A new report shows the diagnosis rate for early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in Louisiana between 2013 and 2017 is one of the highest in the nation. The findings come from a new report released by Blue Cross Blue Shield, ranking Louisiana 42nd in the nation. Blue Cross Blue Shield Spokesperson Robin Mayhall says early on-set rates increased not only in the Bayou State but across the nation.
“It’s a pretty large amount when you look at a broader population and I think also the increase, the nationwide increase, between Americans age 30 to 64 by 200 percent over those four years is very concerning,” said Mayhall.
Mayhall says they have seen a trend of early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease rates increasing in the last four years, especially in the south.
“Louisiana’s rate is about 10.1 diagnoses out of every 10,000 people. Whereas the national rate is about 8.7,” said Mayhall.
As for why there’s been an increase in the number of early-onset cases, Mayhall believes heightened awareness of the disease and better diagnostic tools amongst providers, but as for causes…
“Claims data does not really pick up causes as much as it looks at patterns, so right now we don’t have that information. But right we’re trying to shine a light on it so hopefully more studies will be done,” said Mayhall.
The average age for a person living with either form of dementia is 49.
