A new study has revealed where Alzheimer’s disease is most common in the United States.
Researchers found that the highest rates of this memory-loss condition are in the East and Southeast parts of the country.
The study suggests this may be because these areas have a higher number of older adults, as well as more Black and Hispanic populations, who are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
The research looked at data from all 3,142 counties in the U.S. Kumar Rajan, a professor at Rush Medical College in Chicago, explained that these new estimates give a clearer picture of where Alzheimer’s is most common.
This information can help raise awareness and guide public health programs in deciding where to invest resources, such as funding, healthcare staff, and caregiving support.
The researchers used data from the Chicago Health and Aging Project and U.S. government population estimates to identify areas with the highest rates of Alzheimer’s.
Where is Alzheimer’s most common?
The counties with the highest percentage of seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s include:
- Miami-Dade County, Florida – 16.6%
- Baltimore City, Maryland – 16.6%
- Bronx County, New York – 16.6%
- 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 – 15.0%
- El Paso County, Texas – 15.0%
Who Is Most at Risk?
Age is one of the biggest risk factors for Alzheimer’s. However, race and ethnicity also play a role.
- Older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other dementias compared to older white Americans.
- Older Hispanic adults are 1.5 times more likely to develop these conditions than white adults.
Alzheimer’s is a complex disease with multiple risk factors. Genetics, lifestyle, and environment all contribute to a person’s likelihood of developing the condition.
Currently, about 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. The West and Southwest regions of the U.S. are expected to see the biggest increase in cases between 2020 and 2025.
Matthew Baumgart, a health policy expert from the Alzheimer’s Association, says understanding where Alzheimer’s is most common can help improve healthcare planning. This includes preparing for more doctors, caregivers, and culturally sensitive support programs in areas that need them the most.
As Alzheimer’s cases rise, there is an increasing need for trained healthcare workers who can diagnose, treat, and care for patients.
The study was presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about vitamin D deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, and blood pressure problem at night may increase Alzheimer’s risk.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce dementia risk, and epilepsy drug may help treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
