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

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 New York

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

The New York State Department of Health contracts with ten Centers for Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease (CEADs) across the state. These centers act as regional leaders in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. Typically connected to major medical institutions and teaching hospitals, the CEADs offer a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to cognitive assessments and care planning. Through their expert teams, individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or similar conditions — and their caregivers — are connected to appropriate community-based resources and support services.

Additionally, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, a BOLD program awardee and service provider to over eight million residents, formed an Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) coalition and developed a strategic plan.

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Early detection and diagnosis: Increased public messaging about brain health and the benefits of early detection and diagnosis of dementia.
• Safety and quality of care: Increased the knowledge and skills of the current and future workforce by training 30 public health professionals in one year.
• Dementia caregiving: Increased public knowledge and use of services for people living with dementia and their caregivers with messaging that reached over 37,000 people.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• BOLD Program: New York State Department of Health, New York City Department of Health
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Resources for public health professionals

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.