Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (ADOD) in Cuyahoga County

Cuyahoga County has the highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in Ohio (13.4%), affecting an estimated 31,500 adults aged 65 and older. Alzheimer’s disease was the 7th leading cause of death in the county, with 530 deaths in 2020.
Key insights:

• Mortality: Age-adjusted death rate has risen to 22.6 per 100,000, higher among females.
• Healthcare Impact: Average annual Medicare cost per beneficiary with ADOD is $32,815; hospitalization rate is 1 per 1,000 beneficiaries, and ED visits 3 per 1,000.
• Risk Factors: High prevalence of modifiable risks—36.7% hypertension, 37.3% obesity, 37.7% poor sleep, and 16.6% smoking.
• Healthy habits like exercise and proper diet can help reduce risk and improve brain health.