Arizona Is Fastest Growing State for Alzheimer's Disease. It's Only Going to Get Worse

A new report from the Alzheimer's Association warns that Arizona saw the most dementia deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic and is the fastest growing U.S. state for Alzheimer's cases, according to the Arizona Republic . Arizona also has the highest average weekly hours spent by caregivers for Alzheimer's sufferers, while Terri Spitz with the Alzheimer's Association's Desert Southwest chapter said the pandemic has worsened things for patients and their families. About 1,500 more Arizonans died from dementia in 2020 than expected, with total deaths 30 percent higher than the usual yearly average. Spitz said Arizona is witnessing growth in Alzheimer's disease because retirees are increasingly moving to the state. The Alzheimer's Association projects that by 2025 the number of Arizonans older than 65 with Alzheimer's will climb by 33 percent to 200,000 people. Spitz said the state must educate people about the disease, especially since many do not know or are not notified about their diagnosis. The Association's Desert Southwest chapter offers educational presentations to teach residents to recognize signs of Alzheimer's and dementia, along with support groups for caretakers.