Alaska

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

• 8,500 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in Alaska.
• 8.6% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline.
• 25,000 family caregivers bear the burden of the disease in Alaska.
• 39 million hours of unpaid care provided by Alzheimer’s caregivers.
• $795 million is the value of the unpaid care.
• $76 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.

Public health spotlight

In Alaska, the collaborative Alaska Commission on Aging has used data collection — from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) — to inform the next strategic initiatives to address cognitive impairment and dementia in the state.

State plan overview

In 2011, the Alaska Commission on Aging initiated the state planning process. With collaboration from the Division of Public Health, other state agencies, community organizations, mental health professionals, and long-term care providers, the Commission formed a core team responsible for drafting Alaska’s response to Alzheimer’s. After collecting public input, Alaska’s Roadmap to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias was published in December 2014.

Resources for action