Regional Variation Seen in Alzheimer and Related Dementia Diagnosis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com.

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, Aug. 19, 2024 -- The rate of new Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) diagnoses varies across the United States, according to a study published online Aug. 16 in Alzheimer's & Dementia.

Julie P.W. Bynum, M.D., M.P.H., from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, and colleagues used Medicare claims for a cohort of older adults across hospital referral regions (HRRs) to measure geographic variation in diagnosed cases of ADRD. ADRD-specific regional diagnosis intensity was measured as the ratio of expected new ADRD cases based on population demographics, risk factors, and practice intensity compared to observed cases.

The researchers found that across HRRs, the crude new ADRD diagnosis rate ranged from 1.7 to 5.4 per 100. The intensity of ADRD-specific diagnosis varied from 0.69 to 1.47 and varied most for Black, Hispanic, and the youngest (ages 66 to 74 years) subgroups. ADRD diagnosis intensity was associated with a twofold difference in receiving an ADRD diagnosis across all subgroups.

"These findings raise important questions regarding the degree to which differences in access and health care practices may drive excess variability in ADRD detection," the authors write.

Abstract/Full Text

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

Source: HealthDay

Read more

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords