Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable form of dementia that affects memory and cognitive functions over time. The condition is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death among those age 65 and older.
The number of people dying from the disease has significantly increased over the years. The annual Alzheimer’s death rate has more than doubled, from 17.6 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2000 to 37.3 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2018, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics. There are several possible explanations for the increase, including a growing proportion of older adults, increased diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, and increased reporting of the disease as a cause of death by doctors.
The number of people developing Alzheimer’s is projected to increase by at least 6.7% in every state between 2020 and 2025 in the U.S., according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
24/7 Tempo reviewed the Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures to determine the states where Alzheimer’s causes the most deaths per capita. The death rate due to the disease ranged from 17.8 to 53.5 per 100,000 residents.
The biggest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s is age. The risk doubles every five years after age 65. Nearly one in three people aged 85 and older are at risk. Only one of the 15 states with the highest share of Americans with Alzheimer’s has a lower share of the population that is 85 or older than the national average of 1.9%. The share of the population 65 and older in all of those 15 states is higher than the national average of 16.5%.
After being diagnosed, adults who are older than 65 survive on average between four and eight years, but this can range significantly depending on lifestyle and certain pre-existing conditions. These include smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.
Another possible factor may be depression, though the connection between depression and Alzheimer’s is not fully understood. A study published in the Nature Reviews Neurology journal found that people who became depressed late in life are at a greater risk of developing dementia. But depression is also very common among people with Alzheimer’s.
Scientists have been researching the disease for decades. One of the main findings is the buildup of two abnormal structures — beta-amyloid plaques and tangles of a protein called tau — in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. These are suspected in damaging and killing nerve cells.
There are some measures that a person can take to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Some research suggests that regular exercise can reduce the risk by as much as 45%. Even just a walk a day may help — here are 30 reasons walking is the best exercise.
Click here to see states where Alzheimer’s causes the most deaths.
Click here to read our detailed methodology.
50. Alaska
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 17.8 per 100,000 residents (total: 131)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 12.5% — the highest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 14.5% — 23rd highest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 25.2% — 7th lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 60.3% — 20th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.2% — 2nd lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 29.4% — 5th highest
> Population 65+: 12.4% — 2nd lowest
> Population 85+: 0.9% — the lowest
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49. Maryland
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 18.6 per 100,000 residents (total: 1,122)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 8.2% — 18th lowest (tied with Virginia and Iowa)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 12.2% — 13th lowest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 29.5% — 18th lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 64.2% — 11th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.8% — 21st lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 18.2% — 24th highest
> Population 65+: 15.9% — 10th lowest
> Population 85+: 1.9% — 25th lowest
48. New York
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 19.2 per 100,000 residents (total: 3,755)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 7.0% — 4th lowest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 11.7% — 8th lowest (tied with New Hampshire)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 32.5% — 17th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 57.5% — 16th lowest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.1% — 8th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 12.2% — 7th lowest
> Population 65+: 16.9% — 25th lowest
> Population 85+: 2.3% — 9th highest
47. Nevada
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 23.2 per 100,000 residents (total: 704)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 10.0% — 19th highest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 11.9% — 11th lowest (tied with North Dakota)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 28.8% — 17th lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 58.3% — 24th lowest (tied with Florida)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.6% — 8th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 30.6% — 3rd highest
> Population 65+: 16.2% — 17th lowest
> Population 85+: 1.4% — 5th lowest
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46. Massachusetts
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 26.4 per 100,000 residents (total: 1,823)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 8.0% — 14th lowest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 13.9% — 24th lowest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 32.1% — 19th highest (tied with Pennsylvania)
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 56.1% — 9th lowest (tied with Minnesota)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.9% — 24th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 15.4% — 20th lowest
> Population 65+: 17.0% — 25th highest
> Population 85+: 2.3% — 9th highest
45. Connecticut
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 27.6 per 100,000 residents (total: 986)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 7.5% — 8th lowest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 11.4% — 5th lowest (tied with South Dakota)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 28.5% — 16th lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 57.9% — 20th lowest (tied with New Mexico)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.2% — 3rd highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 13.8% — 14th lowest
> Population 65+: 17.6% — 16th highest
> Population 85+: 2.5% — 4th highest
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44. New Mexico
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 27.8 per 100,000 residents (total: 583)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 9.0% — 24th lowest (tied with Montana)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 15.9% — 17th highest (tied with Idaho)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 29.8% — 21st lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 57.9% — 20th lowest (tied with Connecticut)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.1% — 14th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 23.3% — 11th highest
