A recent nationwide study has found that Alzheimer’s disease is more common in certain parts of the United States, especially in the East and Southeast regions. These areas are seeing the highest rates of this memory loss condition, which mainly affects older adults.
Researchers say this is partly because these regions have more people over age 65, as well as larger Black and Hispanic populations — two groups at higher risk for Alzheimer’s.
The study looked at all 3,142 counties in the country to figure out where Alzheimer’s is most often diagnosed. The results offer a clearer picture of which communities are most affected, which can help public health officials provide better care and support services.
Dr. Kumar Rajan, a professor at Rush Medical College in Chicago and one of the study’s authors, explained that knowing where the disease is most common can help raise awareness and guide how we prepare healthcare systems. If doctors, caregivers, and support services are concentrated where they’re most needed, more people can get the help they deserve.
The researchers used data from the Chicago Health and Aging Project and population estimates from the U.S. government.
They found that the top three places with the highest rates of Alzheimer’s among older adults are Miami-Dade County in Florida, Baltimore City in Maryland, and Bronx County in New York. In each of these areas, about 16.6% of seniors are living with Alzheimer’s.
One key point in the study is how Alzheimer’s affects people of different races and ethnic groups. Older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to older white Americans.
Older Hispanic adults are 1.5 times more likely to be affected. Scientists believe that many factors may play a role in this, including genetics, lifestyle, environment, and access to healthcare.
Right now, about 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. But this number is expected to grow quickly, especially in the West and Southwest parts of the country.
Between 2020 and 2025, these regions are likely to see the biggest jumps in new cases. That means we’ll need more trained healthcare workers — including doctors, nurses, and caregivers — who understand how to diagnose, treat, and support people with Alzheimer’s.
The study also highlights the need to create culturally appropriate support programs, especially in communities where many people are affected. This includes training caregivers who understand different cultures and languages, offering memory care services in underserved areas, and making sure resources are accessible to all.
In short, this study gives us important information about where Alzheimer’s disease is most common and who is most at risk. With this knowledge, we can better prepare healthcare systems, support families, and offer the right care in the right places.
As the number of people living with Alzheimer’s continues to rise, planning ahead will be key to making sure no one is left without help.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about the protective power of dietary antioxidants against Alzheimer’s, and eating habits linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, and Vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
