Research finds dementia more common in rural areas

U.S. rates of mental decline and dementia decreased from 2000 to 2010, but the prevalence of both conditions was higher in rural areas than in cities, according to a new study (Source: “Dementia May Be More Common in Rural Areas,” HealthDay News, Dec. 18, 2017)

The Rand Corporation study, which was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, also found that education level was a risk factor for both conditions.  The rural-urban differences in rates of mental decline and dementia would likely be worse if there hadn't been early 20th century investments nationwide in secondary education, the researchers said.