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

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 Maine

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

Through the Maine Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Coalition, DHHS is working with public and private partners to address Alzheimer’s and other dementia using a collective impact model. Guided by the HBI Road Map, the Coalition selected 22 priority actions from over 200 recommendations and is now implementing strategies in six key areas: access to care, caregiver support, public awareness and education, legal and safety issues, research and data, and workforce development. These efforts aim to build a more dementia-capable state by improving services and support for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Risk reduction: Partnered with the Alzheimer's Association to develop a statewide Alzheimer's and other dementia communications plan, dementia risk reduction social media toolkit, and resource catalog, which were disseminated through the Maine HBI Coalition.
• Early detection and diagnosis: Collaborated with the Office of Aging and Disability Services and Alzheimer's Association to initiate the development of a statewide caregiver support process map aimed at improving coordination and access to resources.
• Safety and quality of care: Conducted an environmental scan of Alzheimer's and related dementia training for health professionals to identify gaps in training offerings and opportunities for future development.
• Dementia caregiving: Collaborated with the Office of Aging and Disability Services and Alzheimer's Association to develop a statewide caregiver support process map.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

Public health programs are critical to helping people stay cognitively healthy throughout life. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is developing infrastructure and expanding capacity through these programs:

• BOLD Program
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives

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.