2nd Edition of Public Health World Conference (PHWC) 2026

Abstract

Background:
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minority populations, who experience higher prevalence, mortality, and reduced access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care. These disparities are driven by intersecting social determinants of health, including socioeconomic disadvantage, structural racism, chronic stress, and limited access to culturally competent care. As digital health technologies expand globally, understanding whether internet use for health information is associated with cognitive health outcomes is increasingly important for addressing inequities in aging populations.

Objective:
To examine the association between internet use for health or medical information and Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis among older adults in the United States, and to assess whether this relationship varies by race/ethnicity, gender, and diabetes status.

Methods:
Data were obtained from Round 13 (2024) of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a nationally representative survey of adults aged ≥c5 years. Internet use for health information was measured using self-reported engagement with online health resources. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for AD diagnosis, controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, household income, and diabetes status.

Results:
Internet use for health information was significantly associated with Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. The association was stronger among individuals without diabetes and remained significant among those with diabetes, suggesting potential cognitive and behavioral mechanisms. For individuals managing chronic conditions, digital health engagement may support disease awareness, adherence to care, and preventive health behaviors.

Conclusion:
Digital health engagement is associated with Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis among older adults, with meaningful differences across sociodemographic and health subgroups. These findings highlight both the promise of digital health tools and the urgent need for equitable access and culturally responsive digital health strategies to reduce Alzheimer’s disease disparities globally.