advertisement
18 November 2024
Research indicates that the likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia can be influenced by where individuals live.
Dr. Julie Bynum, the lead researcher from the University of Michigan, stated that “the percentage of individuals over 65 diagnosed in Arizona is low compared to the national average.” She has dedicated years to examining the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia across the United States.
Bynum further noted that “regardless of demographic factors such as race or age, where one lives plays a crucial role in their likelihood of receiving a diagnosis.”
advertisement
The study pinpointed Davenport, Iowa, and St. Paulta as cities with starkly contrasting diagnosis rates. Individuals in St. Paul are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s compared to those in Davenport.
Arizona, along with Florida, attracts many snowbirds. Yet research indicates that residents of Clearwater, Florida, have a 25% higher chance of receiving a dementia diagnosis than those in Phoenix. Bynum commented, “Arizona is a low-diagnosis area, while Florida shows much higher rates. The reasons behind this discrepancy are unclear; it may relate to the density of healthcare providers available.”
The findings suggest that the accessibility of healthcare systems and the availability of qualified clinicians may significantly influence diagnostic rates. Bynum explained that “there seems to be a systemic issue that affects how easily individuals can find someone capable of making an accurate diagnosis.”
Kinsey McManus, the director of the Desert Southwest chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, highlighted that approximately 11% of Arizona residents over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s disease. McManus remarked, “Our low diagnosis rates compared to other states suggest that the number of individuals affected is likely much higher than estimates.” The study indicates that many other states are more effective in their diagnostic efforts, which may be a factor in the lower percentage of individuals diagnosed in Arizona.
advertisement
It’s vital to ensure patients are diagnosed correctly so that research may start to hone in on what it may be about living in Arizona and a reduction of Alzheimer’s disease. Bynum concluded that “connecting individuals with necessary care is something we can achieve. This issue is addressable.”
advertisement
Tucson is taking a bold new step to support its most vulnerable residents. The city has announced plans to create its first city-sanctioned outdoor sleep area, named Star Village, aimed at providing unhoused Tucsonans with a safe place to sleep at night. advertisement A New Approach to Homelessness For many people living on Tucson’s streets, “home” is constantly shifting. Park clear-outs, law enforcement patrols, severe weather, or conflicts can force unhoused residents to move frequently. City officials hope Star Village will provide not just shelter but stability, a stepping stone toward permanent housing. “This was a really bold step,” said
Living in Arizona means accepting a fundamental truth: as one desert dweller puts it, “everything in the desert hates you.” The Sonoran Desert’s plant life seems designed to leave its mark on anyone who dares to venture too close. But what happens when these prickly cactus encounters become unavoidable, and how do you deal with the aftermath? advertisement The Reality of Arizona’s Cactus Encounters Jumping Cholla Despite its name, jumping cholla doesn’t actually jump. However, its segments are so loosely attached and the barbed spines so effective at grabbing onto anything that brushes against them, it certainly seems like an
When it comes to historical facts, Arizona is known for its Wild West days. However, Arizona holds a treasure trove of fascinating stories. Let’s dive into some of the coolest historical facts about Arizona that you may not know. advertisement 1. Phoenix Was Almost Named “Pumpkinville.” (Sort of) In the mid-1800s, when settlers first arrived in Phoenix, they found fields of pumpkins growing where the Hohokam Native tribes had once established an intricate system of canals. These canals had been built to irrigate crops, and when settlers came across them, they were impressed by the thriving agriculture in the region.
The “Wild West” period, often romanticized in literature and films, spanned only around 30 years, from roughly 1865 to 1895. This era is usually portrayed as chaotic, lawless, and filled with gunfights, cattle rustlers, and prospectors. But what made this period so unique and distinct from earlier years of westward expansion? Was it truly more wild than the decades that preceded it? And why does the end of the Civil War in 1865 seem to mark a significant turning point in this legendary chapter of American history? advertisement The Pre-Wild West: Westward Expansion Before 1865 Before the Civil War, the
