Developing evidence-based health policy for dementia care

Developing evidence-based health policy for dementia care
JAMA Health Forum; Katherine Baicker, PhD; Kosali Simon, PhD; 12/24
The rising prevalence of Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) represents a profound challenge to health care and long-term care systems. Promising diagnostic tools, medicines, and interventions for ADRD are on the horizon, but these medical advances will come with substantial costs. By 2050, the annual cost of care for patients with ADRD is projected to reach $1.5 trillion in the US, with 75% covered by Medicaid and Medicare. In addition to payment policy, the decision-making environment (what, when, and how information is presented and the way that different choices are framed) for both patients and clinicians will determine the quality and value of care delivered and how that varies across patient populations. With a rapidly aging population and rising prevalence of ADRD, the need for these efforts is urgent.