Abstract / Summary
Abstract Health services research (HSR) is critical to informing dementia care and often relies on real‐world data (RWD); however, RWD use in HSR has not been systematically mapped in the United States. Following previous researchers and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) guidelines, five databases (2020 to 2025) were searched. Studies ( N = 104) were coded for study population, data sources, research focus, and study characteristics. Study populations were primarily older adults (≥65), and dementia subtype was often unspecified. Most studies centered on diagnosis or post‐diagnosis care. Retrospective cohorts were common. Claims datasets were frequently used, while electronic health records were less common. Research focused on epidemiology and healthcare utilization, with fewer studies addressing quality of care, access, or disparities. RWD use in dementia‐focused HSR remains concentrated in limited populations, areas of the care continuum, and data sources; broader representation and stronger data linkage are needed to support equitable dementia care.