by Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter
Alzheimer’s disease is the third leading cause of death within Ventura County, behind disease of the heart and all cancers, according to the 2022 Needs Assessment report recently released by Ventura County Community Health Improvement Collaborative.
While disease of the heart and all cancers rank the same when compared to the state and the nation, Alzheimer’s holds a notably higher ranking for leading cause of death in Ventura County compared to that of California and the United States, which ranks fifth and seventh respectively.
It is unclear why this disease is a more common cause of death in this county than other areas.
However, research does show that Alzheimer’s and other dementias are more prevalent amongst Latino populations; Latinos are about one-and-a-half times as likely as older whites to have the disease.
Ventura County has a large Hispanic/Latino population, making up 44.66% of residents.
Maintaining good heart health through diet and exercise can lessen your risk for developing Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia earlier on in life. The risk appears to increase from many conditions that damage the heart and blood vessels, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Primary data shared within the report reflect that Alzheimer’s and other dementia are part of a significant health need; though less than half (41%) of general respondents chose aging complications—including dementia, falls and social isolation—as an important community health problem.
For the many families who have been affected by dementia, they know firsthand the complications and turmoil that can come with navigating this disease.
And according to the Alzheimer’s Association, the numbers of those who are living with Alzheimer’s will only continue to grow, estimated to reach 840,000 in California by 2025. Currently, there are over 1.2 million Californians providing unpaid care for someone living with the disease.
“While it is an exciting time for research and treatment, the reality is that there is no cure for this disease that impacts so many people, so it is extremely important to keep Alzheimer’s at the forefront of our efforts as a community,” said Janelle Boesch, communications manager at the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter.
The Association calls all Ventura County residents to become educated about Alzheimer’s risk reduction and early detection, as well as best methods for providing care for a loved one living with the disease.
Free support services, including care consultations, support groups and education classes, can be accessed through the Alzheimer’s Association. Their Ventura office is located at 2580 E Main Street #201, and their 24/7 Helpline is 800.272.3900 for around-the-clock support and information in English and Spanish. Visit them online at alz.org/cacentral.
