A new study reveals significant regional disparities in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis rates across the United States, potentially impacting millions of Americans. Researchers from the University of Michigan and Dartmouth College found that the likelihood of receiving a formal Alzheimer’s diagnosis varies dramatically depending on where a person lives, with factors beyond individual health risks playing a crucial role.
The study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, analyzed Medicare data to create maps showing actual diagnosis rates in different hospital referral regions compared to expected rates based on health risk factors and race. The results showed striking differences, with some areas in the Great Plains and Southwest diagnosing fewer cases than expected.
Lead author Julie Bynum, a geriatrician at the University of Michigan Medical School, noted that a person in Wichita Falls, Texas, may be twice as likely to receive a diagnosis as someone in Minot, North Dakota. The study suggests that factors such as stigma, access to primary care, and availability of behavioral neurological specialists may contribute to these disparities.
While the study did not specifically focus on racial or ethnic differences, it highlighted the importance of considering how geographic location affects health care access and outcomes. Erin Abner, an epidemiologist at the University of Kentucky, emphasized that where people live significantly influences their brain health and access to specialized care.
The findings underscore the need for improved public health education and health care system interventions to address these regional disparities in Alzheimer’s diagnosis. As formal diagnosis is crucial for accessing treatments, clinical trials, and insurance coverage, addressing these gaps could have significant implications for the estimated 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
See “A new Alzheimer’s study suggests where you live can affect the odds of a diagnosis” (August 19, 2024)
