Reducing Potential Overuse of Dementia Drugs Could Lead to Considerable Savings
While clinical trial evidence indicates that some dementia medications may briefly address dementia symptoms like memory loss and confusion, these drugs do not affect the underlying cause of the disease or slow the rate of cognitive decline. There is also no evidence of effectiveness beyond one year of use.
Nevertheless, our study found that some adults with dementia incurred costs of nearly $20,000 by remaining on dementia medications for as long as a decade. As much as 90 percent of this spending occurred after drug treatment was no longer supported by clinical evidence.
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Long-Term Services & Supports State Scorecard
A State Scorecard on Long-Term Services and Supports for Older Adults, People with Physical Disabilities, and Family Caregivers
Aging Demographics
One in Three Americans is Now 50 or Older
By 2030, one out of every five people in the United State will be 65-plus. Will your community be ready?
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