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

INTRODUCTIONIndividuals 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. METHODSAn 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. RESULTSA range of individual, interpersonal, and community factors were identified, including strengths of rural residents in facilitating healthy aging lifestyle interventions. DISCUSSIONA location dynamics model and ADRD-focused future directions are offered for guiding rural practitioners, researchers, and policymakers in mitigating rural disparities. HIGHLIGHTSRural 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.

Automated summary

Individuals living in rural communities are at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), and it is essential to identify the specific risk factors in rural areas in order to understand the complex interplay of barriers and facilitators. An interdisciplinary, international group of ADRD researchers explored the influences of biology, behavior, sociocultural factors, and environment on ADRD disparities in rural settings. The findings identified various individual, interpersonal, and community factors, as well as the strengths of rural residents in promoting healthy aging.