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Du C, Katz B, Shrestha P, Hori K, Dave G. Health Care Access and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Cross-Lagged Panel Longitudinal Analysis. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:1060-1068. [PMID: 38321751 DOI: 10.1177/07334648241230015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: The current longitudinal study examined how (1) cognitive measures, including episodic memory, executive function, and global cognition, predict later healthcare access and how (2) healthcare access predicts later cognition. Methods: Drawing a sample (n = 9920) from the Health and Retirement Study dataset, we created a cross-lagged panel model to examine the longitudinal association between cognitive measures and healthcare access from 2012 to 2018. Results: Results revealed that cognitive measures significantly predict later healthcare access, with effects increasing across waves. However, within sub-domains, memory was more predictive of later healthcare access over time compared to executive function. Discussions: Our study suggested an increased link between cognition and healthcare access during aging. Even outside of the context of AD, there are likely both policy-based and practical implications to ensure those experiencing cognitive decline continue to maintain access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenguang Du
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Benjamin Katz
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | - Kazuki Hori
- Benesse Educational Research and Development Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gaurav Dave
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Karmarkar AM, Roy I, Lane T, Shaibi S, Baldwin JA, Kumar A. Home health services for minorities in urban and rural areas with Alzheimer's and related dementia. Home Health Care Serv Q 2023; 42:265-281. [PMID: 37128943 DOI: 10.1080/01621424.2023.2206368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Timely access and continuum of care in older adults with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) is critical. This is a retrospective study on Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with ADRD diagnosis discharged to home with home health care following an episode of acute hospitalization. Our sample included 262,525 patients. White patients in rural areas have significantly higher odds of delay (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06). Black patients in urban areas (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.12-1.19) and Hispanic patients in urban areas also were more likely to have a delay (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.11). Black and Hispanic patients residing in urban areas had a higher likelihood of delay in home healthcare initiation following hospitalization compared to Whites residing in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol M Karmarkar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Research Department, Sheltering Arms Institute, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Indrakshi Roy
- Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Taylor Lane
- Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Stefany Shaibi
- Physical Therapy Department, Creighton University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Julie A Baldwin
- Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Amit Kumar
- Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Karmarkar AM, Roy I, Rivera-Hernandez M, Shaibi S, Baldwin JA, Lane T, Kean J, Kumar A. Examining the role of race and quality of home health agencies in delayed initiation of home health services for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:4037-4045. [PMID: 37204409 PMCID: PMC10730234 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We examined differences in the timeliness of the initiation of home health care by race and the quality of home health agencies (HHA) among patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). METHODS Medicare claims and home health assessment data were used for the study cohort: individuals aged ≥65 years with ADRD, and discharged from the hospital. Home health latency was defined as patients receiving home health care after 2 days following hospital discharge. RESULTS Of 251,887 patients with ADRD, 57% received home health within 2 days following hospital discharge. Black patients were significantly more likely to experience home health latency (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-1.19) compared to White patients. Home health latency was significantly higher for Black patients in low-rating HHA (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.22-1.37) compared to White patients in high-rating HHA. DISCUSSION Black patients are more likely to experience a delay in home health care initiation than White patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol M Karmarkar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Research Department, Sheltering Arms Institute, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Indrakshi Roy
- Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Maricruz Rivera-Hernandez
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Stefany Shaibi
- Physical Therapy Department, Creighton University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Julie A Baldwin
- Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Taylor Lane
- Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Jacob Kean
