Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health crisis in California, 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 California

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 California

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

The CDPH Alzheimer’s Disease Program completed its second iteration (2022-2025) of the California Healthy Brain Initiative in partnership with 13 local health jurisdictions (LHJs) to implement public health strategies that promote brain health, address dementia and support people with dementia and their caregivers. Using the HBI Road Map, California’s LHJs are integrating cognitive decline into public health practice with a focus on health equity. They are delivering dementia-related services in risk reduction, early detection and caregiving, and measuring success through educational outreach, professional training and strengthened community partnerships.

Additionally, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is a BOLD program awardee and service provider to over 10 million residents. It developed the Los Angeles County Strategic Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias to guide local institutions in implementing actionable, life course-based solutions. Implementation is driven by the Healthy Brain LA Coalition, a network of over 90 diverse partners working collaboratively to align resources, close service gaps, and strengthen support systems for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers throughout Los Angeles County.

Case study: Increasing Impact through State and Local Health Department Partnerships

The California Healthy Brain Initiative was piloted by six local health departments using state funding to integrate brain health into public health efforts, resulting in tailored community solutions, over 100 new partnerships, multilingual media campaigns, and extensive public and professional education — demonstrating the value of prevention, awareness, and collaboration in addressing Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Read more about California in the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map (PDF).

Working across the levels of prevention

Across the levels of prevention, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health implements public health programs and interventions to address Alzheimer's through:

• Early detection and diagnosis: Hosted a health system summit to evaluate current dementia-related interventions and set future priorities in Los Angeles County, leading to valuable knowledge-sharing among health care organizations and resulting in a new partnership with a Federally Qualified Health Center to pilot a more structured approach to dementia screening and referrals.

• Dementia caregiving: Partnered with the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center to develop a toolkit, Conversations That Matter, to help providers better support dementia caregivers. The toolkit features five modules on key caregiving challenges — such as emotional and physical strain, financial stress and communication pathways — with practical scripts to guide meaningful conversations and connect caregivers to appropriate services.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

Public health programs are critical to helping people stay cognitively healthy throughout life. Health departments in California are developing infrastructure and expanding capacity through these programs:

• BOLD Program: California Department of Public Health, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Sacramento County Public Health, Sonoma County Department of Health Services, Alameda County Public Health Department, Riverside University Health System - Public Health, County of Santa Clara Public Health Department
• HBI Road Map Strategists: Placer County Public Health Division, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Riverside County Department of Public Health

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.