Alzheimer’s disease

On Friday, October 13, CMS issued a National Coverage Analysis decision memo outlining Medicare’s expansion of coverage for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) beta amyloid imaging, or scans for the protein that’s believed to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. Since 2013, CMS has provided a one-time amyloid PET scan per patient; however, CMS will permit Medicare coverage determinations for this type of imaging to be made by the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs). Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a currently irreversible, fatal brain disorder that progressively degrades memory, cognitive function (thinking and reasoning), and eventually motor function...

This is the first study to forecast Alzheimer's Disease by race and ethnicity and reveals disparities along both lines. It is predicted that by 2060, the burden from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) will double. Therefore, the information from this study is critical in supporting the necessary public health planning and the development of appropriate support for the ADRD population and caregivers.