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

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 South Carolina

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

The SC DPH participated in the Alzheimer’s Association Risk Reduction Learning Collaborative to explore dementia risk reduction across the lifespan. Inspired by this, SC DPH enhanced its Take Brain Health to Heart awareness program to better connect brain health with heart health and chronic disease and to engage broader audiences. SC DPH also partnered with Senior Resources and Area Agencies on Aging to spotlight existing health-promoting activities in senior centers that could incorporate brain health. A toolkit was developed to highlight the brain health activities and include a brain health indicator that links to an educational guide about dementia risk reduction.

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Risk reduction: Collaborated with South Carolina Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center to support the implementation of the five-year statewide Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias plan, which includes strategies for community awareness campaigns about promoting health and reducing risks of dementia and cognitive impairment among those who anticipate entering into caregiving.
• Early detection and diagnosis: Disseminated and analyzed a survey focusing on primary care providers and support needed for assessment tools and training needs.
• Safety and quality of care: Participated in SC DPH Community Clinical Linkages Workgroup to share information on dementia with other stroke, cancer and cardiovascular disease partners.
• Dementia caregiving: Strengthened partnerships with the South Carolina Department on Aging to promote dementia care courses, which provide information about dementia and Alzheimer's disease and best practices for caregivers and loved ones of people living with Alzheimer's and other dementia.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

Public health programs are critical to helping people stay cognitively healthy throughout life. The South Carolina Department of Public Health 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.