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

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 Nevada

State, local, territorial and tribal health departments are key partners in implementing a robust public health response to dementia. The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) is improving brain health throughout the state.

The DPBH funded the development of the Dementia Self-Management Program and accompanying Guidebook, which were co-developed with people living with dementia. The program directly addresses common challenges following a dementia diagnosis by offering practical tools, peer insights and structured opportunities to build self-efficacy. The program has been implemented five times, with participants reporting improved confidence, better communication with care partners and providers, and increased engagement in meaningful activities. Over 5,000 guidebooks have been distributed across the state and the digital file is available in an accessible format for free online. By centering the voices of those with lived experience, the program serves as a replicable, person-centered model for public health dementia education.

Working across the levels of prevention

Across the levels of prevention, the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health implements public health programs and interventions to address Alzheimer's through:

• Risk reduction: Implemented strategies and goals for increasing awareness of and access to support services. Raised community awareness about the importance of brain health, provided health and dementia education, and created a partnership with the chronic disease program to educate about dementia risk reduction strategies such as controlling high blood pressure, managing diabetes, and smoking cessation.
• Early detection and diagnosis: Offered education programs to providers and other health care professionals on available data, interventions, appropriate cognitive screening approaches and best practices on Alzheimer’s and other dementia related topics to improve early detection and diagnosis.
• Safety and quality of care: Established four online referral systems between health care systems and organizations to provide dementia self-management education and other dementia risk-reduction activities.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• BOLD Program: Nevada Department of Health and Human Services
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Southern Nevada Health District

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.