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

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 Texas

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

The Texas DSHS launched the Grants to Increase Local Dementia Support (GILDS) program, its first state-funded dementia grants program, to strengthen local support through partnerships with community organizations and providers. Guided by the HBI Road Map, GILDS promotes early detection, caregiver support, provider training and improved community-clinical linkages. Ten GILDS recipients serve 48 counties, many with the highest rates of Alzheimer’s disease, by training dementia resource specialists and conducting outreach based on local needs. These efforts are expanding services and building trust to better support Texans affected by dementia.

Additionally, Cameron County Public Health, a BOLD Program awardee, conducted an Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) Community Health Needs Assessment. They also developed a coalition that is inclusive of other dementia champions (people living with dementia, caregivers, health care professionals, public health professionals, community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations), and drafted a strategic plan and implemented risk reduction, early detection and diagnosis and quality of care and support activities to address the needs of the community.

Case study: Using State BRFSS Data to Drive Grants and Programs

The Texas Department of State Health Services implemented the optional BRFSS Cognitive Decline and Caregiver Modules, using the data to inform programs and secure funding. Results show higher rates of subjective cognitive decline among Black and Hispanic populations and those with multiple chronic conditions — insights that help DSHS target outreach, education, and caregiver support efforts more effectively. Read more about Texas in the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map (PDF).

Working across the levels of prevention

Across the levels of prevention, the Texas DSHS and Cameron County Public Health implement public health programs and interventions to address Alzheimer's through:

• Risk reduction: Established the Alzheimer’s Disease Program (ADP), which contracted with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services to deliver dementia education statewide, emphasizing risk reduction through healthy aging strategies.
• Early detection and diagnosis: Launched a bilingual media and provider education campaign, reaching nearly 44 million people and offering continuing education on early detection and care coordination. In 2024, the website, which serves as a central resource hub, had nearly 245,000 visits. Collaborated with a 300-member partnership to advance state plan goals and reduce the impact of Alzheimer’s and other dementia in Texas. Engaged health care professionals and the public through meetings and presentations to emphasize the importance of early detection and diagnosis of dementia.
• Safety and quality of care: Contracted with the University of Texas at Austin to develop and disseminate educational modules for health care profession students. Developing a First Responder Dementia Training Curriculum to enhance safety and quality of care when responding to emergencies/calls for people living with dementia or their caregivers.
• Dementia caregiving: Distributed the 2024 ADRD Caregiver Survey to identify service gaps and barriers, with 393 responses analyzed and a statewide needs assessment underway with Texas A&M University. Expanding outreach through multilingual resources like A Family’s Guide to Alzheimer’s and the Caregiver Fact Sheet, which both equip family and friends with information about Alzheimer’s disease as well as caregiver resources and supports. Partnered with the Wellmed Charitable Foundation to host monthly support groups, Memory Cafés, and connect caregivers to resources.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• BOLD Program: Texas Department of Health and Human Services, Cameron County Public Health
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Pharr Public Health Department, Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District, Cameron County Public Health, Laredo Public Health Department, Angelina County & Cities Health District
• HBI Road Map Strategists: Cameron County Public Health, Pharr Department of Health, Fort Bend County Health and Human Services

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.