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

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 Oregon

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

The OHA Public Health Division held community listening sessions to inform the formation of an Alzheimer's and other dementia coalition and is convening a cross-sector, statewide Strategic Leadership Group to feature a stronger life course perspective in goals and strategies of the new state plan.

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Risk reduction: Increased messaging on dementia risk reduction and brain health across other chronic disease and health promotion communications and strategic plans.
• Safety and quality of care: Increased partnership with the state's Aging and People with Disabilities department to ensure strategic actions around increasing quality of care and protections for people living with Alzheimer's and other dementia.
• Dementia caregiving: Held community listening sessions with dementia caregivers to inform strategic planning. The Strategic Leadership Group developing the Alzheimer's disease and other dementia state plan includes members with caregiver lived experience to ensure strategic actions are relevant and impactful.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

Public health programs are critical to helping people stay cognitively healthy throughout life. The Oregon Health Authority 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.