According to new research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Amsterdam, seniors living in the eastern and southeastern parts of the United States have the highest rates of Alzheimer’s disease. This study analyzed data from all 3,142 U.S. counties to provide the first-ever county-level estimate of the prevalence of dementia among older Americans. In addition to the conference presentation, the findings were published in the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Dr. Percy Griffin, the director of scientific engagement for the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago, emphasized the importance of understanding where Alzheimer’s prevalences are highest in order to allocate resources and provide educational opportunities for affected individuals. The highest rates of Alzheimer’s were found in counties with a minimum population of 10,000 people aged 65 or older. Some of these counties included Miami-Dade County, Florida; Baltimore City, Maryland; Bronx County, New York; and Prince George’s County, Maryland.
These higher prevalences can be attributed to a larger population of Black and Hispanic residents in these areas, as well as an older average age. For example, Bronx County in New York has a significantly higher percentage of African Americans and Hispanic Americans compared to the national average. Older Black Americans are twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s as older Whites, while older Hispanics have a 1.5 times greater risk.
Dr. Kumar B. Rajan from Rush Medical College in Chicago analyzed data from the Chicago Health and Aging Project and the National Center for Health Statistics to determine the prevalence of Alzheimer’s in each U.S. county. This information will help healthcare professionals and policymakers allocate resources and develop targeted support services for high-risk areas. As the prevalence of Alzheimer’s continues to increase, there is a growing need for a well-trained healthcare workforce to diagnose, treat, and care for those with the disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association hopes to raise awareness of the urgency of the Alzheimer’s crisis in specific communities and advocate for public policies that support individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. It is estimated that approximately 6.7 million Americans currently have Alzheimer’s disease, with the expectation of significant increases in the west and southwest regions of the country between 2020 and 2025.
In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the geographic distribution of Alzheimer’s disease in the United States, helping researchers and policymakers better understand and address the needs of affected individuals and their communities.
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