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

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 Missouri

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

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services expanded dementia education by partnering with community organizations like senior centers, YMCAs, employers, and faith-based groups to host programs in familiar, accessible locations. These efforts aim to increase public knowledge about Alzheimer’s and other dementia, promote early detection, and improve health outcomes and quality of life for people living with Alzheimer's and other dementia and their caregivers. The program reached over 6,000 people in its first year and more than 5,000 in the second year. Post-event data show strong results demonstrating increased knowledge.

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Early detection and diagnosis: Hosted a series of town halls across Missouri that focused on advances in Alzheimer’s detection, treatment, care and research.
• Safety and quality of care: Hosted education programs across the regions of Missouri on safety and quality of care.
• Dementia caregiving: Launched a social marketing campaign to engage adults 45 and older in the urban core, aiming to raise awareness of the vital role of caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The campaign emphasized the importance of caregiver self-care and highlighted available resources. It was supported by community-based educational activities designed to increase public understanding of Alzheimer’s and related dementia.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• BOLD Program: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Stone County Health Department, Webster County Health Unit

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.