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Chodosh J, Connor K, Fowler N, Gao S, Perkins A, Grudzen C, Messina F, Mangold M, Smilowitz J, Boustani M, Borson S. Program of Intensive Support in Emergency Departments for Care Partners of Cognitively Impaired Patients: Protocol for a Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e36607. [PMID: 36264626 PMCID: PMC9634513 DOI: 10.2196/36607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults with cognitive impairment have more emergency department visits and 30-day readmissions and are more likely to die after visiting the emergency department than people without cognitive impairment. Emergency department providers frequently do not identify cognitive impairment. Use of cognitive screening tools, along with better understanding of root causes for emergency department visits, could equip health care teams with the knowledge needed to develop individually tailored care management strategies for post-emergency department care. By identifying and directly addressing patients' and informal caregivers' (or care partners') psychosocial and health care needs, such strategies could reduce the need for repeat acute care. We have used the terms "caregiver" and "care partner" interchangeably. OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe the protocol for a randomized controlled trial of a new care management intervention, the Program of Intensive Support in Emergency Departments for Care Partners of Cognitively Impaired Patients (POISED) trial, compared with usual care. We described the research design, intervention, outcome measures, data collection techniques, and analysis plans. METHODS Emergency department patients who were aged ≥75 years and screened positive for cognitive impairment via either the Mini-Cog or the proxy-reported Short Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly, with a planned discharge to home, were recruited to participate with their identified informal (family or friend) caregiver in the 2-site POISED randomized controlled trial at New York University Langone Health and Indiana University. The intervention group received 6 months of care management from the POISED Care Team of registered nurses and specialty-trained paraprofessionals, who perform root cause analyses, administer standardized assessments, provide advice, recommend appropriate referrals, and, when applicable, implement dementia-specific comorbid condition protocols. The control group received care as recommended at emergency department discharge (usual care) and were given information about resources for further cognitive assessment. The primary outcome is repeat emergency department use; secondary outcomes include caregiver activation for patient health care management, caregiver depression, anxiety, and experience of social support as important predisposing and time-varying enabling and need characteristics. Data were collected from questionnaires and patients' electronic health records. RESULTS Recruitment was conducted between March 2018 and May 2021. Study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented to peer audiences, decision makers, stakeholders, and other interested persons. CONCLUSIONS The POISED intervention is a promising approach to tailoring care management based on root causes for emergency department admission of patients with cognitive impairment with the aim of reducing readmissions. This trial will provide insights for caregivers and emergency department and primary care providers on appropriate, personalized, and proactive treatment plans for older adults with cognitive impairment. The findings will be relevant to audiences concerned with quality of life for individuals with cognitive impairment and their caregivers. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03325608; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03325608. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/36607.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Chodosh
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Karen Connor
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nicole Fowler
- Center for Aging Research Regenstrief Institute, Inc, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Sujuan Gao
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Anthony Perkins
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Corita Grudzen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Michael Mangold
- Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jessica Smilowitz
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Malaz Boustani
- Center for Aging Research Regenstrief Institute, Inc, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Soo Borson
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Chalmer R, Ayers E, Weiss EF, Malik R, Ehrlich A, Wang C, Zwerling J, Ansari A, Possin KL, Verghese J. The 5-Cog paradigm to improve detection of cognitive impairment and dementia: clinical trial protocol. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2022; 12:171-184. [PMID: 35603666 PMCID: PMC9245592 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2021-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment related to dementia is under-diagnosed in primary care despite availability of numerous cognitive assessment tools; under-diagnosis is more prevalent for members of racial and ethnic minority groups. Clinical decision-support systems may improve rates of primary care providers responding to positive cognitive assessments with appropriate follow-up. The 5-Cog study is a randomized controlled trial in 1200 predominantly Black and Hispanic older adults from an urban underserved community who are presenting to primary care with cognitive concerns. The study will validate a novel 5-minute cognitive assessment coupled with an electronic medical record-embedded decision tree to overcome the barriers of current cognitive assessment paradigms in primary care and facilitate improved dementia care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Chalmer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Montefiore Medical Center & Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Emmeline Ayers
- Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center & Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Erica F Weiss
- Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center & Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Rubina Malik
