra, P.; Canevelli, M.; Capasso, A.; Cipollari, S.; Cozzari, M.; Di Costanzo, A.; Di Fiandra, T.; Di Palma, A.; Fabbo, A.; Francescone, F.; Gabelli, C.; Gainotti, S.; Galeotti, F.; Gambina, G.; Gasparini, M.; Giannini, M. A.; Gilli, M.; Giordano, M.; Greco, A.; Guaita, A.; Izzicupo, F.; Landoni, F.; Lidonnici, E.; Locuratolo, N.; Logroscino, G.; Lombardi, A.; Losito, G.; Lubian, F.; Lupinetti, M. C.; Madrigali, S.; Marra, C.; Masera, F.; Massaia, M.; Mastromattei, A.; Matera, A.; Matera, M.; Mazzoleni, F.; Melani, C.; Meloni, S.; Memeo, E.; Musso, M.; Notarelli, A.; Onofrj, M.; Palummeri, E.; Panetta, V.; Petrini, C.; Piccoli, T.; Pirani, A.; Piras, S.; Porro, G.; Possenti, M.; Rendina, E.; Riolo, A.; Riva, L.; Santini, S.; Scalmana, S.; Scarpelli, N.; Secreto, P.; Seganfreddo, M.; Sensi, S.; Severino, C.; Spadin, P.; Spallino, P.; Spinelli, A. L.; Stracciari, A.; Trabucchi, M.; Zaccardi, A.; Accardo, E.; Ahmad, O.; Ajena, D.; Alba, G.; Albanese, A.; Albergati, A.; Alessandria, M.; Alfieri, P.; Alimenti, M.; Aliprandi, A.; Altavilla, R.; Amaru, S. |
| Description: |
Introduction: A new national survey has been carried out by the Italian Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementias (CCDDs). The aim of this new national survey is to provide a comprehensive description of the characteristics, organizational aspects of the CCDDs, and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A list of all national CCDDs was requested from the delegates of each Italian region. The online questionnaire is divided in two main sections: a profile section, containing information on location and accessibility, and a data collection form covering organization, services, treatments, activities, and any service interruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Results: In total, 511 out of 534 (96%) facilities completed the profile section, while 450 out of 534 (84%) CCDDs also completed the data collection form. Almost half of the CCDDs (55.1%) operated for 3 or fewer days a week. About one-third of the facilities had at least two professional figures among neurologists, geriatricians and psychiatrists. In 2020, only a third of facilities were open all the time, but in 2021, two-thirds of the facilities were open. Conclusion: This paper provides an update on the current status of CCDDs in Italy, which still shows considerable heterogeneity. The survey revealed a modest improvement in the functioning of CCDDs, although substantial efforts are still required to ensure the diagnosis and care of patients with dementia. |