36 | JANUARY 25 • 2024

Alzheimer’s dementia —
in all 3,142 U.S. counties
— were reported at AAIC
2023. For counties with
a population of more
than 10,000 people age
65 and older, the highest
Alzheimer’s prevalence rates
are in:
• Miami-Dade County,
Fla. (16.6%)
• Baltimore City, Md.
(16.6%)
• Bronx County, N.Y.
(16.6%)
• Prince George’s County,
Md. (16.1%)
• Hinds County, Miss.
(15.5%)
Certain characteristics of
these counties may explain
the higher prevalence,
including older age and a
higher percentage of Black
and Hispanic residents,
which are communities
disproportionately
impacted by Alzheimer’s
disease. According to the
Alzheimer’s Association,
these statistics can help
officials determine the
burden on the health care
system and pinpoint areas
for culturally sensitive
caregiver training.

GUT HEALTH
Chronic constipation is
associated with poor cogni-
tive function.
Approximately 16% of the
world’s population strug-
gles with constipation. This
year, researchers reported
that less frequent bowel
movements were associated
with significantly worse
cognitive function.
People in the study with
bowel movements every
three days or more had
worse memory and think-
ing equal to three years
of cognitive aging. These
results stress the impor-
tance of clinicians discuss-
ing gut health with their
older patients.
To learn more about
Alzheimer’s and dementia
research, plus available care
and support — and to join
the cause or make a dona-
tion — visit the Alzheimer’s
Association at www.alz.org.
While there is still much
to learn about Alzheimer’s,
2023 was a year of discov-
ery, giving researchers and
families impacted by the
disease hope for the year
ahead.

continued from page 34

HEALTH & WELLNESS

DANIEL SHERBERT, M.D. F.A.C.S.
Certifi
ed by The American Board of Surgery,
The American Board of Plastic Surgery & Fellowship
Trained in Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery

Specializing in Cosmetic Surgery &

Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery

W est Maple
Plastic Surgery

(248) 865-6400

5807 W. Maple • Suite 177 • West Bloomfi
eld

Awaken the
Beauty Within...

We want to help you get back to
doing the things you love.

A trusted name in the community for over 25 years.

Maple Park Offi
ce Complex
6020 West Maple Suite 500,
West Bloomfi
eld MI 48322

248 851-6999

www.dcptonline.com