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

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 Maryland

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

The MDH advanced dementia care through the BOLD Program award and statewide partnerships, expanding education, early detection and provider training. Since launching these efforts, over 26,000 Marylanders have been reached through more than 270 events. Hundreds of health care providers have been trained, and the Be Kind to Your Mind campaign generated over 112 million impressions. Additionally, MDH hosted a statewide forum, which engaged 100 community leaders representing diverse sector organizations across the state, and 17 organizations committed to actionable steps aligned with Maryland’s Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementia State Plan goals.

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Risk reduction: Awarded grants to six local health departments (LHDs) and leveraged state funds to support six community-based organizations (CBOs) to increase public awareness and promote dementia risk reduction.
• Early detection and diagnosis: Leveraged state and federal funding to enable CBOs and LHDs to offer culturally relevant training and education on early detection and diagnosis to health care teams in private practices and at federally qualified health centers.
• Safety and quality of care: Participated in the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Council, which delivered three training sessions on long-term dementia care navigation, disseminated statewide resources and presentations on care needs, and advocated for systemic change by urging medical schools to integrate Alzheimer's and other dementia specific training into their curricula. The Council also expanded community engagement by hosting public meetings to inform and educate the community on Alzheimer's and other dementia care and treatment.
• Dementia caregiving: Provided grants to local organizations to support caregivers for people living with dementia through education for caregivers, focusing on topics such as caregiver stress and health, getting short-term help, planning for legal and financial matters, and options for long-term care. This initiative held 36 state-wide events, both in-person and online, reaching nearly 400 caregivers and over 200 healthcare providers.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• BOLD Program: Maryland Department of Health
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Charles County Department of Health, Baltimore City Health Department
• HBI Road Map Strategists: Baltimore City Health Department, Garrett 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.