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Montefiore Medical Center & Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Amy Ehrlich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Montefiore Medical Center & Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Cuiling Wang
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Montefiore Medical Center & Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Jessica Zwerling
- Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center & Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Asif Ansari
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Montefiore Medical Center & Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Katherine L Possin
- Department of Neurology, Memory & Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Joe Verghese
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Montefiore Medical Center & Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
- Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center & Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
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Peters Settje KL, Yap TL, Chapman S, Brooks K, Sabol VK. Implementation of Nurse-Led Cognitive Screening During Medicare Annual Wellness Visits. J Nurse Pract 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Amjad H, Samus QM, Huang J, Gundavarpu S, Bynum JPW, Wolff J, Roth DL. Acute care utilization risk among older adults living undiagnosed or unaware of dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 2022; 70:470-480. [PMID: 34773706 PMCID: PMC8821204 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia is associated with increased risk of hospitalization and emergency department (ED) visits. Many persons with dementia are undiagnosed or unaware of their diagnosis, however. Our objective was to determine whether undiagnosed dementia or unawareness affects risk of hospitalization or ED visits. METHODS Retrospective longitudinal cohort study of 3537 community-living adults age ≥65 enrolled in the 2011-2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study with linked fee-for-service Medicare claims. Using self or proxy reported diagnosis, proxy dementia screening questionnaire, cognitive testing, and Medicare claims diagnosis, participants were classified as having (1) no dementia or dementia, for which they were classified as (2) undiagnosed, (3) diagnosed but unaware, or (4) diagnosed and aware. Proportional hazards models evaluated all-cause and potentially preventable hospitalization and ED visit risk by time-varying dementia status, adjusting for older adult characteristics. RESULTS Most participants (n = 2879) had no dementia at baseline. Among participants with dementia at baseline (n = 658), 187 were undiagnosed, 300 diagnosed but unaware, and 171 diagnosed and aware. In multivariable adjusted proportional hazards models, persons with undiagnosed dementia had lower risk of hospitalization and ED visits compared to persons diagnosed and aware (all-cause hospitalization aHR 0.59 [0.44, 0.79] and ED visit aHR 0.63 [0.47, 0.85]) and similar risks of these outcomes compared to persons without dementia. Individuals diagnosed but unaware had greater risk compared to those without dementia: aHR 1.37 (1.18, 1.59) for all-cause hospitalization and 1.48 (1.28, 1.71) for ED visits; they experienced risk comparable to individuals diagnosed and aware. CONCLUSION Older adults with undiagnosed dementia are not at increased risk of acute care utilization after accounting for differences in other characteristics. Individuals unaware of diagnosed dementia demonstrate risk similar to individuals aware of the diagnosis. Increasing diagnosis alone may not affect acute care utilization. The role of awareness warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halima Amjad
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Baltimore, MD,Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Quincy M. Samus
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jin Huang
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Julie PW Bynum
- University of Michigan Medical School, Division of Geriatric & Palliative Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jennifer Wolff
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Baltimore, MD
| | - David L. Roth
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Baltimore, MD,Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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Kinsky S, Liang Q, Bellon J, Helwig A, McCracken P, Minnier T, Thirumala PD, Hanmer J. Predicting Unplanned Health Care Utilization and Cost: Comparing Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System and Claims. Med Care 2021; 59:921-928. [PMID: 34183621 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is little literature describing if and how payers are utilizing patient-reported outcomes to predict future costs. This study assessed if Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) domain scores, collected in routine practice at neurology clinics, improved payer predictive models for unplanned care utilization and cost. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort analysis of private Health Plan-insured patients with visits at 18 Health Plan-affiliated neurology clinics. METHODS PROMIS domains (Anxiety v1.0, Cognitive Function Abilities v2.0, Depression v1.0, Fatigue v1.0, Pain Interference v1.0, Physical Function v2.0, Sleep Disturbance v1.0, and Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities v2.0) are collected as part of routine care. Data from patients' first PROMIS measures between June 27, 2018 and April 16, 2019 were extracted and combined with claims data. Using (1) claims data alone and (2) PROMIS and claims data, we examined the association of covariates to utilization (using a logit model) and cost (using a generalized linear model). We evaluated model fit using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (for unplanned care utilization), akaike information criterion (for unplanned care costs), and sensitivity and specificity in predicting top 15% of unplanned care costs. RESULTS Area under the receiver operating curve values were slightly higher, and akaike information criterion values were similar, for PROMIS plus claims covariates compared with claims alone. The PROMIS plus claims model had slightly higher sensitivity and equivalent specificity compared with claims-only models. CONCLUSION One-time PROMIS measure data combined with claims data slightly improved predictive model performance compared with claims alone, but likely not to an extent that indicates improved practical utility for payers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Polly McCracken
