Optimal resource distribution
In a comment, Percy Griffin, PhD, director of scientific engagement, Alzheimer’s Association, said the research provides useful information about AD prevalence at the local level.
“We need to understand how specific demographics and characteristics can help explain some of the high prevalence in certain areas.”
Compared with White Americans, Dr. Griffin noted that Black Americans are twice as likely to have AD, and older Hispanic Americans are 1.5 times as likely.
This new data will help pinpoint areas of high risk and high need so that funding, staffing, and other resources for those with AD and other dementias can be optimally distributed, he said.
“It gives us that kind of geographic specificity in terms of the prevalence so we can dig deeper and better allocate resources on a county level,” he added.
The Alzheimer’s Association “is fully committed to working with local agencies and being in the communities to assist them in their efforts to intervene in this disease.”
The study also highlights the need for more research to determine what factors other than age and race – such as potential environmental factors – might affect regional AD prevalence, he said.
The study received funding from the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Rajan and Dr. Griffin reported no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.