The VA’s efforts to reduce use of risky antipsychotic medications in its nursing homes succeeded – but use of other medications with less evidence behind them rose.
People whose Alzheimer’s disease gets diagnosed as part of a health crisis have much higher costs than those in whom screening shows significant cognitive issues.
More awareness and more detailed health records may explain rise; end-of-life care shifting as diagnoses allow for more advance planning.
Availability of spouses and adult children who are well or living close enough to help varies greatly, and has an impact on the chance of moving to a nursing home.
Maintaining a healthy brain is another good reason people should take action on diet, blood pressure, exercise, alcohol, social interaction and more.
Despite guidelines, 14% are on three or more drugs that act on the brain and nervous system; families and providers should review prescriptions regularly.