Veterans living in the Rocky Mountain region—including South Dakota—are facing a significantly higher risk of developing dementia compared to their peers in other parts of the country, according to a new study published in JAMA Neurology.
According to reporting from Northern Plains News, researchers analyzed data from 1.2 million veterans over a 20-year period and found that those in the Rocky Mountain area had a 23% higher risk of dementia than veterans in the Mid-Atlantic region. The elevated rates persisted even after adjusting for factors such as age, overall health, and rural living conditions.
The study spanned two decades and included veterans from across the U.S. and discovered regional disparities in dementia risk remained consistent despite demographic and health adjustments.
Experts say the results highlight the urgent need for region-specific prevention and intervention strategies.
The findings could help guide future healthcare policies and resource allocation to better support veterans in high-risk areas.
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