Objective: This study was aimed to probe into the epidemiological characteristics of Alzheimer's disease(AD) among residents in some areas of Liangshan Prefecture and to explore the possible independent factors affecting AD in this area. Methods: With the method of multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling, permanent residents aged 55 and above in this area were selected as in line of the standard subjects of the study. In the first stage, the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and the survey questionnaire were used for on-the-spot screening. Based on the diagnostic criteria of the national institute on aging and the AD association diagnostic guidelines writing group, clinical diagnosis was done. In the second stage, the diagnostic guidelines of the National Institute of Aging and the American Alzheimer's Society were utilized to standardize clinical diagnosis. Results: The data from 2417 valid questionnaires were analyzed. (1) The prevalence rate of AD was 3.91%; (2) To analyze the risk factors and protective factors, Chi-square test was performed. The results indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the prevalence of AD depending on age, nationality, education level, marital status, income, personality, and the degree of chess and card activities, recreational activities (P< 0.05); Further outcomes of Logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR=0.569), ethnicity (OR=0.487), income (OR=0.532), personality (OR=2.282), education levels (OR=0.343), chess and card activities (OR=3.810) and marital status (OR=1.652) had statistically significant effects on the prevalence of AD (P< 0.05). Conclusion: (1) The prevalence of AD in some areas of Liangshan Prefecture is slightly higher than that in other parts of China. (2) Residents with older age (≥65 years old), Yi ethnic group, low income (annual income≤3 600 yuan), low education level (primary school and below) have a high risk of AD; while those with more chess and card activities, positive personality and with spouse have a low risk of AD.