Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health crisis in Alabama. The impact of Alzheimer’s is projected to rise, and the most recent data show:

  • 96,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in Alabama.
  • 14.3% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline.
  • 216,000 family caregivers bear the burden of the disease in Alabama.
  • 385 million hours of unpaid care provided by Alzheimer’s caregivers.
  • $5.2 billion is the value of the unpaid care.
  • $925 million is the cost of Alzheimer’s to the state Medicaid program.

These numbers show that a public health approach is necessary to lessen the burden and enhance the quality of life for those living with cognitive impairment and their families.

Learn more about Alabama: Alzheimer’s Statistics (PDF), Cognitive Decline (PDF), Dementia Caregiving (PDF), Risk Factors (PDF), County-Level Alzheimer's Prevalence (PDF)


Tribes in your state

Use the HBI Road Map for Indian Country to start conversations with tribal leaders on public health actions that can be taken to support brain health and caregivers. Find tribal leaders and federally recognized tribes in your state: Tribal Leaders Directory.

Public health spotlight

Explore public health action against Alzheimer’s

Learn more about areas essential to addressing Alzheimer's from a public health perspective.

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In Alabama, the Alabama Department of Public Health had one of its divisions — the Alabama Public Health Training Network — conduct a webcast for public health professionals about Alzheimer’s basics, with a free continuing education unit (CEU) available for state employees. The Alabama Department of Public Health mails out topic sheets — on dementia caregiving and the warning signs of Alzheimer’s — to individuals who call for more information.

State plan overview

In May 2012, the Alabama Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force was established (House Joint Resolution 433). The Task Force was charged with assessing the impact of Alzheimer’s disease, examining the existing service delivery system, and developing strategies to respond to this crisis within the state. The Task Force included representatives from state agencies, health care organizations, and community organizations as well as state legislators, caregivers, researchers and individuals living with the disease. In April 2015, the State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias in Alabama was published.

Resources for action

State and local public health agencies around the country are taking action against Alzheimer’s by implementing the Healthy Brain Initiative: State and Local Road Map for Public Health, 2023–2027. Public health practitioners can learn by example and find resources to help guide their response below.  

Alabama Implementation
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Alabama Department of Public Health Alabama Department of Public Health had one of its divisions, Alabama Public Health Training Network, conduct a webcast for public health professionals about Alzheimer’s basics, with a free CEU available for state employees. Nearly 200 people participated.

 
Alabama Resources
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Risk Factors + Risk Reduction

Alzheimer's Association Fact Sheet: Subjective Cognitive Decline in Alabama

Caregivers + BRFSS

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infographic: Caregiving in Alabama

BRFSS + Cognitive Decline

Alzheimer's Association Fact Sheet: Subjective Cognitive Decline in Alabama (2019)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infographic: Subjective Cognitive Decline in Alabama (2019)
Alzheimer's Association Fact Sheet: Cognitive Decline in Alabama (2015)
Alzheimer's Association Infographic: Cognitive Decline in Alabama (2015)
Alzheimer's Association Fact Sheet: Cognitive Decline in Alabama (2012)

BRFSS + Caregivers

Alzheimer's Association Fact Sheet: Dementia Caregiving in Alabama (2015)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infographic: Caregiving in Alabama (2015)

Care and Advance Planning

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infographic: Subjective Cognitive Decline in Alabama