A recent study led by researchers at Emory University School of Medicine and Indiana University has uncovered significant rates of undiagnosed cognitive impairments among older adults in underserved communities. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that 75% of participants had unrecognized cognitive issues, with 62% experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 12.3% diagnosed with dementia.
The research also revealed notable racial disparities: African American patients were more than twice as likely as white patients to have undiagnosed cognitive impairments. These findings highlight critical gaps in early detection and care within marginalized populations.
Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), which primarily serve low-income and medically underserved communities, were the focus of this study. The researchers emphasize the importance of early screening and intervention to bridge these disparities and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Addressing these disparities requires targeted efforts to enhance cognitive health services in underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to diagnosis and care for all individuals.
See “Unseen dementia: Study finds high rates of undiagnosed cognitive decline in vulnerable communities” (November 12, 2024)
