Detroit, Michigan – A recent study by researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School suggests that the likelihood of receiving a dementia diagnosis could be influenced by one’s home address. The study, which analyzed Medicare claims for nearly five million older adults in various regional health care markets across the country, found that areas with higher rates of dementia diagnoses were twice as likely to have residents diagnosed with the condition, particularly among those aged 66 to 74 and within Black and Hispanic subgroups.
Lead study author Dr. Julie Bynum highlighted the disparities in diagnosis rates across different regions, noting that these differences are not solely based on population characteristics like age, race, and cardiovascular risks. Factors such as access to health care and availability of experienced clinicians in diagnosing and caring for individuals with dementia also play a role in the diagnosis intensity seen in various regions.
Bynum emphasized the importance of communication between individuals concerned about cognitive decline in their family members and their primary care doctors. She pointed out the challenges that doctors face in addressing cognitive complaints among older adults, urging local health systems to develop programs to support this growing population effectively.
Lycia Neumann, a senior director of health services research at the Alzheimer’s Association, underscored the regional disparities in dementia diagnoses and highlighted the need for intentional efforts from health systems, payers, and governments to promote equitable access to diagnosis. She also mentioned that barriers to early and precise dementia diagnosis exist at various levels, ranging from stigma and lack of awareness to health care access-related issues.
Neumann expressed hope that studies like this one would raise awareness of early warning signs of dementia and encourage individuals to discuss any concerns with their health care providers. She also suggested that educational programs and interventions could facilitate access to timely dementia diagnoses, as an accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment and care.
Despite the study’s limitations, which include the inability to determine whether the rate of diagnosis is too high or too low based solely on the data analyzed, researchers believe that the findings provide valuable insights into the geographical variations in dementia diagnosis rates. Neumann also highlighted the limitations of studies based on claims data and emphasized the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing disparities in dementia diagnoses.
Overall, the study sheds light on the complex interplay of factors contributing to dementia diagnosis rates across different regions and underscores the importance of addressing barriers to timely and accurate diagnosis for individuals at risk of cognitive decline.