Online Program

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Thursday, January 11
Thu, Jan 11, 2:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Yellow Topaz
Using Statistics to Inform Policy and Practice for An Aging Population

A Dementia Microsimulation Policy Model to Project Policy Relevant Outcomes (303835)

Bryan Dowd, University of Minnesota 
Joseph E Gaugler, University of Minnesota 
*Eric Jutkowitz, University of Minnesota 
Robert L Kane, University of Minnesota 
Karen M Kuntz, University of Minnesota 
Richard F MacLehose, University of Minnesota 

Keywords: dementia, family caregiving, institutionalization, costs

Objective: To estimate the cost (value of informal care, out-of-pocket expenditures, Medicaid long-term care facility expenditures, and Medicare expenditures) of dementia. Methods: We developed an evidence-based mathematical model to simulate dementia progression for newly diagnosed individuals using three important clinical features - cognition, function, and behavior. Disease trajectories were derived from regression analyses of the Uniform Data Set of the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center. Clinical features affected transitions between place of residence (community or long-term care facility) and insurance status (Medicare-only or Medicare-Medicaid). Using modeling, we evaluated lifetime costs among those with dementia. Results: Discounted total lifetime cost of care for a person with dementia was $322,900 (2015 dollars). Families incurred 72% of the total cost burden ($232,940). Medicaid accounted for 12% ($37,390) and Medicare accounted for 16% ($52,540) of total cost, respectively. Conclusion: Dementia substantially increases the lifetime costs of care. Families incur the largest cost burden of dementia.