Alzheimers Dement. 2026 Aug;22(8):e71753. doi: 10.1002/alz.71753.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Dementia is a major public health concern, and cognitive screening may improve dementia management. We examined the impact of the 2007 introduction of a national cognitive screening program in South Korea on subsequent dementia care and hospitalization.
METHODS: A nationwide cohort of 76,640 dementia-free, policy-eligible adults aged 66 who underwent screening between 2004 and 2009 was used. Dementia care was defined as ≥1 dementia-related outpatient visit or anti-dementia medication within 2 years of screening and dementia-related hospitalization as post-screening hospitalization for dementia. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used.
RESULTS: Overall, 1.4% received dementia care within 2 years, and 3.0% were hospitalized for dementia within 10 years. Cognitive screening was associated with a 37% higher likelihood of subsequent dementia care and a 12% lower risk of dementia-related hospitalization than those without screening.
DISCUSSION: Cognitive screening may facilitate earlier dementia care and reduce the risk of dementia-related hospitalization.
PMID:42625505 | DOI:10.1002/alz.71753