- School of General Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | | | - Janel Hanmer
- School of General Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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Wiese LK, Williams I, Williams CL, Galvin JE. Discerning rural Appalachian stakeholder attitudes toward memory screening. Aging Ment Health 2021; 25:797-806. [PMID: 32081028 PMCID: PMC8456570 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1725739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this descriptive study was to examine Appalachian stakeholder attitudes toward routine memory screening, and to compare and contrast results from a similar study conducted in an ethnically diverse rural Florida cohort. Determining perceptions about memory screening is essential prior to developing culturally relevant programs for increasing early dementia detection and management among rural underserved older adults at risk of cognitive impairment. Benefits of early detection include ruling out other causes of illness and treating accordingly, delaying onset of dementia symptoms through behavior management and medications, and improving long-term care planning (Dubois, Padovani, Scheltens, Rossi, & Dell'Agnello, 2016). These interventions can potentially help to maintain independence, decrease dementia care costs, and reduce family burdens (Frisoni, et al., 2017). METHOD Researchers applied a parallel mixed method design (Tashakkori & Newman, 2010) of semi-structured interviews, measurements of health literacy (REALM-SF) (Arozullah, et al., 2007), sociodemographics, and cognitive screening perceptions (PRISM-PC) (Boustani, et al., 2008), to examine beliefs and attitudes about memory screening among 22 FL and 21 WV rural stakeholders (residents, health providers, and administrators). RESULTS Findings included that > 90% participants across both cohorts were highly supportive of earlier dementia detection through routine screening regardless of sample characteristics. However, half of those interviewed were doubtful that provider care or assistance would be adequate for this terminal illness. Despite previous concerns of stigma associated with an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, rural providers are encouraged to educate patients and community members regarding Alzheimer's disease and offer routine cognitive screening and follow-through.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Kirk Wiese
- C. E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Ishan Williams
- Family, Community, and Mental Health Systems, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - James. E. Galvin
- Charles E Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
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Galvin JE, Tolea MI, Moore C, Chrisphonte S. The Number Symbol Coding Task: A brief measure of executive function to detect dementia and cognitive impairment. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242233. [PMID: 33253192 PMCID: PMC7703969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) affect over 5.7 million Americans and over 35 million people worldwide. Detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early ADRD is a challenge to clinicians and researchers. Brief assessment tools frequently emphasize memory impairment, however executive dysfunction may be one of the earliest signs of impairment. To address the need for a brief, easy-to-score, open-access test of executive function for use in clinical practice and research, we created the Number Symbol Coding Task (NSCT). METHODS This study analyzed 320 consecutive patient-caregiver dyads who underwent a comprehensive evaluation including the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), patient and caregiver versions of the Quick Dementia Rating System (QDRS), caregiver ratings of behavior and function, and neuropsychological testing, with a subset undergoing volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Estimates of cognitive reserve were calculated using education, combined indices of education and occupation, and verbal IQ. Psychometric properties of the NSCT including data quality, data distribution, floor and ceiling effects, construct and known-groups validity, discriminability, and clinical profiles were determined. RESULTS The patients had a mean age of 75.3±9.2 years (range 38-98y) with a mean education of 15.7±2.8 years (range 6-26y) of education. The patients had a mean CDR-SB of 4.8±4.7 (range 0-18) and a mean MoCA score of 18.6±7.1 (range 1-30). The mean NSCT score was 30.1±13.8 and followed a normal distribution. All healthy controls and MCI cases were able to complete the NSCT. The NSCT showed moderate-to-strong correlations with clinical and neuropsychological measures with the strongest association (all p's < .001) for measures with executive components (e.g., Judgement and Problem Solving box of the CDR, Decision Making and Problem Solving domain of the QDRS, Trailmaking B, and Cognigram Attention and Executive Composite Scores). Women slightly outperformed men, and individuals with lower educational attainment and lower education-occupation indices had lower NSCT scores. Decreasing NSCT scores corresponded to older age, worse cognitive scores, higher CDR sum of boxes scores, worse