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

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 Colorado

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

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched Talk About Dementia, a public awareness campaign to elevate public awareness about dementia, reduce stigma, and foster meaningful dialogue between individuals and their health care providers. The campaign leveraged insights gathered through public engagement, which assessed the knowledge and understanding of Alzheimer’s and other dementia within Colorado communities. The campaign's media strategy was diverse and impactful, yielding over 12.5 million impressions.

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Early detection and diagnosis: Partnered with the University of Colorado Practice Innovation Program to create a free e-learning module, "Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Primary Care: Addressing Risk Factors, Early Diagnosis, and Care Planning," which aims to equip primary care teams with essential knowledge and skills related to Alzheimer's and other dementia. The module, which offers two American Academy of Family Physicians Continuing Medical Education credits upon completion, has been distributed to various organizations throughout Colorado, including rural community partners and medical societies.
• Safety and quality of care: Partnered with Dementia Friendly Denver and the Alzheimer’s Association to create Community Education Partners (CEP), which leverages established curricula from the Alzheimer’s Association. The CEP initiative collaborates with and empowers community leaders across the state to facilitate, promote or host educational sessions that aim to enhance community awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's and other dementia.
• Dementia caregiving: Established an advisory panel of care partners for people living with Alzheimer's and other dementia to provide input into activities related to the implementation of Colorado Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias State Plan.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• BOLD Program: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Arapahoe County Public Health
• HBI Road Map Strategists: Tri-County Health Department, Adams County Health Department

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.