The digital divide in dementia research recruitment: A scoping review of internet-based strategies targeting rural-dwelling older adults with cognitive concerns
Abstract
Internet-based recruitment holds promise for Alzheimer's disease (AD) research, but its effectiveness for engaging rural older adults with cognitive concerns remains unclear. This review synthesized existing literature on internet-based recruitment for AD research targeting rural-dwelling older adults. After searching PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science, 670 non-duplicate records were screened, and only one eligible study was identified. The top two reasons for exclusion were internet-based recruitment was not used or rural recruitment outcomes were not measured. Despite the expansion of digital recruitment in AD research, rural populations remain overlooked, a critical gap given their disproportionate barriers to research participation.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
Ethics in Clinical Research
Technology Use by Older Adults
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Alzheimer s Disease
- Volume
- 110
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 1623–1628
- Publication date
- 13 March 2026
- Language
- EN