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U of M researchers work to address Alzheimer’s and dementia in rural communities
Researchers are testing community-based programs and better data collection as rural adults face higher rates of dementia risk factors, including hypertension, obesity and diabetes.
- Three Minnesota researchers are tackling dementia risks in rural communities, where more than 7 million Americans face Alzheimer's and often lack access to traditional care resources.
- Cliff Whetung, a social worker at the University of Minnesota Medical School's Duluth campus, noted up to 45% of dementia cases are preventable; social isolation and chronic health conditions leave rural and Indigenous communities at increased risk.
- Joseph Gaugler has visited 47 of Minnesota's 87 counties to identify dementia-friendly initiatives, finding that many rural communities independently organize local businesses and organizations to provide essential resources for patients.
- Dereck Salisbury led the Ride pilot study providing rural residents with exercise bikes; participants maintained an 85% attendance rate while significantly reducing anxiety and depression symptoms and improving physical quality of life.
- Addressing these challenges requires tailored solutions, as "rural places are not monolithic," said Carrie Henning-Smith, co-director of the University of Minnesota's Rural Health Research Center, noting diverse experiences vary by region.
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16 Articles
Duluth News Tribune+15 Reposted by 15 other sources
U of M researchers work to address Alzheimer’s and dementia in rural communities
Aging with Alzheimer’s and dementia in rural communities can be especially hard.
·Cherokee County, United States
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Total News Sources16
Leaning Left0Leaning Right6Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
C 57%
R 43%
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