> Population 65+: 18.0% — 12th highest
> Population 85+: 1.9% — 25th lowest
43. Colorado
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 29.0 per 100,000 residents (total: 1,649)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 7.4% — 7th lowest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 13.7% — 22nd lowest (tied with Illinois, and Pennsylvania)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 21.7% — 2nd lowest (tied with Massachusetts)
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 52.3% — 2nd lowest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.3% — 3rd lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 21.1% — 19th highest
> Population 65+: 14.7% — 5th lowest
> Population 85+: 1.5% — 6th lowest
42. Montana
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 29.2 per 100,000 residents (total: 310)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 9.0% — 24th lowest (tied with New Mexico)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 19.0% — 2nd highest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 26.7% — 10th lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 54.4% — 4th lowest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.1% — 13th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 22.7% — 13th highest
> Population 65+: 19.5% — 5th highest
> Population 85+: 2.0% — 21st highest
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41. Virginia
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 30.4 per 100,000 residents (total: 2,592)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 8.2% — 18th lowest (tied with Maryland and Iowa)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 13.4% — 18th lowest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 31.8% — 22nd highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 62.1% — 16th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.8% — 18th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 26.7% — 6th highest
> Population 65+: 15.9% — 10th lowest
> Population 85+: 1.8% — 19th lowest
40. New Jersey
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 30.4 per 100,000 residents (total: 2,710)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 0.0% — N/A
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 0.0% — N/A
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 0.0% — N/A
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 0.0% — N/A
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.1% — 7th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 10.5% — 4th lowest
> Population 65+: 16.6% — 21st lowest
> Population 85+: 2.2% — 13th highest
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39. Kansas
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 30.9 per 100,000 residents (total: 899)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 8.3% — 20th lowest (tied with Vermont)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 12.3% — 14th lowest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 32.0% — 21st highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 60.1% — 22nd highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.9% — 25th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 12.7% — 9th lowest
> Population 65+: 16.4% — 20th lowest
> Population 85+: 2.2% — 13th highest
38. Illinois
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 31.6 per 100,000 residents (total: 4,030)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 9.2% — 25th highest (tied with Florida)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 13.7% — 22nd lowest (tied with Colorado and Pennsylvania)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 31.5% — 24th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 63.1% — 13th highest (tied with North Carolina)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.8% — 20th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 13.0% — 11th lowest
> Population 65+: 16.1% — 15th lowest
> Population 85+: 2.0% — 21st highest
37. Florida
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 31.6 per 100,000 residents (total: 6,725)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 9.2% — 25th highest (tied with Florida)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 14.4% — 24th highest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 29.7% — 20th lowest (tied with Wyoming)
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 58.3% — 24th lowest (tied with Nevada)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.7% — the highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 24.1% — 9th highest
> Population 65+: 20.9% — 2nd highest
> Population 85+: 2.6% — 2nd highest
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36. Pennsylvania
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 31.7 per 100,000 residents (total: 4,064)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 10.6% — 12th highest (tied with North Carolina and Arkansas)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 13.7% — 22nd lowest (tied with Colorado and Illinois)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 32.1% — 19th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 60.8% — 19th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.2% — 4th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 14.3% — 17th lowest
> Population 65+: 18.7% — 8th highest
> Population 85+: 2.5% — 4th highest
35. Utah
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 32.4 per 100,000 residents (total: 1,024)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 4.0% — 2nd lowest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 17.7% — 8th highest (tied with Oklahoma and Louisiana)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 24.3% — 5th lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 54.8% — 5th lowest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.1% — the lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 23.5% — 10th highest
> Population 65+: 11.4% — the lowest
> Population 85+: 1.1% — 2nd lowest
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34. Hawaii
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 33.8 per 100,000 residents (total: 480)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 7.8% — 13th lowest (tied with Idaho)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 10.8% — 3rd lowest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 27.7% — 11th lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 54.9% — 6th lowest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.0% — 15th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 20.7% — 21st highest
> Population 65+: 19.0% — 7th highest
> Population 85+: 2.7% — the highest
33. Texas
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 34.0 per 100,000 residents (total: 9,763)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 10.9% — 8th highest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 16.3% — 15th highest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 33.7% — 14th highest (tied with Ohio)
