A new study reveals significant regional disparities in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) across the United States, with particularly pronounced variations among Black and Hispanic populations and adults aged 66-74. The research, published in the Alzheimer’s & Dementia journal, utilized Medicare claims data to examine the rates of new ADRD diagnoses across different hospital referral regions.
The study found that the likelihood of receiving an ADRD diagnosis varied twofold depending on where a person lives. This variation was most pronounced for Black and Hispanic groups, as well as for younger seniors aged 66-74. The researchers developed a measure of ADRD-specific diagnostic intensity, which ranged from 0.69 to 1.47 across different regions.
“Where one resides influences the likelihood of receiving an ADRD diagnosis, particularly among those 66-74 years of age and minoritized groups,” the study authors noted. This finding raises important questions about potential differences in access to healthcare and diagnostic practices that may contribute to these disparities.
The researchers suggest that areas with low ADRD diagnostic intensity could be targeted for additional surveillance efforts. However, they caution that the study was not designed to determine whether these regional differences in diagnosis rates led to differences in population health outcomes.
As the medical community grapples with newly approved Alzheimer’s disease-modifying medications, these findings underscore the need for a better understanding of the factors driving differences in case-finding across the health system. The study highlights the importance of addressing potential inequities in access to diagnosis, particularly for minority populations and younger seniors.
