A Program to Improve Detection of Undiagnosed Dementia in Primary Care and Its Association with Healthcare Utilization

A novel program using EMR data to assist in the detection of newly diagnosed dementia in a clinical setting was found to be useful in identifying older veterans with multiple comorbid medical conditions and increased utilization of hospital and clinic services. Results suggest undetected cognitive impairment and dementia may significantly contribute to healthcare utilization and costs of care in older veterans.