CHICAGO, June 15, 2026 — As Alzheimer’s disease continues to affect a growing number of Americans, the Alzheimer’s Association recently convened public health leaders from more than 40 state and local health departments to accelerate a coordinated national response to the dementia crisis.

The second Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Summit for Public Health Action, held June 11-12, brought together state and local health officials, federal partners and subject-matter experts to align strategies, share progress and shape the future of the nation’s public health approach to Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

“Alzheimer’s is one of the most urgent public health challenges facing our country,” said Joanne Pike, DrPH, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association. “This Summit underscores the power of collaboration across federal, state and local partners and the progress we can achieve when we align around a shared strategy.”

With millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s — and numbers expected to rise — public health leaders emphasized the need for faster action, stronger coordination and sustained investment to meet increasing demand for care, support and prevention.

The Summit served as a critical checkpoint for advancing the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map, the nation’s guiding framework for addressing cognitive health through public health systems.

Key Takeaways Driving National Action
Leaders identified several priority areas that will shape the next phase of the national dementia strategy:

• National coordination gaining momentum: State and local health departments reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map and scaling successful models across communities.
• Collective impact accelerating progress: Shared goals on brain health, Alzheimer’s and caregiving are driving public health action.
• Risk reduction as a top priority: Efforts to reduce cognitive decline risk and promote brain health were underscored as essential to improving population health and outcomes.
• Centering lived experience: Insights from an Alzheimer’s Association Early-Stage Advisor highlighted the importance of elevating the voices of people with lived experience in shaping public health initiatives.
• Ensuring access for all communities: Addressing barriers to diagnosis, care and services remains critical to future progress.
• Sustained federal investment essential: Continued funding for brain health, dementia and caregiving programs are critical to maintaining momentum and expanding impact nationwide.

“This is a moment to turn strategy into sustained action,” said Pike. “By aligning public health systems and investing in proven approaches, we can drive meaningful change and ensure every community is better equipped to address dementia.”

Shaping the Future of Alzheimer’s Public Health Strategy
The Summit also marked an important step in developing the next iteration of the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map, expected in Fall 2027. Public health leaders contributed insights to help guide future priorities and ensure strategies reflect the evolving needs of communities nationwide.

Since its launch in 2005 in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Healthy Brain Initiative has helped translate scientific evidence into practical public health action — supporting states and communities in promoting brain health, reducing risk and improving quality of life for those affected by dementia.

Across the two-day meeting, participants engaged in working sessions focused on advancing real-world implementation, including:

• Integrating cognitive health into broader public health systems.
• Promoting brain health and supporting risk reduction strategies.
• Expanding early detection and diagnosis efforts.
• Strengthening caregiver support as part of the care continuum.

Discussions highlighted both progress and persistent challenges, with leaders emphasizing that cross-sector collaboration, combined with sustained investment, will be essential to meeting the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease nationwide.

The Healthy Brain Initiative and the development and dissemination of the HBI Road Map is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $17,025,598 with 100 percent funding by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

About the Healthy Brain Initiative

The Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) improves understanding of brain health as a central part of public health practice. The initiative is guided by the vision that everyone deserves a life with the healthiest brain possible. The HBI creates and supports partnerships, collects and reports data, increases awareness of brain health, supports populations highly impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and promotes the use of its Road Map Series. The HBI Road Map Series provides actionable steps to promote brain health, address cognitive impairment and meet the needs of caregivers.