This US County Has One Of The Highest Dementia Rates In The Country And The Reasons Are Heartbreaking

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior severely enough to interfere with daily life. While certain treatments may slow its progression, there is currently no cure. (Here are some warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease you should never ignore.)

According to The South Texas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Texas has the fourth-highest number of Alzheimer’s disease cases in the nation, along with the second-highest number of deaths from the disease. They further note that 13 Texas counties rank among the top 25 in the U.S. for Alzheimer’s disease prevalence. And, digging deeper, several counties in the Rio Grande Valley have among the highest rates for individuals 65 and older: Starr (15.5%), Hidalgo (14.8%), Willacy (14.8%), and Cameron (14.6%), per Alzheimer’s Association. 

Further emphasizing the problem, Medicare data reveals that Starr County has the second-highest Alzheimer’s disease prevalence of all U.S. counties (via Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation). One in five adults on Medicare in Starr County is affected by Alzheimer’s disease — double the national rate. Discussing just how common it is, Gladys Maestre, a neuroepidemiologist at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley, told The Atlantic, “Everybody has somebody in their family.” 

But why are so many area residents falling prey to this neurological condition?

The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not well understood. It is thought to be caused by protein deposits in the brain called plaques and tangles that damage brain cells. A combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors is believed to play a role.

In a separate interview with The Daily Mail, Maestre said poverty was likely a large contributor to the number of Alzheimer’s patients in Starr County since people in poorer neighborhoods tend to have worse air quality, rely more on vehicles instead of walking, experience more stress, and have fewer social interactions. However, she also pointed to various contaminants in the water supply that can affect brain health, such as arsenic and cadmium. Another factor, according to Maestre, could be the extreme heat that Texas is known for, which can add even greater stress to the body. Finally, she mentioned the fact that the population is heavily Hispanic. This demographic, for unknown reasons, is more vulnerable to dementia.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 45% of Alzheimer’s disease cases can be prevented or delayed. One big step you can take to reduce your risk is to live a healthy lifestyle. Keep active and limit or avoid alcohol and smoking. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice to manage it. Also, work to prevent hearing loss and get treatment for existing loss.

Cognitive Vitality adds that even if you have a gene that increases your risk for Alzheimer’s disease — such as carrying the APOE4 variant — there are still powerful things you can do to decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s disease or delay its onset. In addition to the recommendations already mentioned, lifestyle changes like following a Mediterranean or low-glycemic diet, controlling cholesterol, staying socially and mentally engaged, and getting 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night can all support brain health.