Alzheimer’s disease affects people all over the country, but some states—like Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina—have more cases than others. People born in these states, known as the Deep South, are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other memory problems. At the UAB Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, we’re working to understand why this happens and how to help.More than 20% of the U.S. African American population lives in the Deep South. Risk of late-onset AD is twice as high in African Americans. This is especially evident in the Deep South. Health conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, obesity, and vascular disease are more common in this region. These conditions are also related to cognitive decline and risk of dementia and AD.

Many health problems that raise the risk of memory loss are common in the Deep South. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, being overweight, and problems with blood vessels. All of these can make memory problems worse as people get older.

The Deep South is also well known for other health conditions related to a higher risk for AD and dementia.

Some parts of the Deep South are called the “Stroke Belt” because strokes happen more often there. Stroke can lead to problems with memory and thinking. The area is also called the “Diabetes Belt” because diabetes is more common there too. Some scientists think there’s a strong link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Being overweight is another health problem in the Deep South. It can lead to inflammation in the body and brain, which may also raise the risk for memory loss later in life.

Our research center is part of a national effort to make sure people from all areas and backgrounds can take part in research. We want to learn more by including people who have not always had a chance to join studies. By doing this, we hope to find better ways to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease for everyone. Addressing these Deep South challenges in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is a major goal of the UAB Alzheimer’s Disease Center.