Public Health Policies and Programs for Alzheimer’s and Dementia: A Data-Driven Evaluation of Effectiveness and Areas for Improvement in the United States

Abstract

This study critically evaluates the effectiveness of public health policies and programs targeting Alzheimer's and dementia care in the United States, with a specific emphasis on early detection, disparities in access to care, and variations in service quality between urban and rural healthcare facilities. The research utilizes a representative sample sourced from national databases, including the World Bank’s Quality of Government (QoG) dataset, CDC’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Data Portal, and the Alzheimer's Association. Logistic regression models were employed to assess the influence of early detection programs on patient outcomes, while disparities in access to care were analyzed through regression models that incorporated demographic and geographic data from the National Institute on Aging and the CDC. The study also conducted extensive surveys targeting patients and healthcare providers across various settings to evaluate service quality. The findings reveal that while early detection programs are indispensable, their mere availability does not guarantee improved patient outcomes unless accompanied by high-quality implementation strategies. Significant disparities in access to care were identified, particularly along the lines of age and race, with minority groups and younger populations experiencing more significant barriers. Additionally, the study revealed pronounced differences in service quality between urban and rural areas, with rural healthcare facilities lagging in patient satisfaction, staff qualifications, and facility resources. The study recommends several targeted interventions: enhancing the quality and implementation of early detection programs, particularly in underserved areas; addressing disparities in care access by expanding Medicaid coverage and increasing funding for community health initiatives; and investing in rural healthcare infrastructure to bridge the gap in service quality and improve the overall care and support for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, particularly in marginalized communities.