"We tell anecdotes about how hard it is to get a diagnosis and maybe it is harder in some places. It's not just your imagination. It actually is different from place to place," said Julie Bynum, lead author and geriatrician at the University of Michigan Medical School. This highlights the varying experiences individuals face based on geographic location when seeking a formal diagnosis for Alzheimer's disease.
"The reasons behind the disparity aren't clear, but researchers speculate that stigma as well as access to primary care or behavioral neurological specialists may impact the odds of getting a formal diagnosis." This indicates that factors beyond medical conditions might affect diagnosis rates.
"Without that formal diagnosis, patients also would not be eligible for clinical trials or insurance coverage for certain medications. Even in cases of dementia where treatment is not an option, a diagnosis can also help in the planning for a patient's care." This underscores the critical importance of receiving a diagnosis for broader implications in patient care.
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