caregiver ratings of function and behavior, worse patient and informant QDRS ratings, and smaller hippocampal volumes and hippocampal occupancy scores. The NSCT provided excellent discrimination (AUC: .866; 95% CI: .82-.91) with a cut-off score of 36 providing the best combination of sensitivity (0.880) and specificity (0.759). Combining the NSCT with patient QDRS and caregiver QDRS ratings improved discrimination (AUC: .908; 95% CI: .87-.94). DISCUSSION The NSCT is a brief, 90-second executive task that incorporates attention, planning and set-switching that can be completed by individuals into the moderate-to-severe stages of dementia. The NSCT may be a useful tool for dementia screening, case-ascertainment in epidemiological or community-based ADRD studies, and in busy primary care settings where time is limited. Combining the NSCT with a brief structured interview tool such as the QDRS may provide excellent power to detect cognitive impairment. The NSCT performed well in comparison to standardized scales of a comprehensive cognitive neurology evaluation across a wide array of sociodemographic variables in a brief fashion that could facilitate its use in clinical care and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E. Galvin
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Magdalena I. Tolea
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Claudia Moore
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Chrisphonte
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
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Galvin JE, Tolea MI, Chrisphonte S. Using a patient-reported outcome to improve detection of cognitive impairment and dementia: The patient version of the Quick Dementia Rating System (QDRS). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240422. [PMID: 33057404 PMCID: PMC7561106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD) is a challenge. While Gold Standard assessments are commonly used in research centers, these methods are time consuming, require extensive training, and are not practical in most clinical settings or in community-based research projects. Many of these methods require an informant (e.g., spouse, adult child) to provide ratings of the patients' cognitive and functional abilities. A patient-reported outcome that captures the presence of cognitive impairment and corresponds to Gold Standard assessments could improve case ascertainment, clinical care, and recruitment into clinical research. We tested the patient version of the Quick Dementia Rating System (QDRS) as a patient-reported outcome to detect MCI and ADRD. METHODS The patient QDRS was validated in a sample of 261 consecutive patient-caregiver dyads compared with the informant version of the QDRS, the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), neuropsychological tests, and Gold Standard measures of function, behavior, and mood. Psychometric properties including item variability, floor and ceiling effects, construct, concurrent, and known-groups validity, and internal consistency were determined. RESULTS The patient QDRS strongly correlated with Gold Standard measures of cognition, function, mood, behavior, and global staging methods (p-values < .001) and had strong psychometric properties with excellent data quality and internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.923, 95%CI:0.91-0.94). The patient QDRS had excellent agreement with the informant QDRS, the CDR and its sum of boxes (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients: 9.781-0.876). Receiver operator characteristic curves showed excellent discrimination between normal controls from CDR 0.5 (AUC:0.820;95% CI: 0.74-0.90) and for normal controls from any cognitive impairment (AUC:0.885;95% CI: 0.83-0.94). DISCUSSION The patient QDRS validly and reliably differentiates individuals with and without cognitive impairment and can be completed by patients through all stages of dementia. The patient QDRS is highly correlated with Gold Standard measures of cognitive, function, behavior, and global staging. The patient QDRS provides a rapid method to screen patients for MCI and ADRD in clinical practice, determine study eligibility, improve case ascertainment in community studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E. Galvin
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Magdalena I. Tolea
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Chrisphonte
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
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Desai U, Kirson NY, Lu Y, Bruemmer V, Andrews JS. Disease severity at the time of initial cognitive assessment is related to prior health-care resource use burden. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 12:e12093. [PMID: 32793800 PMCID: PMC7418892 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research has shown increased health-care resource use (HRU) among patients with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD) well before diagnosis, but the degree to which HRU is correlated with disease severity at the time of initial assessment is not well documented. METHODS Retrospective analysis of linked medical records and claims data for three cohorts: mild ADRD (first [index] Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] ≥20), moderate/severe ADRD (index MMSE < 20), controls without cognitive impairment. HRU during the pre-index year was compared using multivariate regressions. RESULTS ADRD cohorts had significantly (P < .01) higher HRU than controls. Compared to mild ADRD patients, moderate/severe ADRD patients had higher rates of hospitalizations (relative risk [RR]: 1.57), emergency department visits (RR: 1.36), potentially avoidable hospitalizations (RR: 1.72), and accidental falls (RR: 1.58). DISCUSSION HRU before initial assessment increases with disease severity at the time of assessment, highlighting the need for timely evaluation and improved management in the earliest stages of ADRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urvi Desai
