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UCSF Study Finds Dementia Risk 25% Higher in Southeast Than Mid-Atlantic

Analysis of more than 1.2 million veterans’ health records reveals durable regional disparities in dementia incidence that outlast adjustments for key risk factors.

A map showing the age-adjusted dementia incidence rates across different U.S. states.
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© Dintica et al/JAMA Neurology

Overview

  • Researchers analyzed Veterans Health Administration data from 1999 to 2021 on more than 1.2 million veterans aged 65 and older to map dementia incidence across U.S. regions.
  • The Southeast recorded the highest rate at 14 new cases per 1,000 person-years, marking a 25% increase over the Mid-Atlantic baseline.
  • The Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions followed with 23% higher incidence, while the South, Southwest and Northeast showed increases of 18%, 13% and 7% respectively.
  • These regional gaps remained consistent after controlling for age, race, cardiovascular disease and rural versus urban residence.
  • Investigators pointed to factors such as education quality, early-life conditions and environmental exposures as potential drivers and urged tailored prevention strategies.