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

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 Oklahoma

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

The OSDH released the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias State Plan: 2023-2027 and established the Oklahoma Healthy Brain Initiative (OHBI) Coalition, comprised of over 50 organizations and individuals. Coalition workgroups identified the need for resource guides tailored to professionals and caregivers, including the Basic Dementia Care Guide. The OSDH also partnered with the Oklahoma Dementia Care Network and the Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter to create a statewide Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training, including certified training for First Responders.

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Risk reduction: Conducted an advertising campaign to raise public awareness about dementia risk reduction, reaching millions of Oklahomans.
• Early detection and diagnosis: Coordinated with the Oklahoma Dementia Care Network and the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority to educate providers about the importance of early detection and diagnosis and give them resources to aid in diagnosis. Resources were posted on the OHBI website and promoted to providers through the OHBI network.
• Safety and quality of care: Partnered with the Dementia Friendly America Network to launch Dementia Friendly Oklahoma, a program that recognizes businesses, organizations, and health systems as partners once staff complete a dementia training. By December 2024, all Oklahoma State Department of Health County Health Departments had completed the training and were recognized as Dementia Friendly Oklahoma partners. In total, 106 organizations across all 77 counties have been designated as Dementia Friendly Oklahoma Partners.
• Dementia caregiving: Partnered with the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative (OHAI) to add new programs, including Savvy Caregiver and Dementia Dialogues.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• BOLD Program: Oklahoma State Department Of Health
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Comanche County Health Department
• Alzheimer's and Dementia Care ECHO® Program for Public Health Professionals Pilot site with 12 county health departments in the state

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.