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

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 Georgia

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

The DPH team, in partnership with the Georgia Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (GARD) Collaborative, launched a series of on-demand “Dementia 101” microlearning modules for public health professionals and first responders. These short, accessible trainings cover key topics like Alzheimer’s basics, brain health, caregiver impact and early detection, and offer EMS-approved continuing education credits. Over 240 EMS credits have been awarded across Georgia and beyond, reaching professionals in rural, suburban and urban areas, especially in regions with high Alzheimer's prevalence.

Case study: Building Community Partnerships to Expand Reach and Foster Sustainability

In 2018, the Georgia Department of Public Health launched Think About It, a statewide campaign to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s early detection and risk reduction, which has since expanded through partnerships with universities, public health agencies, rural extension offices and community organizations. Read more about Georgia in the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map (PDF).

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Risk reduction: Partnered with the University of Georgia’s Cognitive Aging Research and Education Center and the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter to provide risk reduction education in rural communities throughout the state. Included brain health messaging in chronic disease programming.
• Early detection and diagnosis: Partnered with Georgia Memory Net to expand access to screenings through a telehealth project in 10 Georgia counties. Patients can choose to attend their two diagnostic visits at the health department, accessing telehealth via a tablet, instead of traveling to a memory assessment clinic.
• Safety and quality of care: Collaborated with partners in the DPH Injury Prevention Program on a Fall Prevention Nature Walk, which engages participants through informational boards that incorporate evidence-based national resources, self-assessments, checklists and community resources connected to fall risk and fall prevention. The goal of the project is to spark conversations in communities about fall prevention across the lifespan and to provide participants with resources they can use daily to prevent falls.
• Dementia caregiving: Supported Alter™, a faith-based initiative that works within the culture of African American faith-based communities to introduce topics related to Alzheimer's and other dementia, including caregiver education, environmental modifications, and implementation or expansion of dementia resources and support programs in a person-centered way.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• BOLD Program: Georgia Department of Public Health
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Lamar County Health Department, Macon-Bibb County Health Department
• HBI Road Map Strategists: Emanuel County Health Department, West Central Health District, Lamar 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.