Early-onset dementia and Alzheimer's diagnoses spike by 200%

A new analysis of claims data from Blue Cross Blue Shield finds that diagnoses for early-onset dementia and Alzheimer's disease combined have risen by 200% since 2013. Here's more: 

• The report: BCBS looked at data from insurance claims for diagnostic tests filed between 2013-2017 for those ages 30-64. 
• The signs: Although there is no definitive test for Alzheimer's, there are a few tests that could indicate disease. In the year before diagnosis, 86% underwent some kind of brain imaging, and 57% filled out a prescription for an antidepressant. 
• The diagnoses: Those ages 30-44 saw a 373% increase in disease diagnoses in 2017 compared to four years prior, and those ages 45-54 saw a 311% increase. In 2017, more than 37,000 individuals were diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.