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

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 Utah

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

The Utah DHHS launched a dedicated Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias website to serve as a centralized, trusted resource for individuals living with dementia, caregivers and professionals. Designed to be easy to navigate, the site has been widely praised by both in-state and out-of-state partners for its clarity and usefulness. It plays a key role in Utah’s public awareness campaigns and is featured across all related materials. The site consolidates information from various partner organizations, reducing the need for users to search multiple sources. Additionally, it allows users to reach the program team directly with questions and receive personalized support. The website is an ongoing initiative aimed at improving access to reliable dementia-related information across the state.

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Risk reduction: Created a public awareness campaign on dementia risk reduction, which began in 2022 and continues annually, focusing on different topics each year through social media, radio and website. In 2024, the Alzheimer's Association Utah Chapter was funded through legislation to expand the campaign into rural areas, enabling the Utah Chapter to use billboards, mailers, radio, social media, and local TV to broaden outreach.
• Early detection and diagnosis: Partnered with the Department of Occupational Licensing to send letters to health care providers highlighting the importance of early detection and providing billing codes, conversation topics and resources for the providers as well as their patients and caregivers.
• Safety and quality of care: Provided dementia education to family caregivers, long-term care facilities and other professionals throughout Utah to help with communication techniques, understanding behaviors and learning how to respond during difficult situations.
• Dementia caregiving: Provided funding to the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to provide programs, purchase supplies for people living with dementia and their caregivers, and purchase exercise equipment for a brain health exercise center in a rural area. Collaborated with the AAAs to provide Dementia Live experiences statewide and the National Family Caregiver Support Program to share dementia resources.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Tooele County Health Department
• HBI Road Map Strategists: Davis County Health Department

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.