Associations between health burden and social determinants of health with hospital utilization among American Indian and Alaska Native and non‐Hispanic White adults with dementia

Abstract Introduction Limited information exists on relationships between health and social determinants with hospitalization among adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). This is particularly true among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults with ADRD. Methods We analyzed 2019 Medicare data for all AI/AN and a 5% random sample of non‐Hispanic White (White) adults aged 65+ years with ADRD to examine associations between health and social determinants with hospital utilization. Results The study population included 16,188 AI/AN, and 133,841 White adults. AI/AN adults had higher hospital use (45.5% vs. 40.8%) and 27.7% higher hospital days. Hospital utilization increased with health burden in both populations. Living in more disadvantaged neighborhoods (ME = 0.20, p < 0.001) was associated with more hospital days only among AI/AN adults; Medicaid was associated with fewer hospital days (ME = −0.18, p > 0.001) only among White adults. Discussion Research on hospitalization among AI/AN adults with ADRD may inform health planning and efficient resource use.