Daijiworld Media Network- Washington

Washington, Jun 10: Dementia—a condition that affects millions across the globe—may not only depend on age or genetics, but also on where a person lives, a new U.S. study has revealed. Published in JAMA Neurology, the large-scale research has found that dementia rates significantly vary by region, raising questions about the impact of lifestyle, healthcare access, and environment.

Dementia is an umbrella term for disorders marked by a decline in memory, reasoning, or decision-making that interferes with daily life. While it is often associated with aging, it is not considered a normal part of the aging process. With no known cure, early diagnosis and lifestyle modifications remain the best options for improving quality of life.

The study, based on data from the Veterans Health Administration, analyzed older adults and revealed that the likelihood of developing dementia differs sharply from one region to another. Compared to those living in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., 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 findings remained consistent even after adjusting for various factors such as age, race, cardiovascular health, and whether individuals resided in rural or urban areas.

The regions were defined using a CDC classification system that divides the U.S. into 10 areas, each encompassing 4 to 7 states.

Experts say the results underscore the need for region-specific healthcare planning and public health initiatives. “Where you live matters more than we once thought,” said the study’s authors, calling for tailored awareness campaigns, screenings, and caregiver support depending on regional risk patterns.

Medical professionals believe this research could help families and policymakers better understand not just who is at risk of dementia—but where attention and resources should be focused.

As dementia continues to challenge families and healthcare systems alike, this study offers a new direction in understanding and addressing one of the most pressing issues of aging societies.