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05/27/26

Dementia diagnostic deserts: workforce and geographic inequities in the diagnostic pathway for cognitive impairment.

Xu, Zhijing; Xue, Ying; Zheng, Yaguang; Wu, Bei. Health Affairs Scholar

Collection Topics
Culture, Work System, and Implementation Equity, Access, and Timeliness
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Summary

Timely and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can be limited by rural location, clinician shortages, and socioeconomic disadvantages. This commentary conceptualizes these regions as “dementia diagnostic deserts,” where barriers can lead to delayed recognition of true cognitive decline or over testing of those without impairment. The authors propose policy solutions that address workforce, financial, and healthcare system challenges together to improve equitable access to diagnosis and follow-up care.

Read the paper
Xu Z, Xue Y, Zheng Y, Wu B. Dementia diagnostic deserts: workforce and geographic inequities in the diagnostic pathway for cognitive impairment. Health Aff Sch. 2026;4(5):qxag109.