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

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 Idaho

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

The Department of Health and Welfare has created a dementia coalition including organizations from 14 sectors representing populations impacted by dementia, which serves as a collective voice to address Alzheimer's and other dementia in Idaho through expanding awareness, services and support.

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Risk reduction: Increased the knowledge and skills of the current and future workforce by incorporating brain health information into school curricula.

• Safety and quality of care: Provided training to public safety and emergency responders.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• BOLD Program: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Central District Health, Southwest District Health
• HBI Road Map Strategists: Central Health District

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.