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 63.6% — 12th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.4% — 4th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 22.5% — 14th highest
> Population 65+: 12.9% — 3rd lowest
> Population 85+: 1.4% — 5th lowest
32. Nebraska
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 35.4 per 100,000 residents (total: 683)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 7.7% — 11th lowest (tied with Washington)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 11.5% — 6th lowest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 32.3% — 18th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 58.8% — 25th highest (tied with Maine)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.8% — 19th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 14.3% — 17th lowest
> Population 65+: 16.1% — 15th lowest
> Population 85+: 2.1% — 17th highest
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31. New Hampshire
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 35.9 per 100,000 residents (total: 487)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 7.1% — 5th lowest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 11.7% — 8th lowest (tied with New York)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 25.7% — 9th lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 56.8% — 14th lowest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.9% — 24th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 23.1% — 12th highest
> Population 65+: 18.6% — 9th highest
> Population 85+: 2.1% — 17th highest
30. Kentucky
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 37.5 per 100,000 residents (total: 1,674)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 12.2% — 4th highest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 16.5% — 12th highest (tied with Arkansas)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 41.7% — 2nd highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 67.7% — 5th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.7% — 11th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 14.7% — 19th lowest
> Population 65+: 16.9% — 25th lowest
> Population 85+: 1.7% — 14th lowest
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29. Idaho
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 38.0 per 100,000 residents (total: 666)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 7.8% — 13th lowest (tied with Hawaii)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 15.9% — 17th highest (tied with New Mexico)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 30.9% — 25th lowest (tied with Rhode Island)
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 56.6% — 11th lowest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.5% — 6th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 22.2% — 15th highest
> Population 65+: 16.2% — 17th lowest
> Population 85+: 1.6% — 8th lowest
28. Indiana
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 39.9 per 100,000 residents (total: 2,668)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 10.5% — 15th highest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 15.4% — 21st highest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 35.1% — 13th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 62.9% — 15th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.6% — 9th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 18.2% — 24th highest
> Population 65+: 16.1% — 15th lowest
> Population 85+: 1.9% — 25th lowest
27. California
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 42.0 per 100,000 residents (total: 16,627)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 5.7% — 3rd lowest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 14.1% — 25th highest (tied with Ohio)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 24.9% — 6th lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 55.8% — 7th lowest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.7% — 15th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 21.7% — 16th highest
> Population 65+: 14.8% — 6th lowest
> Population 85+: 1.8% — 19th lowest
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26. Arizona
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 42.0 per 100,000 residents (total: 3,012)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 8.9% — 22nd lowest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 11.8% — 9th lowest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 28.0% — 13th lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 57.4% — 15th lowest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.1% — 12th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 33.3% — the highest
> Population 65+: 18.0% — 12th highest
> Population 85+: 1.8% — 19th lowest
25. Wisconsin
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 42.2 per 100,000 residents (total: 2,453)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 7.2% — 6th lowest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 12.1% — 12th lowest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 28.1% — 14th lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 59.2% — 24th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.1% — 11th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 8.3% — 3rd lowest
> Population 65+: 17.5% — 17th highest
> Population 85+: 2.2% — 13th highest
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24. Delaware
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 42.6 per 100,000 residents (total: 412)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 10.4% — 16th highest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 12.8% — 15th lowest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 35.3% — 12th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 61.2% — 18th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.0% — 21st highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 21.1% — 19th highest
> Population 65+: 19.5% — 5th highest
> Population 85+: 1.9% — 25th lowest
23. Georgia
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 42.9 per 100,000 residents (total: 4,513)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 9.6% — 23rd highest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 13.2% — 17th lowest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 33.1% — 16th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 64.6% — 10th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.4% — 5th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 26.7% — 6th highest
> Population 65+: 14.3% — 4th lowest
> Population 85+: 1.4% — 5th lowest
22. Missouri
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 43.1 per 100,000 residents (total: 2,641)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 10.8% — 9th highest (tied with Alabama)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 15.8% — 19th highest (tied with South Carolina)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 37.2% — 8th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 56.7% — 13th lowest (tied with Washington)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.0% — 20th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 8.3% — 3rd lowest
> Population 65+: 17.2% — 23rd highest
> Population 85+: 2.0% — 21st highest
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21. North Carolina
