Seniors in these Michigan counties have the highest Alzheimer's rates

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State and detailed county-level estimates show vast disparities in the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease based on racial and socioeconomic factors. Older Americans, women, Black and Hispanic Americans, and those with lower education levels are at higher risk for developing Alzheimer's dementia, according to data from the Chicago Health and Aging Project, on which these estimates were based.

The East and Southeast regions of the U.S. were estimated to have the highest prevalence of Alzheimer's, particularly Maryland, New York, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana. In Maryland, nearly 30% of residents are Black, and a slightly higher share of the population is 85 and older compared to national numbers—substantial risk factors that earn it the #1 spot.

In addition to a high prevalence of the disease, Mississippi has the highest Alzheimer's mortality rate, largely due to having the worst-quality health care system in the country, Time reported.

Some of the most afflicted counties are home to Black and Hispanic populations in the South, low-income populations in Appalachia, and older adults in Florida, according to Time. Other studies have found that people in rural areas tend to be underdiagnosed or diagnosed in later stages of dementia, delaying or preventing potential treatments.

Read on to see where in Michigan has the highest prevalence of Alzheimer's, ranked by the share of the 65 and over population estimated to have the disease. Initial ties were broken by the number of people estimated to have Alzheimer's, but some ties may remain.

Alzheimer's rates by state
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 9.9%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,100 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#50. Cass County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 9.9%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,200 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#49. Montcalm County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 9.9%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,400 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#48. Clinton County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.0%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 400 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points of the estimate.

#47. Alcona County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.0%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 500 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points of the estimate.

#46. Osceola County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.0%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 700 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#45. Mason County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.0%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 800 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points of the estimate.

#44. Emmet County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.0%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 900 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#42. Hillsdale County (tie)
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.0%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 900 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#42. Sanilac County (tie)
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.0%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,400 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#41. Van Buren County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.0%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 2,000 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 100 people—of the estimate.

#40. Grand Traverse County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 400 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points of the estimate.

#39. Presque Isle County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 500 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points of the estimate.

#38. Benzie County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 700 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#36. Chippewa County (tie)
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 700 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#36. Leelanau County (tie)
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 800 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#35. Iosco County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,400 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#34. Marquette County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 2,000 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 150 people—of the estimate.

#33. Lenawee County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 2,900 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 150 people—of the estimate.

#32. Monroe County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 3,200 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 200 people—of the estimate.

#31. St. Clair County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.2%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 200 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points of the estimate.

#30. Baraga County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.3%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,200 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#29. Tuscola County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.3%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 2,200 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 100 people—of the estimate.

#28. Eaton County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.4%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,000 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#27. Delta County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.4%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,200 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 100 people—of the estimate.

#26. St. Joseph County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.4%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 4,900 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 300 people—of the estimate.

#25. Ottawa County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.5%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 900 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#24. Huron County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.5%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 2,300 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 100 people—of the estimate.

#23. Bay County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.5%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 3,100 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 200 people—of the estimate.

#22. Jackson County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.6%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 600 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#21. Menominee County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.6%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 700 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#19. Alpena County (tie)
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.6%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 700 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points of the estimate.

#19. Houghton County (tie)
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.7%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 100 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#18. Luce County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.7%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 400 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#17. Gogebic County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.8%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 3,400 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 200 people—of the estimate.

#16. Muskegon County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.8%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 4,500 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 250 people—of the estimate.

#15. Ingham County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.8%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 6,000 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 300 people—of the estimate.

#14. Washtenaw County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.9%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10,500 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 550 people—of the estimate.

#13. Kent County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 11.0%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,800 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 100 people—of the estimate.

#12. Midland County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 11.0%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 4,600 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 250 people—of the estimate.

#11. Kalamazoo County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 11.0%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 17,100 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 900 people—of the estimate.

#10. Macomb County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 11.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 400 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points of the estimate.

#9. Iron County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 11.2%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 700 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#8. Dickinson County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 11.2%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 2,800 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 100 people—of the estimate.

#7. Calhoun County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 11.3%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 800 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#6. Gratiot County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 11.4%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 3,600 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 200 people—of the estimate.

#5. Berrien County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 11.6%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 25,900 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 1,300 people—of the estimate.

#4. Oakland County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 11.8%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 8,800 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 400 people—of the estimate.

#3. Genesee County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 12.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 4,600 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.7 percentage points—or 250 people—of the estimate.

#2. Saginaw County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 13.9%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 39,200 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.7 percentage points—or 1,800 people—of the estimate.

This story features data reporting by and writing by Paxtyn Merten and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.

#1. Wayne County
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