A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society examined Medicare spending patterns associated with a new diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) among older adults. The researchers analyzed data to compare healthcare expenditures before and after an ADRD diagnosis, as well as after the first detection of cognitive impairment during routine screenings.
The study suggests that the surge in healthcare spending associated with an ADRD diagnosis may be linked to acute health events prompting the diagnosis, rather than the cognitive impairment itself. This highlights the importance of early detection and proactive management of ADRD to potentially mitigate sudden increases in healthcare utilization and costs.