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 43.3 per 100,000 residents (total: 4,495)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 10.6% — 12th highest (tied with Arkansas and Pennsylvania)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 18.9% — 3rd highest (tied with West Virginia)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 28.3% — 15th lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 63.1% — 13th highest (tied with Illinois)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.7% — 13th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 16.7% — 25th lowest
> Population 65+: 16.7% — 23rd lowest
> Population 85+: 1.8% — 19th lowest
20. Maine
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 43.3 per 100,000 residents (total: 580)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 7.6% — 9th lowest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 16.2% — 16th highest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 35.7% — 10th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 58.8% — 25th highest (tied with Nebraska)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.2% — 6th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 20.7% — 21st highest
> Population 65+: 21.3% — the highest
> Population 85+: 2.6% — 2nd highest
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19. Minnesota
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 43.4 per 100,000 residents (total: 2,436)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 8.1% — 15th lowest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 13.6% — 19th lowest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 23.7% — 4th lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 56.1% — 9th lowest (tied with Massachusetts)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.8% — 16th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 21.2% — 18th highest
> Population 65+: 16.3% — 18th lowest
> Population 85+: 2.0% — 21st highest
18. West Virginia
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 43.8 per 100,000 residents (total: 791)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 11.6% — 6th highest (tied with Oklahoma)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 18.9% — 3rd highest (tied with North Carolina)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 39.1% — 4th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 68.0% — 3rd highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.2% — 5th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 12.8% — 10th lowest
> Population 65+: 20.5% — 3rd highest
> Population 85+: 2.3% — 9th highest
17. Oklahoma
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 44.1 per 100,000 residents (total: 1,739)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 11.6% — 6th highest (tied with West Virginia)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 17.7% — 8th highest (tied with Utah and Louisiana)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 41.0% — 3rd highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 67.8% — 4th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.7% — 12th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 13.4% — 12th lowest
> Population 65+: 16.1% — 15th lowest
> Population 85+: 1.9% — 25th lowest
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16. Rhode Island
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 44.5 per 100,000 residents (total: 470)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 8.4% — 21st lowest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 13.8% — 23rd lowest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 30.9% — 25th lowest (tied with Idaho)
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 60.2% — 21st highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.3% — 2nd highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 12.5% — 8th lowest
> Population 65+: 17.7% — 14th highest
> Population 85+: 2.5% — 4th highest
15. Oregon
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 44.6 per 100,000 residents (total: 1,868)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 9.3% — 24th highest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 18.4% — 6th highest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 27.9% — 12th lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 56.3% — 10th lowest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.6% — 10th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 21.7% — 16th highest
> Population 65+: 18.2% — 10th highest
> Population 85+: 2.0% — 21st highest
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14. Michigan
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 44.8 per 100,000 residents (total: 4,474)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 9.8% — 21st highest (tied with South Carolina)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 16.4% — 14th highest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 30.7% — 23rd lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 59.6% — 23rd highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.9% — 25th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 15.8% — 22nd lowest
> Population 65+: 17.7% — 14th highest
> Population 85+: 2.1% — 17th highest
24/7 Wall St.
13. Iowa
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 45.6 per 100,000 residents (total: 1,439)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 8.2% — 18th lowest (tied with Virginia and Maryland)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 10.1% — 2nd lowest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 31.2% — 25th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 58.1% — 22nd lowest (tied with Ohio)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.1% — 9th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 10.6% — 5th lowest
> Population 65+: 17.5% — 17th highest
> Population 85+: 2.4% — 7th highest
12. Ohio
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 46.1 per 100,000 residents (total: 5,391)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 12.0% — 5th highest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 14.1% — 25th highest (tied with California)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 33.7% — 14th highest (tied with Texas)
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 58.1% — 22nd lowest (tied with Iowa)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.9% — 23rd lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 13.6% — 13th lowest
> Population 65+: 17.5% — 17th highest
> Population 85+: 2.1% — 17th highest
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11. Louisiana
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 46.5 per 100,000 residents (total: 2,166)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 12.4% — 2nd highest (tied with Tennessee)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 17.7% — 8th highest (tied with Utah and Louisiana)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 35.5% — 11th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 67.5% — 6th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.0% — 17th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 19.6% — 23rd highest
> Population 65+: 16.0% — 11th lowest
> Population 85+: 1.6% — 8th lowest
10. North Dakota
