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

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 Iowa

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

Iowa HHS presented to nearly 600 Iowans at small-town libraries in the past two years and created Memory Kits to benefit caregivers and people living with dementia. Kits were designed to provide activities for multiple senses and stages of Alzheimer's, as well as resources and information for caregivers and a children's book. As a result, libraries reported feeling more connected to the resources around them and are tracking kit distribution.

Case study: Convening Dementia Care Summit to Spur Action and Collaboration

After creating Iowa’s new dementia strategic plan, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Program Coalition hosted a statewide Dementia Care Summit to engage decision-makers, raise awareness and spark collaboration — drawing 90 participants and featuring high-level speakers. It resulted in new partnerships, actionable strategies and expanded Coalition membership. Read more about Iowa in the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map (PDF).

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Risk reduction: Educated Iowans on dementia risk reduction and lifestyle changes based on the latest research.
• Early detection and diagnosis: Educated Iowans about the importance of early detection, available medications and biomarker tests, the latest research, the Annual Medicare Wellness Visit and more.
• Dementia caregiving: Established a caregiver program that highlights creative ways to respond to behaviors, overarching themes to keep in mind during interactions with someone living with dementia, communication tips and more.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• BOLD Program: Iowa Department of Public Health
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Emmet County Public Health, Cerro Gordo (CG) Public Health

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.