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

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 Tennessee

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

The TDH has taken steps toward becoming a more dementia-capable state by establishing the Office of Healthy Aging and appointing a State Dementia Director. These initiatives elevate brain health as a public health priority, support early diagnosis and treatment, and ensure caregivers and communities are equipped with the tools and data needed for effective care. Through strategic partnerships and funding, Tennessee is building a sustainable infrastructure that integrates dementia care across sectors, strengthens the caregiving workforce, and promotes lifelong risk reduction. The ultimate goal is to create an age-friendly, dementia-capable environment where all Tennesseans can thrive.

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Risk reduction: Advanced dementia risk reduction through public health campaigns, professional training, TN TRAIN expansion, community and faith training, and statewide implementation of the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map, which is integrated into the Tennessee Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia State Plan.
• Early detection and diagnosis: Expanded professional training, personalized support services and training, and cross-sector collaboration. These efforts aim to equip providers with tools to recognize early signs of dementia and connect individuals to timely care and planning resources.
• Safety and quality of care: Enhanced care coordination, strengthened respite resources, and enhanced data infrastructure and inter-agency and cross-sector collaboration. These efforts aim to ensure individuals with dementia receive person-centered, high-quality care in safe and supportive environments, while also expanding access to services in underserved areas and aligning care practices with best-practice dementia standards.
• Dementia caregiving: Provided caregiver support through personalized navigation services. Supported the implementation and expansion of innovative respite practices and local health departments to implement initiatives for caregivers and emergency planning and cross-sector and national collaboration. These efforts aim to reduce caregiver burden, improve care coordination, and ensure equitable access to resources for families across the state.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• BOLD Program: Tennessee Department of Health
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Obion County Health Department, Weakley County Health Department
• HBI Road Map Strategists: Knox County Health Department
• Alzheimer's and Dementia Care ECHO® Program for Public Health Professionals Pilot site with 38 local 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.