FROM THE 2016 ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
FOCUS ON HEALTH POLICY AND HEALTH ECONOMICS
NEW STUDY SUGGESTS THAT TREATING PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER’S MAY INCREASE SURVIVAL AND INCUR LESS COST OF CARE (vs. NON-TREATMENT)
- 1 in 7 U.S. hospital admissions of people with Alzheimer’s are potentially avoidable, cost Medicare $2.6 billion annually -
- Medicare Annual Wellness Visit implemented on a broad scale in one large Midwestern health system; offers an opportunity to identify cognitive impairment -
- World Health Organization identifies dementia prevention, risk reduction and delivery of high quality care as global dementia research priorities -
PR Newswire, TORONTO, July 25, 2016
Important health policy and health economic research findings were reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2016 (AAIC 2016) in Toronto, that shed light on system changes that may lead to potential costs savings, increased survival and reduced burden of Alzheimer’s disease - on individuals, families and the healthcare system.
One study revealed that even without a treatment that changes the underlying course of the disease, there is an economic benefit of ensuring people with Alzheimer’s receive the current standard of care for indicated medications. The study showed that treated patients cost the healthcare system less than those who do not receive medication for Alzheimer’s disease; they also had lower mortality rates during the study compared to untreated patients.
News from #AAIC16: Study suggests treating people with Alzheimer’s may increase survival and incur less cost of care Tweet
“The new results support that early Alzheimer’s treatment - even with today’s first generation therapies - has significant potential to benefit the person with the disease, and the economy,” said Maria C. Carrillo, PhD, chief science officer, Alzheimer’s Association. “Today, Alzheimer’s is incurable and progressive, and some assume that treating dementia is an unjustified cost drain on our healthcare system, but this study presents compelling arguments for prescribing the standard of care.”
In other studies reported at AAIC 2016:
- More than 369,000 U.S. hospital admissions of people with Alzheimer’s in 2013 were potentially avoidable; these preventable hospital visits cost Medicare $2.6 billion.
- The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) offers an opportunity to establish a cognitive baseline, identify changes over time, and detect cognitive impairment. The AWV is being successfully implemented on a wide scale by a large Midwestern health system. The study shows that better communications are needed to draw more males, African-Americans, Hispanics, and older people into the program.
- To advance the global dementia research agenda, the World Health Organization has identified priority areas for focus and investment by funders, researchers and policymakers by a globally representative and systematic mechanism.
Click here to view the full press release.
About Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC)
The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) is the world’s largest gathering of researchers from around the world focused on Alzheimer’s and other dementias. As a part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s research program, AAIC serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community.
AAIC 2016 home page: www.alz.org/aaic/
AAIC 2016 newsroom: www.alz.org/aaic/press.asp
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
CONTACT:
Alzheimer’s Association AAIC Press Office, 416-585-3701, [email protected]
Niles Frantz, Alzheimer’s Association, 312-335-5777, [email protected]
