Alzheimer’s Diagnosis and Care by Racial and Ethnic Group in the Medicare Population
2024

Healthcare Resource Use in Alzheimer's Patients by Race

Sample size: 887984 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hoyt Margaret, Bailey-Taylor Melissa, Chandler Julie, Johnston Joseph

Primary Institution: Eli Lilly and Company

Hypothesis

There are differences in healthcare resource utilization among racial/ethnic groups with Alzheimer's disease in the Medicare population.

Conclusion

The study found significant discrepancies in healthcare resource utilization and costs among different racial/ethnic groups with Alzheimer's disease.

Supporting Evidence

  • The incidence of Alzheimer's disease per 100,000 person-years was highest among Hispanic patients.
  • Non-White patients had higher rates of chronic comorbid illnesses compared to White patients.
  • More White patients had at least one neurologist visit compared to other racial groups.

Takeaway

This study looked at how different races use healthcare for Alzheimer's disease, finding that some groups need more help than others.

Methodology

Descriptive analyses of healthcare resource utilization and cost data were conducted using Medicare claims data for patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the reliance on claims data and the specific population studied.

Limitations

The study is limited to Medicare claims data and may not capture all healthcare utilization.

Participant Demographics

Patients were predominantly female (64.2%) with a mean age of 80.6 years, including 72.0% non-Hispanic White, 9.9% non-Hispanic Black, 12.8% Hispanic, and 3.8% Asian.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3788

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication