Geographic variation in diagnosed cases of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) may be due to underlying population risk or differences in intensity of new case identification. Areas with low ADRD diagnostic intensity could potentially be targeted for additional surveillance efforts. This study used Medicare claims to look at a cohort of older adults across hospital referral regions and measure ADRD-specific regional diagnosis intensity. The study found that where one resides influences the likelihood of receiving an ADRD diagnosis, particularly among those 66–74 years of age and minoritized groups.
Link: Alzheimer’s & Dementia (08/2024)
