July 24 (UPI) — A study published in JAMA Neurology revealed that Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia result in approximately 1.4 million emergency room visits annually. This research, conducted by the University of Michigan, found that individuals aged 65 and older with dementia accounted for 7% of all emergency room visits in this age group.
The study utilized data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to obtain these findings.
In light of these statistics, lead author Lauren B. Gerlach emphasized the importance of providing better support to caregivers and exploring alternative options to emergency care for individuals with dementia. She stated, “Emergency departments are often not the right place to manage these behaviors.”
Dementia, characterized by cognitive challenges and changes in personality and emotions, poses significant difficulties for both individuals with the disease and their caregivers. Gerlach highlighted the behavioral aspects of dementia, including anxiety, agitation, and sleep troubles, as the most challenging symptoms to manage.
The United States currently has an estimated 6 million people living with dementia, and it is believed that around one-third of individuals over the age of 85 have some form of dementia.
The Michigan Medicine study also revealed potential disparities in the treatment of dementia patients in emergency care. Patients with dementia were more likely to undergo urine tests or CT scans in the emergency department. Gerlach explained that the inability of dementia patients to communicate their symptoms verbally often complicates diagnosis.
The study’s recommendations include the establishment of more geriatric-focused emergency departments across the United States to better cater to the needs of individuals with dementia. These specialized facilities are currently limited in availability.
Additionally, a recent poll conducted by the University of Michigan found that only 20% of individuals between the ages of 65 and 80 were screened in the past year for any decline in thinking and memory skills. This highlights the need for increased awareness and proactive measures in addressing cognitive health in older adults.
Another study published in The Lancet also suggested a potential link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, further emphasizing the importance of comprehensive healthcare for aging populations.
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