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

摘要

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, and, while it currendy represents less than 2% of the US population, by year 2050 it will exceed 4%. 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.