(Northern Plains News)- Veterans in the Rocky Mountain region—including South Dakota—are 23 percent more likely to develop dementia than those in the Mid-Atlantic, according to a new nationwide study in JAMA Neurology.
Rocky Mountain Region Among Highest
The research analyzed health records from 1,268,599 dementia-free U.S. veterans aged 65 and older, tracked for an average of 12.6 years between October 1999 and September 2021.
The Mid-Atlantic had the lowest dementia incidence—11.2 cases per 1,000 person-years—while the Southeast recorded the highest at 14.0. Veterans in the Rocky Mountains and Northwest each showed a 23 percent higher rate than the Mid-Atlantic.
Differences Hold After Adjustments
The disparities persisted after adjusting for age, sex, race, rurality, cardiovascular health, and the competing risk of death. Other regions also showed elevated risks: the South (18 percent higher), Midwest (12 percent higher), and South Atlantic (12 percent higher)
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Northern Plains News graphic.
Geography Matters
The findings suggest that where a veteran lives may influence dementia risk as much as—or more than—personal health factors. The authors point to possible causes, including environmental exposures, midlife obesity, and diagnostic practices, and say targeted prevention could help reduce the burden.
Call for Region-Specific Strategies
Lead author Christina S. Dintica, PhD, University of California, San Francisco, said the consistent patterns point to “modifiable risk factors that may be addressed through public health initiatives and tailored prevention efforts.” CDC definitions place Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming in the Rocky Mountain region.
Potential Causes Under Review
Prior research cited in the paper highlights potential environmental neurotoxicants—such as fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and chronic noise—as contributors. Some areas may have protective factors, like naturally occurring lithium in drinking water, which other studies have linked to reduced dementia risk.
Impact on Veterans
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, affects about 6.9 million Americans. Veterans may face higher risks due to service-related exposures, traumatic brain injury, and elevated rates of chronic conditions. The study’s authors called on VA health planners, policymakers, and state health departments to incorporate these findings into prevention programs.
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