Time from Dementia Diagnosis to Nursing Home Admission – Results from a Population Registry: digiDEM Bavaria

Background: Dementia is considered one of the main causes of the need for long-term care in older adults. Of the 1.8 million people currently living with dementia in Germany, approximately 70% are cared for by family members and relatives in their home environment. Due to the progressive nature of the disease and an increase in the burden of care, the phase of home care is often followed by a move to a nursing home for people with dementia. In previous studies, the median time from diagnosis to admission to a nursing home ranged from 2.3 to 3.9 years.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the reasons for and the time from diagnosis to discharge home of people with dementia.

MethodThe data basis is the multicenter, prospective registry study „Digital Dementia Register Bavaria – digiDEM Bavaria.“ Diagnosis was made by medical personnel. Sociodemographic data and information on the death of participants were recorded based on validated questionnaires. Cognitive status was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The statistical basis of the study was descriptive analyses (mean, median).

Outlook: Most people in Germany wish to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help maintain health for as long as possible. Support services and case management can also help relieve the burden on caregivers and family members, and ensure continuity of care throughout the course of the illness, in order to delay the transition to institutional care.

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Lecture presented at the 24th German Congress on Health Services Research on 09/23/2025

Nikolas Dietzel