A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California San Francisco has unveiled a map showcasing the varying risks of dementia across different regions of the United States. The study divided the country into 10 distinct regions and compared the prevalence of dementia in each area.

According to the findings, individuals residing in the Southeast, which includes states like Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, face the highest risk of developing dementia, with a 25 percent increased likelihood. Following closely behind are the northwest states, such as Alaska and Idaho, as well as regions around the Rocky Mountains, with a 23 percent higher risk. On the other hand, individuals in the northeast states, like New York, have the lowest risk, showing only a seven percent increased likelihood.

The researchers attributed these regional disparities to various socioeconomic factors, including differences in the quality of education and exposure to environmental toxins. They emphasized the importance of further research to better understand these differences and highlighted the need for targeted efforts in education, prevention, and treatment in the most vulnerable regions.

Dr. Kristine Yaffe, the senior study author, stressed the significance of region-specific interventions to address the growing dementia crisis in the United States. With an estimated 8 million adults currently living with dementia in the country and 500,000 new diagnoses each year, the need for targeted strategies is more critical than ever.

The study, published in JAMA Neurology, analyzed data from 1.2 million veterans over the age of 65 who sought care at the Veterans Affairs (VA) health system between 1999 and 2021. Participants were followed for an average of 13 years, with the average age of dementia diagnosis in the US being 83.

By dividing the participants into 10 geographic regions, the researchers compared dementia rates across the country. The results showed significant variations in dementia risk, with the Southeast, Northwest, and Rocky Mountain regions having the highest likelihood of developing the condition.

Factors such as quality of education, early life conditions, and exposure to environmental toxins were identified as potential contributors to the increased risk of dementia in certain regions. States with high rates of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity were also found to have elevated dementia risks due to the impact of these conditions on brain health.

Military veterans, particularly those over 70, were identified as a high-risk group for dementia due to factors such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and exposure to harmful substances like Agent Orange. The study highlighted the need for targeted interventions and prevention strategies to address the growing burden of dementia in vulnerable populations.