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

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 Louisiana

State, local, territorial and tribal health departments are key partners in implementing a robust public health response to dementia. The Louisiana Department of Health Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Healthcare Access (Well-Ahead Louisiana) is improving brain health throughout the state.

Well-Ahead Louisiana hosted the Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias ECHO®. This virtual training series aimed to increase awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s and other dementia among health care professionals throughout the state, especially in underserved areas. Overall, 60 health care providers and 99 other health care professionals received education and guidance on Alzheimer's and other dementia topics through a series of eight virtual trainings.

Working across the levels of prevention

Across the levels of prevention, the Louisiana Department of Health Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Healthcare Access (Well-Ahead Louisiana) implements public health programs and interventions to address Alzheimer's through:

• Early detection and diagnosis: Partnered with Alter™ to share Alzheimer's and other dementia resources and awareness through faith-based communities, focusing on early detection and diagnosis, and caregivers.
• Safety and quality of care: Conducted a gap analysis to better understand where Alzheimer's and other dementia services were limited. Sent information on Alzheimer's and other dementia, chronic disease prevention, and management programs to 208 health care sites throughout Louisiana to improve community clinical linkages.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• BOLD Program: Louisiana Department of Health
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Louisiana Office of 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.