Abstract
Background: This study explores COVID-19 emergency admission and length of hospital stay hospitalization
outcomes for Long-Term Care Facility (LTCF) residents with dementia. Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional
case control design, we employed logistic regression to analyze Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File (PUDF)
for 1,413 dementia patients and 1,674 non-dementia patients (>60 years) to predict emergency admission and
length of hospital stay with mediation by pre-existing conditions. Results: LTCF residents with dementia have
a higher likelihood of COVID-19 emergency admission and shorter hospital stays. Adjusting for confounders of
demographics, health insurance, and lifestyle, dementia diagnosis remained significantly associated with emergency
admission and shorter hospital stays with preexisting conditions. Conclusion: Findings underscore the heightened
risk for adverse COVID-19 hospitalization care disparities with dementia. Targeted health support programs for
LTCF residents with dementia should aim to improve their COVID19 hospitalization outcomes, treating preexisting
health conditions and reducing their risk for excess mortality.