Global rural health disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: State of the science

Lisa Ann Kirk Wiese, Allison Gibson, Marc Aaron Guest, Amy R. Nelson, Raven Weaver, Aditi Gupta, Owen Carmichael, Jordan P. Lewis, Allison Lindauer, Samantha Loi, Rachel Peterson, Kylie Radford, Elizabeth K. Rhodus, Christina G. Wong, Megan Zuelsdorff, Ladan Ghazi Saidi, Esmeralda Valdivieso-Mora, Sanne Franzen, Caitlin N. Pope, Timothy S. KillianHom L. Shrestha, Patricia C. Heyn, Ted Kheng Siang Ng, Beth Prusaczyk, Samantha John, Ambar Kulshreshtha, Julia L. Sheffler, Lilah Besser, Valerie Daniel, Magdalena I. Tolea, Justin Miller, Christine Musyimi, Jon Corkey, Veronica Yank, Christine L. Williams, Zahra Rahemi, Ju Young Park, Sheryl Magzamen, Robert L. Newton, Candace Harrington, Jason D. Flatt, Sonakshi Arora, Sarah Walter, Percy Griffin, Ganesh M. Babulal

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Individuals living in rural communities are at heightened risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), which parallels other persistent place-based health disparities. Identifying multiple potentially modifiable risk factors specific to rural areas that contribute to ADRD is an essential first step in understanding the complex interplay between various barriers and facilitators. METHODS: An interdisciplinary, international group of ADRD researchers convened to address the overarching question of: “What can be done to begin minimizing the rural health disparities that contribute uniquely to ADRD?” In this state of the science appraisal, we explore what is known about the biological, behavioral, sociocultural, and environmental influences on ADRD disparities in rural settings. RESULTS: A range of individual, interpersonal, and community factors were identified, including strengths of rural residents in facilitating healthy aging lifestyle interventions. DISCUSSION: A location dynamics model and ADRD-focused future directions are offered for guiding rural practitioners, researchers, and policymakers in mitigating rural disparities. HIGHLIGHTS: Rural residents face heightened Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) risks and burdens due to health disparities. Defining the unique rural barriers and facilitators to cognitive health yields insight. The strengths and resilience of rural residents can mitigate ADRD-related challenges. A novel “location dynamics” model guides assessment of rural-specific ADRD issues.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4204-4225
Number of pages22
JournalAlzheimer's and Dementia
Volume19
Issue number9
Early online dateMay 23 2023
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2023

Keywords

  • community engagement
  • community-based action
  • facilitators and barriers to ADRD diagnosis and treatment
  • global disparities
  • health disparities
  • location dynamics
  • modifiable ADRD risk factors
  • rural
  • rural culture
  • under-represented
  • underserved
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Alzheimer Disease/epidemiology
  • Rural Health
  • Rural Population

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