Determining the Impact of Diabetes on Health and Independence of Individuals with Dementia

Dr Jeffrey N Keller (PI) Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Dr Gang Hu (co-PI)Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Dr Ronald Horswell (Co-PI)Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Brief Summary & Background of Project

Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, and is a primary reason for loss of independence and institutionalization in the elderly.

In Louisiana it is unclear:1. how many people have an age-related dementia (multiple codes,

under diagnosis, inconsistent reporting, etc). 2. who diagnosis age-related dementia, what codes are used most

often, and what medications/management strategy are utilized. 3. how many people with dementia have other chronic diseases

(diabetes, hypertension, etc).4. how presence of dementia affects healthcare needs and

healthcare expense in elderly.5. how presence of chronic disease affects healthcare needs and

healthcare expense in individuals with dementia.

This project will do analysis of medical records for the last 5 years to answer each of these questions.

Each of these data will be used for the genesis of projects Aimed at developing best practices for the diagnosis and management of age-related dementias in Louisiana.

Projects will then specialize on the management of healthcare for patients with concomitant dementia and chronic diseases such as diabetes.

LSU ICON Core Services Utilized for Project

Medical Informatics Core Ron Horswell, PhD Clinical & administrative database extraction

Design & Analysis Core Gang Hu/William Johnson Statistical support

Medical Consultants Core William Cefalu, MD Project mentoring

Community Outreach (Administrative Core)

Betty Kennedy, PhD Community engagement expertise

Timeline for completion

IRB approval secured May 2012

Project initiated May-June 2012

Data collection ends September 2012

Initial data analysis to conclude November 2012

Prior to Jan 31, 2013 first manuscripts submitted

The next LICON application (based on findings from current study) will be submitted. It will focus on screening for dementia in clinics, and screening for diabetes in dementia patients.