- Analysis Group, Inc.BostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Yao Lu
- Analysis Group, Inc.WashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
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Beck AP, Jacobsohn GC, Hollander M, Gilmore-Bykovskyi A, Werner N, Shah MN. Features of primary care practice influence emergency care-seeking behaviors by caregivers of persons with dementia: A multiple-perspective qualitative study. DEMENTIA 2020; 20:613-632. [PMID: 32050779 DOI: 10.1177/1471301220905233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with dementia use emergency department services at rates greater than other older adults. Despite risks associated with emergency department use, persons with dementia and their caregivers often seek emergency services to address needs and symptoms that could be managed within primary care settings. As emergency departments (EDs) are typically sub-optimal environments for addressing dementia-related health issues, facilitating effective primary care provision is critical to reduce the need for, or decision to seek, emergency services. The aim of this study is to explore how features of primary care practice influence care-seeking decisions by community-dwelling persons with dementia and familial caregivers. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 27 key dementia-care stakeholders (10 primary care/geriatrics providers, 5 caregivers, 4 emergency medicine physicians, 5 aging service providers, and 3 community paramedics) from multiple health systems. Transcripts from audio recordings were analyzed using a thematic analysis framework to iteratively code and develop emergent themes. Features of primary care were also synthesized into lists of tangible factors leading to emergency care-seeking and those that help prevent (or decrease the need for) ED use. FINDINGS Stakeholders identified eight categories of features of primary care encompassing the clinical environment and provision of care. These collapsed into four major themes: (1) clinic and organizational features-including clinic structure and care team staffing; (2) emphasizing proactive approaches to anticipate needs and avoid acute problems-including establishing goals of care, preparing for the future, developing provider-patient/provider-caregiver relationships, and providing caregiver support, education, and resources to help prevent emergencies; (3) health care provider skills and knowledge of dementia-including training and diagnostic capabilities; and (4) engaging appropriate community services/resources to address evolving needs. CONCLUSIONS Features of primary care practice influence decisions to seek emergency department care at the system, organizational/clinic, medical, and interpersonal levels, particularly regarding proactive and reactive approaches to addressing dementia-related needs. Interventions for improving primary care for persons with dementia and their caregivers should consider incorporating features that facilitate proactive family-centered dementia care across the four identified themes, and minimize those leading to caregiver decisions to utilize emergency services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew Hollander
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Nicole Werner
- College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Manish N Shah
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Medicine (Geriatrics and Gerontology), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Desai U, Kirson NY, Ye W, Mehta NR, Wen J, Andrews JS. Trends in health service use and potentially avoidable hospitalizations before Alzheimer's disease diagnosis: A matched, retrospective study of US Medicare beneficiaries. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 11:125-135. [PMID: 30788409 PMCID: PMC6369145 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadm.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study evaluates rates of all-cause emergency department visits, all-cause hospitalizations, potentially avoidable hospitalizations, and falls in 3 years preceding Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis. METHODS Patients with AD and controls with no cognitive impairment were identified from the Medicare claims data. Patients were required to be aged ≥ 65 years and have continuous Medicare enrollment for ≥4 years before the index date (AD cohort: first AD diagnosis in 2012-2014; controls: randomly selected medical claim). Outcomes for each preindex year were compared among propensity score-matched cohorts. RESULTS Each year, before index, patients with AD were more likely to have all-cause emergency department visits, all-cause hospitalizations, potentially avoidable hospitalizations, and falls (P < .05 for all comparisons) than matched controls (N = 19,679 pairs). Increasing absolute and relative risks over time were observed for all outcomes. DISCUSSION The study findings highlight the growing burden of illness before AD diagnosis and emphasize the need for timely recognition and management of patients with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wenyu Ye
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Jody Wen
- Analysis Group, Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - J. Scott Andrews
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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15
