Dementia is something that touches the lives of millions of people—whether it’s a loved one, a friend, or even ourselves as we age. It’s not a specific disease but rather a general term for a decline in memory, thinking, or decision-making that interferes with everyday life. While it’s most common in older adults, it’s not a normal part of aging. That’s an important distinction, and one that can help families better understand what’s happening and how to get support.Talking about dementia can be tough. It can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even scary at times. But it’s also a topic that deserves attention, care, and compassion. The more we know, the more we can do—whether that means noticing the early signs in a loved one, offering a helping hand to a caregiver, or simply learning how to be more supportive and understanding.There are different types of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and more—each with their own symptoms and progression. And while there’s no cure yet, there are treatments and strategies that can help improve quality of life and manage symptoms.So, what are your chances of getting dementia? A new study has shed light on this important question. The study published in JAMA Neurology has found regional variations in dementia incidence across the US in a nationally representative sample.
What did the study find?
Researchers found that dementia rates in the U.S. vary a lot depending on where people live. Compared to the Mid-Atlantic region, dementia rates were:
- 25% higher in the Southeast
- 23% higher in the Northwest and Rocky Mountains
- 18% higher in the South
- 13% higher in the Southwest (including California)
- 7% higher in the Northeast (including New York)
These regions were based on a CDC system that divides the country into 10 areas, each made up of 4 to 7 states.Even after considering things like age, race, heart health, and whether people lived in rural or city areas, these regional differences still showed up.The study focused on older adults in the Veterans Health Administration system. The researchers say these findings show the importance of planning health care and creating public health policies that are tailored to each region’s needs.
