A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan and Dartmouth College suggests that an older adult’s likelihood of receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia may be influenced by their geographical location. The study, published in the journal “Alzheimer’s & Dementia,” analyzed Medicare claims from 4.8 million individuals aged 66 and above between 2018 and 2019.
Results showed that the U.S. South had the highest number of diagnosed cases of dementia during the study period, while the North and West regions had fewer cases. Interestingly, Minot, North Dakota, had the lowest number of cases, whereas Wichita Falls, Texas, had the highest concentration of diagnoses.
The researchers highlighted that disparities in diagnosis rates could be attributed to regional differences in healthcare systems. They also noted that Black and Hispanic older adults showed a wide range of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with rates varying from 1.7 to 5.4 people per 100.
Past studies have linked dementia prevalence to the “stroke belt” where cardiovascular risk factors are higher. However, the current study by the University of Michigan and Dartmouth College challenges this notion, suggesting that access barriers may play a significant role in diagnosis discrepancies among older adults.
University of Kentucky Epidemiologist Erin Abner, commenting on the study, emphasized the impact of geographical location on brain health, pointing out the challenges that many older adults face in accessing specialized neurological care due to long waiting lists in certain regions.
