Alabama and Georgia have highest Alzheimer’s mortality rates in country, according to study

( WRBL ) — Alzheimer’s Disease is the seventh-leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the CDC . A study recently found the disease’s mortality rates are highest in Alabama and Georgia , as well as Mississippi, Washington and Arkansas.

Findings from a study by “Seniorly” found evidence of geographic influence, where overall, southeastern states saw the greatest dementia impact.

Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions characterized by “ the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. ” Alzheimer’s makes up 60% to 80% of dementia diagnoses.

The study was conducted on adults 65 and up. You can find the more specific findings for Alabama and Georgia below.

The Alzheimer’s Association says dementia is the result of a combination of factors . Those can include age, genetics, and family history.

The disease is also associated with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. Smoking and binge drinking can increase risk of developing Alzheimer’s, according to the association.

Dementia is not completely avoidable, but there are things you can do to lower your chances of developing it:

• Exercise regularly (30 minutes per day)
• Eat responsibly (Increasing Omega-3-fatty acids, reducing high cholesterol foods)
• Exercise your brain (Learning new language, playing music, solving crosswords and sudoku)
• Maintain relationships (Appears to be a correlation between socializing and lower dementia onset)
• Sleep well (Good quality with minimal noise and disturbances, six to eight hours worth)
• Moderate drinking (Unhealthy drinking habits can raise risk)
• Reduce brain injury risk (Associated with increased risk for dementia)
• Do not smoke (Can directly or indirectly increase risk)

You can find the full methodology of the study at this link .

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