Meeting the Need: Alzheimer’s Disease in Rural America-View Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar, led by Dr. Elvis Giant and moderated by Dr. Joshi, focused on disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) care in rural communities. Panelists Dr. Elizabeth Santos and Dr. Tempe highlighted key challenges such as limited access to specialized geriatric psychiatry, stigma, social isolation, and inadequate infrastructure like telemedicine connectivity. Rural populations face greater barriers including fewer healthcare providers, hospital closures, and socioeconomic factors like food insecurity, which impact both prevention and treatment of ADRD.<br /><br />The discussion emphasized the role of social determinants of health and caregiver burnout, noting that most care is provided by unpaid family members who often lack support. Rural diagnosis is delayed partly due to ageism and limited primary care capacity, resulting in late intervention when symptoms worsen. Reimbursement models favor treatment of advanced illness over prevention and comprehensive care coordination, limiting effectiveness.<br /><br />Innovations like CMS’s GUIDE Model and telepsychiatry programs offer promise but face systemic hurdles. Advocates urged more systemic policy changes, expanded training for primary and family caregivers, and addressing misinformation through trusted sources. Panelists called for a holistic, inclusive societal approach, integrating community resources, education, and support to reduce barriers and improve outcomes for rural ADRD patients and caregivers. Prevention was underscored as crucial, beginning early in life and continuing throughout aging, to enhance quality of life and reduce healthcare burdens.

Keywords

Alzheimer's disease

rural healthcare disparities

geriatric psychiatry access

social determinants of health

caregiver burnout

telemedicine connectivity

ADRD prevention and treatment

CMS GUIDE Model

telepsychiatry programs