Research Uncovers Regional Links Between Dementia and Cardiometabolic Diseases in the US

A recent study conducted by researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix highlights a significant connection between dementia and cardiometabolic conditions across different regions of the United States. The study suggests that a considerable portion of dementia cases—up to 37%—may be preventable by managing risk factors such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. The research, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, reveals that the strongest correlations between dementia and these conditions are found in Southern states, where factors like obesity, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy diets are more prevalent.

Using Medicare claims data, the study analyzed over 20 million beneficiaries aged 67 and older, identifying 756,321 dementia cases. Findings showed that hypertension accounted for approximately 9.6% of cases, ischemic heart disease for 6.7%, and chronic heart failure for 5.7%. The researchers emphasized that addressing modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors could potentially reduce dementia incidence significantly. In particular, eliminating just eight risk factors could lead to a 37% reduction in new dementia cases among Medicare recipients nationwide.

The study also highlighted notable regional variations, with the South showing higher links between cardiometabolic diseases and dementia, partly due to higher rates of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles. Conversely, regions like the Pacific Northwest and the Great Plains displayed a lower impact. The researchers acknowledged some limitations, such as excluding Medicare Advantage participants due to data reporting issues.

Overall, this research underscores the importance of public health strategies aimed at controlling cardiometabolic diseases as a means to combat the rising tide of dementia in the US.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-geographic-dementia-cardiometabolic-disease.html