Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting millions of Americans and placing a growing burden on families, caregivers, and the healthcare system. While the condition occurs nationwide, research consistently shows that Alzheimer’s disease is more common in certain regions of the United States. Understanding where prevalence is highest and why can help policymakers, caregivers, and individuals take proactive steps toward prevention, early detection, and better care.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that damages brain cells, leading to memory loss, confusion, difficulty performing daily tasks, and eventually loss of independence. It primarily affects adults aged 65 and older, although early-onset Alzheimer’s can occur in younger individuals.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is expected to rise sharply as the population ages, making regional trends especially important to monitor.
Learn more about Alzheimer’s basics here: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers
U.S. Regions With the Highest Alzheimer’s Prevalence
1. The Southeastern United States
The Southeast consistently reports the highest rates of Alzheimer’s disease. States such as:
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
often show higher diagnosis and mortality rates related to Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Possible reasons include:
- Higher rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity
- Limited access to specialized healthcare in rural areas
- Lower average educational attainment, which has been linked to increased dementia risk
The CDC has noted that chronic health conditions common in the Southeast significantly increase dementia risk.
Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/dementia/index.html
2. The Appalachian Region
Parts of Appalachia, including areas of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio, also experience elevated Alzheimer’s prevalence.
Contributing factors may include:
- High poverty rates
- Reduced access to preventive healthcare
- Higher smoking rates and poor cardiovascular health
These social and economic challenges can delay diagnosis and limit effective disease management.
3. The Midwest
Several Midwestern states report moderately high Alzheimer’s rates, especially among older populations in rural communities. While healthcare access is generally better than in some southern regions, aging demographics and lifestyle-related health conditions contribute to rising case numbers.
States often cited include:
- Indiana
- Missouri
- Iowa
4. Areas With Large Aging Populations
States with a high concentration of older adults, such as Florida and Arizona, naturally report more Alzheimer’s cases. However, higher numbers do not always mean higher risk—these states often have better diagnostic systems and reporting accuracy.
Areas With Lower Alzheimer’s Rates
The Northeast and West Coast generally show lower prevalence rates. States like:
- New York
- Massachusetts
- California
- Washington
tend to benefit from:
- Better access to specialized healthcare
- Higher education levels
- Stronger public health infrastructure
Education and early-life cognitive engagement are believed to help build “cognitive reserve,” which may delay Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Why Geography Matters
Where you live can influence Alzheimer’s risk due to:
- Access to healthcare and specialists
- Socioeconomic conditions
- Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking
- Environmental exposures
Geographic disparities highlight the need for targeted public health interventions, especially in high-risk regions.
What Can Be Done to Reduce Risk?
While Alzheimer’s cannot yet be cured, research suggests that risk may be reduced by:
- Managing blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol
- Staying physically active
- Maintaining social connections
- Engaging in lifelong learning and mental stimulation
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
The National Institute on Aging provides evidence-based guidance here: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers
Final Thoughts
Alzheimer’s disease is not evenly distributed across the United States. The Southeast, Appalachia, and parts of the Midwest carry a disproportionate share of the burden, driven by health disparities, socioeconomic factors, and limited access to care. Recognizing these patterns is a critical step toward improving prevention, early diagnosis, and support for affected communities.
As awareness grows, targeted healthcare policies and lifestyle interventions can help reduce regional gaps and improve quality of life for millions of Americans.