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 46.8 per 100,000 residents (total: 356)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 10.1% — 18th highest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 11.9% — 11th lowest (tied with Nevada)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 31.6% — 23rd highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 61.4% — 17th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.0% — 18th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 6.7% — the lowest
> Population 65+: 15.8% — 7th lowest
> Population 85+: 2.4% — 7th highest
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9. Wyoming
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 47.9 per 100,000 residents (total: 277)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 10.2% — 17th highest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 12.9% — 16th lowest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 29.7% — 20th lowest (tied with Florida)
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 57.7% — 18th lowest (tied with South Dakota)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.7% — 14th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 30.0% — 4th highest
> Population 65+: 17.1% — 24th highest
> Population 85+: 1.7% — 14th lowest
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8. Arkansas
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 48.3 per 100,000 residents (total: 1,457)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 10.6% — 12th highest (tied with North Carolina and Pennsylvania)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 16.5% — 12th highest (tied with Kentucky)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 38.9% — 6th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 65.1% — 9th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.9% — 22nd highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 15.5% — 21st lowest
> Population 65+: 17.4% — 20th highest
> Population 85+: 1.9% — 25th lowest
7. South Dakota
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 49.5 per 100,000 residents (total: 437)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 9.9% — 20th highest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 11.4% — 5th lowest (tied with Connecticut)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 39.0% — 5th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 57.7% — 18th lowest (tied with Wyoming)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.0% — 16th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 11.1% — 6th lowest
> Population 65+: 17.4% — 20th highest
> Population 85+: 2.2% — 13th highest
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6. Washington
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 49.8 per 100,000 residents (total: 3,752)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 7.7% — 11th lowest (tied with Nebraska)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 19.4% — the highest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 22.7% — 3rd lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 56.7% — 13th lowest (tied with Missouri)
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.6% — 7th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 16.7% — 25th lowest
> Population 65+: 15.9% — 10th lowest
> Population 85+: 1.7% — 14th lowest
5. Tennessee
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 51.5 per 100,000 residents (total: 3,488)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 12.4% — 2nd highest (tied with Lousiana)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 18.7% — 5th highest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 37.3% — 7th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 65.5% — 8th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.8% — 17th lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 16.7% — 25th lowest
> Population 65+: 16.7% — 23rd lowest
> Population 85+: 1.7% — 14th lowest
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4. South Carolina
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 51.5 per 100,000 residents (total: 2,616)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 9.8% — 21st highest (tied with Michigan)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 15.8% — 19th highest (tied with Missouri)
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 30.5% — 22nd lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 66.0% — 7th highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.8% — 22nd lowest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 26.3% — 8th highest
> Population 65+: 18.2% — 10th highest
> Population 85+: 1.7% — 14th lowest
3. Mississippi
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 51.8 per 100,000 residents (total: 1,547)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 10.7% — 11th highest
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 17.6% — 11th highest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 46.0% — the highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 71.9% — the highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 1.9% — 23rd highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 14.0% — 15th lowest
> Population 65+: 16.4% — 20th lowest
> Population 85+: 1.8% — 19th lowest
2. Vermont
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 53.2 per 100,000 residents (total: 333)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 8.3% — 20th lowest (tied with Kansas)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 15.3% — 22nd highest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 25.5% — 8th lowest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 53.2% — 3rd lowest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.1% — 10th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 30.8% — 2nd highest
> Population 65+: 20.1% — 4th highest
> Population 85+: 2.3% — 9th highest
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1. Alabama
> Death rate due to Alzheimer’s: 53.5 per 100,000 residents (total: 2,616)
> 65+ adults who smoke regularly: 10.8% — 9th highest (tied with Missouri)
> 65+ adults diagnosed with depression: 18.0% — 7th highest
> 65+ adults who have not exercised in a month: 36.6% — 9th highest
> 65+ adults with high blood pressure: 68.8% — 2nd highest
> 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease: 2.0% — 19th highest
> Projected increase in 65+ adults with Alzheimer’s disease, 2020-2025: 14.6% — 18th lowest
> Population 65+: 17.4% — 20th highest
> Population 85+: 1.7% — 14th lowest
Methodology
To determine the states where the Alzheimer’s mortality rate is the highest, 24/7 Tempo examined data from the Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures for 2020, the CDC’s Healthy Aging data, as well as the Underlying Cause of Death database, which contains mortality and population counts for all U.S. counties. All data refers to people who are 65 or older for 2018, the latest year for which data is available.
Data on older adults who report smoking, exercising, having high blood pressure, and being diagnosed with a form of depression comes from CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and is as of 2019.
Population figures are from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 one-year American Community Survey.
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