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

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 Pennsylvania

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

The PDA houses the state's first-ever Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Related Disorders (ADRD) Office, which was established through legislation. This initiative, supported by a $1.9 million investment, aims to enhance coordination, policy advocacy, and resource allocation for the growing population of individuals affected by dementia and their caregivers and aligns with Pennsylvania’s 10-year aging strategy, Aging Our Way. The ADRD Office is also tasked with updating the state’s plan. Additionally, an Advisory Committee of state officials, agency representatives and experts was appointed to guide the office’s work.

Additionally, the Allegheny County Health Department, a BOLD program awardee and service provider to over 1.2 million residents, created a coalition focused on educating and addressing Alzheimer’s and other dementia. This coalition is composed of community leaders and organizations across the county, and has developed a strategic plan to address dementia throughout Allegheny County and the life course.

Working across the levels of prevention

Across the levels of prevention, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Allegheny County Health Department implement public health programs and interventions to address Alzheimer's through:

• Risk reduction: Renewed grants to the Alzheimer’s Association and Dementia Friends Pennsylvania to advance statewide advocacy, education and outreach, aiming to raise awareness, reduce stigma and enhance caregiver support. Host annual ADRD Forum.
• Early detection and diagnosis: Support the Pennsylvania Department of Health's implementation of Act 9, which focuses on improving early detection and care for individuals with dementia, and mandates the development of educational resources for primary care providers to enhance early diagnosis, care planning and service coordination.
• Safety and quality of care: Collaborated with the Long Term Care Council to update the Direct Careworker Blueprint to focus on improving training and support for direct care workers, especially those serving individuals with dementia and related conditions.
• Dementia caregiving: Created the PA CareKit, a caregiver toolkit offering practical worksheets, personalized materials and resources to support caregivers. Continued implementation of the Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

Public health programs are critical to helping people stay cognitively healthy throughout life. The Allegheny County Health Department in Pennsylvania 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.