Hospitalizations and Mortality ​with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Diagnosis in Georgia, 2020

More than 6 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with an Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia diagnosis (ADRD) in 2022. Data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System report that in Georgia, 1 in 9 people aged 45 and older experienced confusion or memory problems that have been getting worse over the past year. Georgia Department of Public Health Injury Prevention Program creates a healthy Georgia through conversations and collaborations for change using data driven program building. The programs utilize Georgia’s established infrastructure, clear priorities, and the dynamic network of partnerships guided by a robust network of data sources. Using the network of data sources, the program analyzes hospitalizations among those with a dementia diagnosis to guide program and education implementation. In 2020, among admissions of people aged ≥55 years, cases with an ADRD diagnosis accounted for 13.1% of all hospitalizations, 4.3% of all ER visits, and 11.3% of all deaths. Hypertension and diabetes are the most common comorbidities among those admitted with ADRD as the underlying cause. The analysis documented high prevalence of ADRD in admissions and mortality among ≥55 years old in hospital and ER admissions with ADRD diagnosis in 2020. Management of comorbidities remain a priority for older population, particularly for those living ADRD. Strategies to improve public health response to ADRD include increasing impact in prevention by targeting high-risk areas, identifying comorbidities, and avoidable hospitalizations. The activities engage long-term plans for increasing dementia risk reduction, early diagnosis, prevention and management of comorbidities and avoidable hospitalizations. The plan reflects commitment to people living with dementia and their care partners along with improved messaging to high-risk populations