Rural barriers, lack of specialists keep Alzheimer’s patients from treatments, Pat Summitt Foundation says

What This Story Is About The Pat Summitt Foundation says rural living and a lack of specialists are keeping some East Tennessee residents with Alzheimer’s disease from getting treatment without a long drive. Why It Matters About 120,000 people in Tennessee have Alzheimer’s disease, and foundation director Morgan Vance said many communities are too far from care to make drives of two, three or four hours. What Happens Next Pat Summitt Foundation’s executive director, Morgan Vance said a five-year plan will target the gaps in care.

For Context More than 7 million Americans 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s, and a new report says many cannot get the new treatments. Pat Summitt Foundation director says a five-year plan will target gaps in access to specialists KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - About 120,000 people in Tennessee have Alzheimer’s disease, and in some counties, treatment is not available without a long drive.

More than 7 million Americans 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s. According to a new report, many cannot get the new treatments. The Pat Summitt Foundation says rural living and a lack of specialists are the barriers.

Summary of the outlet's own feed. From WVLT (Knoxville), November 6, 2026.