Alzheimer's Plagues Parts of U.S., Highlighting Regional Disparities in Care
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Maryland has the highest Alzheimer's prevalence in the U.S., with nearly 30% of residents aged 65+ having the disease. High rates are tied to larger Black populations and older demographics.
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Mississippi has the worst health care and the highest Alzheimer’s mortality rate. Appalachia and the South also have hard-hit counties.
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A new Alzheimer’s drug, lecanemab, was FDA approved to treat early stages of the disease. But high costs could limit access.
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Shortages of geriatric specialists and nurses threaten care capacity in hard-hit regions. Rural residents tend to be underdiagnosed.
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Advocates are using localized prevalence data to lobby for more state Alzheimer’s funding and resources in underserved areas.