Background: Data on the rate of dementia is essential for planning and developing appropriate services at the national level. Objective: We report the prevalence and incidence of dementia, based on electronic health records available for the whole population. Methods: This national dementia dataset was established as a part of the National Program to Address Alzheimer’s and Other Types of Dementia. Data from medical health records for all persons aged 45+ in Israel, for 2016, were extracted from the databases of the four health maintenance organizations. Dementia cases were identified based on either recorded dementia diagnosis, through International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9 and ICD-10) or dispensation of anti-dementia drugs. The date of first diagnosis was determined by the earliest recording. Results: A total of 65,951 persons with dementia, aged 45+, were identified from electronic health data. Based on both ICD codes and anti-dementia drugs, the prevalence rates of dementia among individuals aged 45+ and 65+ in 2016 were 2.5%and 6.4%, respectively, and the incidence rates were 0.49%and 1.3%, respectively. Based on ICD codes alone, the prevalence rates of dementia among individuals aged 45+ and 65+ in 2016 were 2.1%and 5.4%respectively, and the incidence rates were 0.36%and 0.96%respectively. The rates were higher among females compared to males and paradoxically lower in lower socioeconomic status compared to higher statuses. Conclusion: This data collection reflects the present access of dementia patients to medical care resources and provides the basis for service planning and future dementia policies.

Medical events, such as stroke, limb fractures, joint replacements and spinal injuries, can lead to acute functional disability at all ages and to chronic disability, especially among the elderly. Rehabilitation is, therefore, essential for the prevention of permanent disability among older individuals. There are international practice guidelines for stroke and hip fracture management, including recommendations that rehabilitation services be an integral part of the provision of treatment in either an inpatient setting or in the community. There are no organized data on provision of rehabilitation services in Israel or on the distribution of these services throughout the country. Such information would be of great assistance in designing these services where they are needed and in making changes in the existing ones where necessary.