Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health crisis in Arizona, and the impact of Alzheimer’s is projected to rise. A comprehensive public health approach is essential to improve community health, support the well-being of those living with cognitive decline and their families, and reduce the risk of dementia throughout communities. The most recent data show:

Fact sheets on Alzheimer's and dementia in Arizona

View and download state-specific fact sheets for the latest data on each topic: 

Learn more about how these data are collected in the annual Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

Public health progress in Arizona

State, local, territorial and tribal health departments are key partners in implementing a robust public health response to dementia. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is improving brain health throughout the state.

The ADHS is partnering with state and local partners to develop trainings on Alzheimer’s and other dementia awareness and risk reduction for clinicians, Community Health Workers (CHWs), and other health professionals. ADHS provides technical assistance and support for counties participating in the Health in Arizona Policy Initiative (HAPI) Program, which focuses on innovative solutions to address the four leading causes of chronic disease death.

Additionally, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, a BOLD program awardee and the third largest health jurisdiction in the country, is improving brain health on a local level. They are promoting a Using Data Webinar Series on using Alzheimer’s and other dementia data to support early detection and risk reduction efforts and better understand the disparities that individuals living with dementia and their caregivers experience. To enhance data accuracy and expand collection efforts, the webinar aims to encourage increased involvement from local healthcare and community and public health professionals. Learn about the Maricopa County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) data collection.

Working across the levels of prevention

Across the levels of prevention, the Arizona Department of Health Services and Maricopa County Department of Public Health implement public health programs and interventions to address Alzheimer's through:

• Risk reduction: Launched a Healthy Brain campaign to educate on the impacts that chronic diseases and chronic disease management have on brain health and cognitive decline. Formed the Maricopa County Healthy Brain Initiative Coalition with over 40 partners, prioritizing strategies for the Arizona Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia State Plan using the HBI Road Map.

• Early detection and diagnosis: Collaborated with the Alzheimer’s Association on a statewide Dementia Awareness Campaign focused on brain health, early detection and stigma reduction, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Hosted an education session for BOLD coalition members highlighting Banner Health Alzheimer’s Institute’s ECHO Program to increase awareness and promote greater clinical capacity for dementia care.

• Dementia caregiving: Host an annual Caregiver Summit for caregiver education, peer networking, promoting sustainable caregiving and community resource awareness, and providing respite care. Partner with state and local partners to launch a centralized online resource hub for caregivers.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

Public health programs are critical to helping people stay cognitively healthy throughout life. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health in Arizona is developing infrastructure and expanding capacity through these programs:

• BOLD Program
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives

Resources for public health professionals

Tools from the Alzheimer's Association provide public health strategies that public health professionals can use to improve brain health and support caregivers and people living with dementia in your community.

Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map

This guidebook provides state and local public health agencies with 24 actions to act quickly and strategically to effect positive changes in policies, systems and environments.

HBI Road Map for American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples

Find 13 public health strategies to help American Indian and Alaska Native communities improve brain health, address dementia and support caregivers.

Public Health Curriculum

This curriculum is designed for public health students, educators and professionals.

Risk Reduction

Public health can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's across the lifespan by promoting being physically active, quitting smoking, and being heart-healthy.
 

Early Detection & Diagnosis

Public health professionals can educate the community and health care providers on the benefits of early detection and help reduce barriers to diagnosis.

Caregiver Support

Public health can raise awareness of caregiver needs and help develop support and resources.