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

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 Mississippi

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

The Mississippi State Department of Health was the first public health agency to adopt the Alter™ Program, a faith-based model to provide culturally tailored dementia education, caregiver support, and resource navigation in African American churches. Over 10 African American faith-based organizations have become active partners in dementia education and outreach, reaching hundreds of congregants with culturally appropriate information on dementia risk reduction and caregiving. They now serve as trusted hubs for dementia support, offering navigation resources, trained leaders and community events. The program is ongoing, with the ultimate goal of building dementia-friendly faith communities to reduce stigma, support early intervention, and improve quality of life for those impacted by dementia.

Case study: Coalition Building for Collective Impact

In 2022, Mississippi updated its statewide dementia strategic plan to expand public health efforts in brain health and early detection, uniting diverse partners — including tribal and disability communities — under five goal areas and training Health Equity Ambassadors to lead culturally informed outreach and education in disproportionately affected populations. Read more about Mississippi in the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map (PDF).

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Risk reduction: Integrated brain health education into chronic disease programs focused on tobacco cessation, diabetes management and cardiovascular health to raise awareness of the connection between chronic conditions and dementia risk. Enhanced access to brain health resources and messages through community-clinical linkages in faith-based communities, libraries, senior centers, clinical settings, community-based organizations and social support networks.
• Early detection and diagnosis: Hosted annual Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Education (CE) events for nurses, social workers and community health workers to increase professional development and strengthen collaboration, enhance early detection, promote risk reduction strategies, and improve care coordination for patients showing signs of cognitive decline. Outcomes include increased provider knowledge, expanded use of cognitive assessment tools, and stronger referral pathways to community-based support programs.
• Safety and quality of care: Partnered with AARP Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA) to train older adults as Healthy Aging Champions on emergency preparedness and fraud and scam prevention, with the goal of equipping older adults with tools to stay safe and informed.
• Dementia caregiving: Expanded access to evidence-based lifestyle management programs for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, aiming to reduce stress, promote self-care and enhance caregiving skills. Implemented programs to support physical activity, fall prevention and social engagement, including A Matter of Balance, Bingocize, Savvy Caregiver, and Caregiver University with The MIND Center at UMMC.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

Public health programs are critical to helping people stay cognitively healthy throughout life. The Mississippi State Department of Health 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.