Mapping disparities in access to lecanemab in Georgia

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Health Equity

Background:

• Lecanemab offers disease-modifying Alzheimer's treatment.
• Geographical access to infusion and PET scan sites is a potential barrier.
• Disparities in access within Georgia were examined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess geographical access to lecanemab infusion and amyloid PET scan facilities in Georgia.
• To identify disparities in access based on county type (rural vs. non-rural).

Main Methods:

• Utilized facility location maps to analyze lecanemab access.
• Employed drive time analysis to map counties by travel time to nearest facility.

Main Results:

• No rural county had an amyloid PET scan center; only one had a lecanemab infusion center.
• Rural residents face average drive times exceeding 1 hour to reach facilities.
• Drive times are statistically significantly longer for rural compared to non-rural counties.

Conclusions:

• Lack of access and long drive times create health equity issues for rural populations.
• Rural counties often have higher percentages of older residents and AD risk factors.
• Policy interventions are needed to address these identified health disparities.