Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Numbers Among the Highest in the Nation

Alzheimer's disease can be a heartbreaking illness. Now, new research indicates which areas of the U.S. are the most common to have people living with the disease. The new research was announced this week at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in Amsterdam (via Fox News). According to the research, seniors living in the eastern and southeastern parts of the United States have the biggest percentage of people with Alzheimer's disease. That said, Michigan Alzheimer's disease numbers are among the highest in the country.

First off, the counties. The research looked at all 3,142 U.S. counties. The study was the very first "county-level estimate of the most common form of dementia among older Americans," according to Fox News. The findings were also published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association.

"It's important for us to know where the prevalences are going to be highest, so that we know how to direct resources and educational opportunities for people," Dr. Percy Griffin told Fox News Digital. Griffin is the director of scientific engagement for the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago, Illinois.

Miami-Dade County, Florida; Baltimore City, Maryland; and Bronx County, New York had the most prevalence of Alzheimer's disease. Their percentage was 16.6%. They were all tied for No. 1. Prince George’s County, Maryland, came in at No. 4 at 16.1%, and Hinds County, Mississippi, was No. 5 at 15.5%. Also, a new Alzheimer’s Association study found that older Black Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older Whites. Older Hispanics have about 1.5 times greater risk.

In Michigan, the number of people over the age of 65 with AD dementia was the 9th highest in the country. The state with the most cases was California. For Michigan, our prevalence was 11.2%. Find the full report here and story here.