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

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 Rhode Island

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

RIDOH and United Healthcare partnered with the Care Transformation Collaborative of Rhode Island (CTC-RI) to support primary care practices in improving care for older adults and people with dementia. Through a six-month quality improvement project using the Age-Friendly Health System 4M Framework, 11 practices worked toward Age-Friendly Health Systems recognition from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).

Case study: Implementing Measurement and Improving Primary Care Through Innovative Partnerships

The Rhode Island Department of Health launched a statewide Quality Improvement Collaborative in 2022 to identify and implement dementia focused quality improvement measures within primary care practices throughout the state. Read more about Rhode Island in the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map (PDF).

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Early detection and diagnosis: Reached over 350 people through community-focused educational workshops. Post-event surveys showed that 100% of participants learned something new about Alzheimer’s and dementia, and all reported increased awareness of resources available through the Alzheimer’s Association. In partnership with nine community-based organizations and care networks, this data-driven outreach helps individuals take timely action, supports caregivers, and strengthens the overall system of care for those affected by dementia.
• Safety and quality of care: Developed "Building Dementia Competence: Advanced Skills for Effective Care & Support," a certificate program launched with Rhode Island College (RIC)’s Institute for Education in Healthcare to strengthen dementia care skills among direct care workers and students. The August-September 2024 pilot cohort of 11 participants reported notable gains in dementia knowledge, person-centered care, and training adequacy. The program will continue at RIC to promote high-quality, dementia-competent care.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

Public health programs are critical to helping people stay cognitively healthy throughout life. The Rhode Island Department of Health is developing infrastructure and expanding capacity through these programs:

• BOLD Program
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives
• HBI Road Map Strategists

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.