It is estimated that more than 7 million adults in America live with Alzheimer’s disease. However, a new study has found that people in some regions get diagnosed with dementia more than in other regions. While there are new medications and treatments available to patients, many people live in areas where they are not able to get diagnosed and receive the medications. In this article, we explore this geographic link to dementia.
Exploring the Geographic Link to Dementia
Researchers claim that the exact same individual may have twice as much chance of receiving a dementia diagnosis in some U.S. regions than in others. This means that it is not about individual dementia risk factors, but rather about access to healthcare in certain areas. In order to gain access to the new tests and treatments on the market, you first need to get a formal diagnosis from a health practitioner. These treatments typically address the progression of the disease in its initial stages, known as mild Alzheimer’s disease.
Diagnostic Intensity
A new study examined the differences in diagnostic intensity from one region to another. They focused on the differences that remained after accounting for all the other risk factors and regional differences. According to the lead author of the study, Dr. Julie Bynum, “These findings go beyond demographic and population-level differences in risk, and indicate that there are health system-level differences that could be targeted and remediated.” The study showed that the likelihood of receiving a dementia diagnosis varied greatly from one place to another, underscoring the geographic link to dementia diagnosis.
The Study on the Geographic Link to Dementia
The researchers of the study analyzed the data from 4.8 million individuals over 66 years of age who were covered by Medicare in 2019. They found that besides the 7 million patients diagnosed with dementia in the United States, there were likely millions more adults with the disease who remain undiagnosed. Without a formal diagnosis, insurance companies won’t cover diagnostic tool examinations such as brain imaging scans, biomarker tests, and medications that slow the progression of the disease. Even if their insurance doesn’t cover the treatments, a diagnosis can help the patient access specialized care.
The Study Explored Beyond Typical Risk Factors
Previous studies have outlined the various factors associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. These influential factors include high cholesterol levels, alcohol and tobacco use, high blood pressure, education, and poor quality of sleep. However, the dementia risk level experienced by different populations didn’t account for the geographic link to dementia. The study examined 306 hospital referral regions that have been used in several other studies. Each of these regions had to have at least one hospital that performed advanced brain and heart surgeries. These regions were examined because a diagnosis of dementia would require specialized services to effectively treat dementia.
Calculating the Numbers For the Study
In total, 143,029 people examined in the study were newly diagnosed with dementia in 2019. The remainder of those diagnosed received their diagnosis before 2019. They found that around 7% of individuals covered by Medicare have been diagnosed with dementia at any given time. Additionally, around 3% of this population receives a diagnosis annually, and the average age at time of diagnosis was around 83 years. They then worked out the rates of new diagnoses by region and the total number of individuals diagnosed as of 2019 for each hospital referral region. Depending on the region, dementia diagnoses ranged from 4% to 14%. Additionally, the rate of new diagnoses in 2019 ranged from 1.7% to 5.4%.
Further Calculations
They also examined the diagnosis rates across various age groups and races. Data was also included regarding the number of people who smoked in every region, as well as their education levels and risk of developing diabetes and obesity. Taking all of these factors into account, the team calculated the rate of diagnosis for new and total cases for each different region. When compared to the average nationally, the individuals who lived in low-diagnostic intensity regions were 28% less likely to be diagnosed. However, those living in high-diagnostic intensity regions were 36% more likely to receive a diagnosis. These high-intensity regions were also regions that experienced high risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Variations From Region to Region
These findings potentially reflect differences in clinical practices from one region to another. These differences could stem from cultural or personal preferences. This could determine how likely it is for a person to seek help for a memory condition. According to the researchers, by studying which areas are underdiagnosed, they can uncover the barriers that prevent someone from receiving the diagnosis that would give them access to treatments. According to the lead author, “The goal these days should be to identify people with cognitive issues earlier, yet our data show the younger age group of Medicare participants is the one with the most variation. For communities and health systems, this should be a call to action for spreading knowledge and increasing efforts to make services available to people.”
The Bottom Line on the Geographical Link to Dementia
Understanding the geographic link to dementia diagnosis may help researchers determine why certain regions are so underdiagnosed. Perhaps it is cultural or personal reasons, or perhaps gaps in regional treatment facilities. Whatever the reason, this study has shown that many regions remain wanting when it comes to the formal diagnosis of dementia. By better understanding the reasons outside of the typical high-risk factors associated with dementia, health practitioners can create more effective ways to encourage testing and be able to offer treatments for those diagnosed.
Read More: 9 Early Signs of Dementia You Could Be Overlooking
