Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health crisis in Washington, D.C., 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 Washington, D.C.

View and download 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 Washington, D.C.

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

The District of Columbia Department of Health established the Brain Health Advisory Coalition (BHAC), which engages multiple sectors and leverages the expertise of diverse partners for collective impact. The BHAC is comprised of people living with dementia, caregivers, advocates, private, non-profit and public organizations. It serves as a collaborative platform and has played an integral role in determining and prioritizing key goals and objectives for the District of Columbia Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias 2024-2028.

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Risk reduction: Implemented a mass-media education campaign to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia, leading residents to a resource-rich website for the latest information on improving brain health, dementia risk reduction and resources.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

Public health programs are critical to helping people stay cognitively healthy throughout life. The District of Columbia Department of Health is developing infrastructure and expanding capacity through these programs:

• BOLD Program
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives

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.