Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health crisis in Washington, D.C. The impact of Alzheimer’s is projected to rise, and the most recent data show:

  • 8,900 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in Washington, D.C.
  • 8.8% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline.
  • 14,000 family caregivers bear the burden of the disease in Washington, D.C.
  • 15 million hours of unpaid care provided by Alzheimer’s caregivers.
  • $333 million is the value of the unpaid care.
  • $126 million is the cost of Alzheimer’s to the state Medicaid program.

These numbers show that a public health approach is necessary to lessen the burden and enhance the quality of life for those living with cognitive impairment and their families.

Learn more about Washington, D.C.: Alzheimer’s Statistics (PDF), Cognitive Decline (PDF), Risk Factors (PDF)

Public health spotlight

The D.C. Department of Health incorporated brain health messaging in its smoking cessation campaigns.

Explore public health action against Alzheimer’s

Learn more about areas essential to addressing Alzheimer's from a public health perspective.

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In January 2020, the D.C. Department of Health (DC DOH) created a new full-time position specifically to address dementia. In 2020, DC DOH will survey dementia services within the district.

In September 2020, the D.C. Department of Health, in partnership with George Washington University Institute for Brain Health and Dementia, published a report examining the prevalence of dementia and cognitive decline risk factors within the District, as well as comprehensively assessing the needs of caregivers. A companion resources and services guide was also released.

In September 2021, the D.C. Department of Health formed a Brain Health Coalition tasked with working to update its Alzheimer’s State Plan.

Washington, D.C. plan overview

In 2012 the District of Columbia Office on Aging (DCOA) established a workgroup of community partners and stakeholders throughout the District to develop an Alzheimer’s plan. In 2013, the District of Columbia State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease 2014-2019 was published to mitigate the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and improve access to benefits for those affected within the District.

Resources for action

State and local public health agencies around the country are taking action against Alzheimer’s by implementing the Healthy Brain Initiative: State and Local Road Map for Public Health, 2023–2027. Public health practitioners can learn by example and find resources to help guide their response below.  

Washington, D.C. Implementation
State:
Issue:

District of Columbia Department of Health DC Department of Health conducted a comprehensive needs assessment of existing dementia services to identify service and workforce gaps
District of Columbia Department of Health DC Department of Health conducted a caregiver outreach campaign through radio and print media, and held a caregiver conference to increase knowledge of supports and services

 
Washington, D.C. Resources
State:
Issue:

Risk Factors + Risk Reduction

Alzheimer's Association Fact Sheet: Subjective Cognitive Decline in Washington, DC

Caregivers + BRFSS

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infographic: Caregiving in Washington, DC (2016)

BRFSS + Cognitive Decline

Alzheimer's Association Fact Sheet: Cognitive Decline in DC (2020)
Alzheimer's Association Fact Sheet: Subjective Cognitive Decline in Washington, DC (2019)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infographic: Subjective Cognitive Decline in Washington, DC (2019)
Alzheimer's Association Fact Sheet: Cognitive Decline in D.C. (2015)
Alzheimer's Association Infographic: Cognitive Decline in D.C. (2015)
Alzheimer's Association Fact Sheet: Cognitive Decline in D.C. (2012)

BRFSS + Caregivers

Alzheimer's Association Fact Sheet: Dementia Caregiving in D.C. (2016) (2016)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infographic: Caregiving in DC (2016)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infographic: Caregiving in Washington, DC (2016) (2016)

Care and Advance Planning

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infographic: Subjective Cognitive Decline in Washington, DC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infographic: Caregiving in Washington, DC (2016)