Seniors in these Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 9.9%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,000 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#50. Oneida County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.0%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 600 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#49. Juneau County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.0%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,300 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#48. Portage 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.

#47. Walworth County
Canva

- 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.

#44. Crawford County (tie)
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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.

#44. Jackson County (tie)
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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.

#44. Price County (tie)
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.1%
- 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.

#43. Chippewa County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,700 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#42. Eau Claire County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 3,000 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 150 people—of the estimate.

#41. Outagamie County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 4,200 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 250 people—of the estimate.

#40. Brown County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 8,200 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 450 people—of the estimate.

#39. Dane County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.2%
- 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—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#38. Rusk County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.2%
- 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.

#37. Trempealeau County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.2%
- 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.

#36. Monroe County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.3%
- 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.

#35. Pepin County
Maarten Daams // Shutterstock

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.3%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 500 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#34. Green Lake County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.3%
- 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.

#33. Vernon County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.3%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,000 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#32. Marinette County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.3%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,100 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#31. Barron County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.3%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,300 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 100 people—of the estimate.

#30. Sauk County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.3%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 2,700 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 100 people—of the estimate.

#29. Washington County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.4%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 300 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points of the estimate.

#28. Buffalo County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.4%
- 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.

#27. Lincoln County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.4%
- 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.

#25. Dunn County (tie)
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.4%
- 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.

#25. Green County (tie)
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.4%
- 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.

#24. Shawano County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.4%
- 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.

#23. Manitowoc County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.4%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 2,300 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 100 people—of the estimate.

#22. Sheboygan County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.4%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 2,700 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 150 people—of the estimate.

#21. Kenosha County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.5%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 500 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points of the estimate.

#20. Langlade County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.5%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 2,600 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 150 people—of the estimate.

#19. Marathon County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.6%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 2,100 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.5 percentage points—or 100 people—of the estimate.

#18. Fond du Lac County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.6%
- 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.

#17. La Crosse County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.6%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 3,000 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 150 people—of the estimate.

#16. Rock County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.7%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,700 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 100 people—of the estimate.

#15. Dodge County
James Meyer // Shutterstock

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.7%
- 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.

#14. Ozaukee County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.7%
- 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 150 people—of the estimate.

#13. Winnebago County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.7%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 8,600 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 450 people—of the estimate.

#12. Waukesha County
Barbara Smits // Shutterstock

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.8%
- 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—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#11. Lafayette County
Canva

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

#9. Kewaunee County (tie)
Wirestock Creators // Shutterstock

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.8%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 500 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#9. Richland County (tie)
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.9%
- 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. Clark County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.9%
- 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.

#7. Grant County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.9%
- 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.

#6. Waupaca County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 10.9%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 3,700 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 200 people—of the estimate.

#5. Racine County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 11.0%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 500 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 50 people—of the estimate.

#4. Taylor County
John Touscany // Shutterstock

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 11.0%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 1,700 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points—or 100 people—of the estimate.

#3. Wood County
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- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 11.1%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 200 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.6 percentage points of the estimate.

#2. Iron County
Canva

- Share of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 12.5%
- Number of 65+ population with Alzheimer's: 16,900 people
*These are estimates; actual values have a 95% likelihood of being within 0.7 percentage points—or 900 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. Milwaukee County
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