Public Health

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Neurology

Background:

• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serve high-risk populations facing significant social determinants of health (SDOH).
• SDOH such as poverty, food insecurity, and language barriers elevate the risk of early-onset cognitive impairment.
• Limited insurance coverage restricts access to traditional cognitive screening services for 70% of patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To increase early detection and intervention of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in underserved populations.
• To implement standardized cognitive screening and referral pathways within primary care and community settings.
• To address disparities in brain health by reaching uninsured, undocumented, and non-English speaking individuals.

Main Methods:

• Implementing community outreach to safety net agencies to promote brain health awareness and establish referral resources.
• Integrating standardized Mini-Cog cognitive screening into primary care visits for patients aged 50 and older.
• Conducting screenings through clinical visits and community outreach events targeting high-risk demographics.

Main Results:

• Aiming to screen over 85% of the patient population aged 50 and above.
• Focusing efforts on reaching vulnerable groups, including uninsured and non-English speaking individuals.
• Leveraging FQHC billing structures to ensure comprehensive screening services irrespective of insurance status for program sustainability.

Conclusions:

• The fellowship program enhances early detection (age 50+) and intervention for cognitive decline in vulnerable populations.
• FQHCs are uniquely positioned as safety-net providers to implement early screening in at-risk demographics.
• A dual approach of clinical integration and community outreach ensures broad program reach and long-term sustainability.