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

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 Florida

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

The DOH leads the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), which recognizes Alzheimer’s and other dementia as a priority. The Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Priority Area Workgroup focuses on enhancing the state’s response through three main areas: raising awareness, providing workforce training and education, and supporting caregivers. As part of these efforts, two key resources were developed to educate and assist Florida families: the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Resource Guide (PDF) and the Caregiver Toolkit (PDF). The ongoing dissemination of these resources has been successful in reaching previously unidentified people in need of support.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Florida Department of Health in Marion County
• HBI Road Map Strategists: Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, Florida Department of Health in Nassau County

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.