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

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 Virginia

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

The VDH assisted with the formal establishment of the Virginia Memory Project (VMP), a statewide epidemiological registry. Codified into law in 2024, the VMP integrates self-reported data and medical claims to monitor Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, aiming to inform policy decisions and improve care coordination across the state. In 2024, the VMP had identified over 700,000 cases of Alzheimer's and other dementia across Virginia, including early-onset and rare forms. This comprehensive data collection has enabled policymakers and public health officials to pinpoint areas with high prevalence, facilitating targeted resource allocation and informed policy development.

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Risk reduction: Educated high-risk populations about modifiable risk factors for dementia and launched culturally responsive public health campaigns. Partnered with over 500 Community Service Centers statewide to distribute risk reduction materials and host outreach events, reaching both rural and urban communities.
• Early detection and diagnosis: Developed provider toolkits to promote early detection, culturally responsive care, and enhanced caregiver support. Launched two Community Health Worker training modules to expand education access.
• Safety and quality of care: Supported dementia training for first responders through Virginia Commonwealth University’s Approaching Alzheimer’s program and Eastern Virginia Medical School’s EMS and law enforcement initiative. Launched a statewide Dementia Messaging Workgroup to standardize communications, align messaging across agencies, and promote best practices.
• Dementia caregiving: Supported caregivers by increasing awareness of dementia, connecting caregivers to services, and offering training opportunities. Reached over 1,100 caregivers in nearly 100 caregiver-focused education sessions, with additional outreach expanding access to dementia-related support and information 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 Virginia are developing infrastructure and expanding capacity through these programs:

• BOLD Program: Virginia Department of Health
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Virginia Beach Department of Public 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.