Thirteen percent of people age 65 and older in Volusia County may have Alzheimer’s disease.
That's the sobering statistic authorities say has been gleaned from data compiled by the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County.
In addition, health officials say the death rate from the disease has increased 23 percent over the past four years.
The Department of Health in Volusia County released a two-page data brief Monday that examines Alzheimer’s disease in Volusia County.
Health officials say that from 2013 to 2017, Volusia County consistently had higher rates of Alzheimer’s disease than the state.
They add that the prevalence of the disease appeared to affect sexes, races, generations, and geographical areas of the county differently.
For example, officials say Alzheimer’s deaths among women were more than 240 percent higher than among males, and Hispanic residents had the highest death rates from the disease.
Authorities note that the majority of deaths from Alzheimer’s disease were among people age 85 and older, and in 2017, Southeast Volusia County logged the highest percentage of deaths from Alzheimer’s disease.
The brief cites age-adjusted rates.
Officials say the brief does not examine cause and effect relationships.
Health department officials say the department prepares these types of health reports for use by community partners who serve various populations or address health risks.
They note that these reports also help to raise awareness among the general public.
The brief is online at volusiahealth.com/stats.