Work

Adequacy, Availability, and Awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease Resources Among Extension Professionals in Texas: Is There an Urban-Rural Divide?

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease presents a public health challenge, with disparities in dementia literacy and resource access, particularly in rural communities. This study examines Extension professionals’ perceptions of the adequacy, availability, and awareness of clinical and non-clinical dementia resources, focusing on potential urban-rural and role-based differences. Using an existing dataset ( N = 132), ordinal logistic regression assessed associations between resource ratings and county rurality as well as professional role. Results indicate professionals in rural counties reported significantly lower ratings for the adequacy (OR = 0.47, p < .05), availability (OR = 0.42, p < .05), and awareness (OR = 0.49, p < .05) of clinical dementia resources compared to urban counterparts. No significant differences emerged for non-clinical resources. Findings highlight geographic and professional disparities in clinical dementia resources.

Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology

DOI: 10.1177/07334648261435792

Authors: Andrew B. Crocker, Rachel A. Brauner, Debra Kellstedt

Institution: Texas A&M University

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: U.S. Department of State, Alzheimer's Association, Texas Department of State Health Services