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

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 Vermont

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

The Vermont Department of Health is expanding Dementia Friendly Vermont through integration into the Chronic Disease Designee workplan, including the development of a sector-specific checklist for dementia-friendly status for libraries and faith communities. The checklist was used in a pilot project and has been launched statewide. The Vermont Department of Health has also been recognized by the Trust for America's Health as an Age-Friendly Public Health System.

Case study: Public Health Workforce Training for Brain Health and Chronic Diseases

During Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Vermont’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Program collaborated across public health sectors to promote dementia risk reduction, early detection, and caregiver support through educational events, integrated messaging, and a successful online campaign that significantly increased engagement with chronic disease prevention resources. Read more about Vermont in the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map (PDF).

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Risk reduction: Established chronic disease and brain health campaigns featuring My Healthy VT as a call to action to enroll into diabetes, hypertension and tobacco cessation self-management courses.
• Early detection and diagnosis: Delivered three Project ECHO® Program series addressing dementia diagnosis, care and management. Supported monthly Alzheimer's disease and other dementia Hub & Spoke meetings to continue building infrastructure for screening, diagnosis and care. Produced a subjective cognitive decline data brief that explored risk for priority populations and the public at large.
• Safety and quality of care: Developed a training to educate providers on new treatments and safety measures.
• Dementia caregiving: Developed a social media campaign showcasing the faces of caregiving in Vermont, including 10 caregiver biographies and their commitments to providing care to their loved ones living with dementia. Also produced a data brief, Caregiving in Vermont, which showcases relevant quantitative data and the personal stories of four Vermont caregivers.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• BOLD Program: Vermont Department of Health
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: White River Junction Office of Local Health, Springfield Office of Local Health

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.