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

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 Illinois

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

The IDPH, along with other partners in the Illinois Brain Health Project, developed a multichannel campaign to boost brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s and other dementia, particularly for high-risk communities. Your Brain Will Thank You shares actions you can take every day that have been found to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Safety and quality of care: Developed the Basic Core Competencies for Working with or Interacting with Persons Living with Dementia and their Care Partners (PDF) for providers and care partners to enhance the care and quality of life for people living with dementia in Illinois and empower the workforce to become more dementia capable. 

• Dementia caregiving: Trained Community Health Workers (CHWs) to best support dementia caregivers and tracked referral patterns between community-based organizations and CHWs providing dementia education.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• BOLD Program: Illinois Department of Health and Welfare
• HBI Road Map Strategists: Clay 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.