Growth in dementia-associated hospitalizations among the oldest old in the United States: implications for ethical health services planning

Marya D. Zilberberg, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Jennifer Tjia, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Abstract

As the world population ages, an epidemic of neurologic diseases, such as Alzheimer-type dementia and Parkinson disease, is predicted. The most rapid population growth has been observed in the 85 years and older group ... Concurrent with this population growth, we have witnessed a vast expansion of health care utilization and expenditures, with the consequent close scrutiny and attempts to rein in this supply-driven juggernaut. ... We conducted this analysis to gain a better understanding of the current trends in dementia-associated hospitalizations among the 85 years and older population in the United States and its implications for future health care policy planning.