OPINION — About 90 miles north of Phoenix, the town of Yarnell nestles atop a winding mountain road. Phoenix, a sprawling city of more than 1.6 million people, has one physician for every 2,407 people. But in Yarnell and other rural areas in Arizona, the ratio is one for every 3,896.
Like many rural residents across the U.S., people in this small town faces major barriers to care — especially those with cognitive issues.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the American population aged 65 and older will increase by 17 million from 2026 to 2050. The aging populace has already led to an unprecedented rise in the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. More than 7 million Americans currently live with dementia. Research shows that by 2060, this number could increase to over 13 million.
