Advance Care Planning in Dementia vs Normal Cognition
Author Information
Author(s): Rahemi Zahra, Bacsu Juanita, Adams Swann
Primary Institution: Clemson University
Hypothesis
This study aimed to explore patterns of advance care planning among older adults in the U.S., focusing on various demographic and psychosocial factors and cognition levels.
Conclusion
The study found that disparities exist in advance care planning among older adults, particularly affecting Black and Hispanic individuals and those with lower educational attainment.
Supporting Evidence
- 71.6% of respondents exhibited normal cognition, while 28.4% had been diagnosed with dementia or impaired cognition.
- Black and Hispanic participants were less likely to have established a living will.
- Younger individuals with lower educational attainment were also less likely to have a DPOAH.
Takeaway
Older people with dementia or cognitive issues often don't have important legal documents like living wills, especially if they are from minority groups or have less education.
Methodology
Data from the 2018 Health and Retirement Study was used to investigate the association between demographic and psychosocial factors and advance care planning.
Participant Demographics
The study included older adults from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, with a focus on Black and Hispanic participants.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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