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Zhao E, Lowres N, Woolaston A, Naismith SL, Gallagher R. Prevalence and patterns of cognitive impairment in acute coronary syndrome patients: A systematic review. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2019; 27:284-293. [PMID: 31645116 DOI: 10.1177/2047487319878945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimising risk factors through secondary prevention behaviour is challenging for patients following an acute coronary syndrome. Cognitive impairment can potentially make these changes more difficult. However, cognitive impairment prevalence in acute coronary syndrome patients is poorly understood. DESIGN This study was based on a systematic review. METHODS A systematic review was conducted of PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO and Cochrane databases up to March 2019, to identify studies reporting the prevalence of cognitive impairment in acute coronary syndrome patients. Predefined inclusion criteria were specified, including use of a validated cognitive impairment screening tool. Studies were excluded if patients had diagnosed dementia or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Strengthening The Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology and Cochrane Risk of Bias tools were used to assess quality. RESULTS From 747 potential studies, nine were included. The total sample size was 6457 (range 53-2174), mean age range was 51.3-77.4 years, and range of proportions of males was 57-100%. Reported cognitive impairment prevalence rates varied substantially (9-85%) with no clear pattern over time. From the two studies which examined domains, verbal fluency, memory and language were affected the most. Meta-analysis could not be undertaken due to diverse screening tools (n = 9), cut-off scores and screening timepoints. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive impairment in acute coronary syndrome patients is currently poorly described, and likely affects a substantial number of acute coronary syndrome patients who remain undetected and have the potential to develop to dementia in the future. As domains are most affected, this could impact understanding and retention of health education. Research is needed to accurately determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment in acute coronary syndrome patients and create suitable standardised measures and thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Zhao
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Australia.,Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicole Lowres
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Australia.,Stroke Prevention, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Sharon L Naismith
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Australia.,Healthy Brain Ageing Program, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Robyn Gallagher
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Australia.,Stroke Prevention, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
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Risk classification for conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease in primary care. Psychiatry Res 2019; 278:19-26. [PMID: 31132572 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
There is a pressing need to identify individuals at high risk of conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on available repeated cognitive measures in primary care. Using data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), we applied a joint latent class mixed model (JLCM) to derive a 3-class solution: low risk (72.65%), medium risk (20.41%) and high risk (6.94%). In the low-risk group, individuals with lower daily activity and ApoEε4 carriers were at greater risk of conversion from MCI to AD. In the medium-risk group, being female, single, and an ApoEε4 carrier increased risk of conversion to AD. In the high-risk group, individuals with lower education level and single individuals were at greater risk of conversion to AD. Individual dynamic prediction for conversion from MCI to AD after 10 years was derived. Accurate identification of conversion from MCI to AD contributes to earlier close monitoring, appropriate management, and targeted interventions. Thereby, it can reduce avoidable hospitalizations for the high-risk MCI population. Moreover, it can avoid expensive follow-up tests that may provoke unnecessary anxiety for low-risk individuals and their families.
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Pelegrini LNC, Mota GMP, Ramos CF, Jesus E, Vale FAC. Diagnosing dementia and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly in primary health care: A systematic review. Dement Neuropsychol 2019; 13:144-153. [PMID: 31285788 PMCID: PMC6601305 DOI: 10.1590/1980-57642018dn13-020002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a public health issue making the screening and diagnosing of dementia and its prodromal phases in all health settings imperative. OBJECTIVE using PRISMA, this systematic review aimed to identify how low-, middle-, and high-income countries establish dementia and cognitive dysfunction diagnoses in primary health care. METHODS studies from the past five years in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were retrieved from Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Lilacs, Scielo, and Web of Science. Of 1987 articles, 33 were selected for analysis. RESULTS only three articles were from middle-income countries and there were no studies from low-income countries. The most used instrument was the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia criteria were based on experts' recommendation as well as on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), respectively. CONCLUSION differences between these criteria among high- and middle-income countries were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas N C Pelegrini
- PhD student on the Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing - Nursing School of Ribeirão Preto/ University of São Paulo (EERP/USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriela M P Mota
- Master's student on the Graduate Program in Nursing - Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Caio F Ramos
- Master's student on the Graduate Program in Nursing - Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Francisco A C Vale
- Professor on the Graduate Program in Nursing - Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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