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Florida Public Health Review

Publication Date

3-8-2020

Abstract

Comorbidity associated with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is highly prevalent but largely understudied. In this study, we sought to determine 1) the prevalence of AD by race (White, African American, and Hispanics); 2) 20 chronic conditions’ commonly comorbid with AD and the prevalence, mortality rate, and health care expenditure of common AD and comorbid condition by race. A sample of 86,875 Florida 2010 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older with 12 months of fee-for-service (FFS) enrollment were used in this study. In the present analysis, the prevalence of AD was highest among elderly Hispanic beneficiaries. Among 20 chronic diseases, heart disease (Heart Failure, Ischemic Heart Disease, Atrial Fibrillation) were the most prevalent, most deadly, and most costly comorbidities associated with AD. Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia were highly prevalent comorbidities. Persons with AD had an increased risk of depression. Persons with AD and Chronic Kidney Disease were associated with a high likelihood of mortality and high health care costs. Hip Fracture was one of the most costly comorbid conditions, and was also associated with a high mortality rate for Whites and Hispanics. The results revealed a comprehensive picture of certain comorbid conditions associated with AD and suggested the need for further investigation in this area.

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