Institutionalization of persons with Alzheimer's disease in the Czech and Slovak Republics.

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing, and with it comes the demand for specialized services. Current information on the institutionalization of patients with AD is limited.

Objective: To determine the level of institutionalization among AD patients in the facilities of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic.

Methods: A survey of the rate of institutionalization in facilities in the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic. The survey collects data on the institutionalization of patients suffering from AD in relation to the capacity of the facilities and the prevalence of the disease. Data were collected by representative quantitative survey, during years 2019-2021.

Results: Patients with AD occupy approximately 25% of the total capacities of institutions in the Czech and Slovak Republics. The rate of institutionalization of patients with AD is estimated at 20.5% in the Czech Republic and 24% in the Slovak Republic. This is more than the estimated worldwide rate of institutionalization of people with AD (16%) but less than the estimated rate of institutionalization of these patients in high-income countries (31%).

Conclusions: As the prevalence of AD increases, so do the demands for care. If there is no increase in institutional capacity, this growth will put more pressure on home care. In order to provide specialized care to as many patients as possible, emphasis must be placed on increasing the capacity of institutions.