A new study has revealed where Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that causes memory loss and cognitive decline, is most common in the United States.
The findings show that the East and Southeast regions of the country have the highest rates of Alzheimer’s.
Researchers believe this is partly because these areas have larger populations of older adults as well as Black and Hispanic communities, who face a higher risk of developing the disease.
The research examined data from all 3,142 counties in the U.S. Using information from the Chicago Health and Aging Project and population estimates from the U.S. government, the study provided a detailed map of Alzheimer’s prevalence across the country.
According to Kumar Rajan, a professor at Rush Medical College in Chicago, these findings offer a clearer understanding of where Alzheimer’s is most common. This insight can help public health programs allocate resources, staff, and funding to areas with the greatest need.
Alzheimer’s Hotspots
Several counties emerged as having the highest percentages of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Topping the list were:
- Miami-Dade County, Florida (16.6%)
- Baltimore City, Maryland (16.6%)
- Bronx County, New York (16.6%)
Other counties with high rates included:
- Prince George’s County, Maryland (16.1%)
- Hinds County, Mississippi (15.5%)
- Orleans Parish, Louisiana (15.4%)
- Dougherty County, Georgia (15.3%)
- Orangeburg County, California (15.2%)
- Imperial County, California, and El Paso County, Texas (both 15%)
These areas reflect regions with higher concentrations of older adults and diverse populations, aligning with known risk factors for Alzheimer’s.
Age is a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s, and the disease becomes more common as people grow older.
However, race and ethnicity also play a role. Older Black Americans are about twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia compared to older white Americans. Older Hispanic adults are about 1.5 times as likely as white adults to be affected.
According to the researchers, Alzheimer’s is a complex disease influenced by many factors. Genetics, lifestyle, and social determinants all interact with personal characteristics like age and race to influence an individual’s risk.
Currently, around 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Between 2020 and 2025, the West and Southwest regions of the U.S. are expected to see the largest increase in cases. As the number of people with Alzheimer’s grows, so does the strain on healthcare systems and caregivers.
Matthew Baumgart, vice president of health policy for the Alzheimer’s Association, emphasized the importance of understanding where Alzheimer’s is most common. This information helps health officials plan for increased demand for culturally sensitive care, caregiver support, and specialized training for healthcare workers.
As the burden of Alzheimer’s continues to rise, the need for a well-trained workforce capable of diagnosing, treating, and supporting patients will become increasingly critical.
The researchers shared their findings at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Amsterdam and published their study in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia. This work highlights the importance of tailoring public health efforts to address the specific needs of communities most affected by this devastating disease.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about vitamin D deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, and higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce dementia risk, and coconut oil could help improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
