Alzheimer’s and Dementia Facts: A Stolen Post from NCQA’s Employee Newsletter
March 28, 2019 · Matt Brock
I stole this post.
I admit it. I stole it from our own folks, though, so I’m not sure if it qualifies as really stolen. But this juice is worth the squeeze, if for no other reason than it indicates the wide spread of NCQA activities across the health care spectrum. And honestly, I thought this information was “need to know” for ALL of us.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Facts and Figures
- Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.
- From 2000–2017 deaths from heart disease went down by 9% and deaths from Alzheimer’s went up–way up–by 145%.
- Every 65 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops the disease.
NCQA’s Works on These Issues, too.
Researchers recommend doctors do not use some medicines in older adults with dementia,
such as antipsychotics, which are associated with greater risk of stroke and mortality for this group.
A Senior at home with her caregiver.
People with dementia often need additional services and supports provided by caregivers and community programs. Our LTSS measures and LTSS Distinction program address their important care needs.
NCQA has cross-cutting exclusions for older adults with advanced illness (including dementia) in a number of HEDIS prevention and disease management measures. This helps focus quality efforts on services and outcomes that are relevant and important, such as good care coordination and follow-up after transition from the hospital or an ED visit.
*Source: The Alzheimer’s Association
Receiving Stolen Property
So, I stole it. The least I could do is say thanks to the Human Resources folks who pulled it together and our own people who work on these issues and suggested we share the information company-wide… now, world-wide. So, thanks Ms. Campbell and Ms. Morden, too.
The least you could do is read up on this disease. It promises to keep us busy for a very long time. So, I’m sure no one will mind if you share this post. You could even steal it.
