Cornelius Martin 86 has dementia and he lives in is home of 57 years in south Minneapolis. (Photo By Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images) A new study shows that people with dementia are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19.The study, led by researchers at Case Western Reserve University, also pointed out that people with dementia had a greater chance of being hospitalized or dying from the virus.Researchers said people who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease have a damaged barrier between the blood and the brain, making them more susceptible to bacterial, viral and fungal infections.