Association between Internet Use for Health Information and Self-reported Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis among Older Adults in the United States: Racial and Gender Disparities.

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minority populations, reflecting broader inequities in access to diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care. As digital health technologies become increasingly widespread, understanding whether internet use for health information is associated with Alzheimer's disease diagnosis may inform strategies to address disparities in aging populations.

AIM: This study examined the association between internet use for health or medical information and AD diagnosis among older adults in the United States and assessed whether this association varied by race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status.

SUBJECT AND

METHODS

Data were drawn from Round 13 (2024) of the National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative survey of adults aged 65 years and older. Internet use for health information was assessed via self-report, binary and multivariable logistic regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios for AD diagnosis, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Internet use for health information was significantly associated with Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. Stratified analyses by race/ethnicity and gender showed consistent patterns, although no statistically significant interaction effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that digital health engagement is associated with Alzheimer's disease diagnosis among older adults and underscore the importance of equitable and culturally responsive access to digital health resources to address persistent disparities in cognitive aging.