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

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 Wisconsin

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

Through partnership, the DHS improved brain health, dementia and caregiving education for deaf and hard-of-hearing communities and their families. This included adapting the play "Fortune Cookies" into American Sign Language (ASL), with five performances and post-show discussions. A fully ASL-accessible conference was also held, drawing 130 attendees. Additionally, a series of educational videos on dementia-related topics — including What is Dementia? — is in production to further expand access to vital information.

Case study: Expanding Reach and Access to Care with Public Health and Aging Services Partnerships

The Wisconsin Dementia Care Specialist Program, operating through county-based Aging and Disability Resource Centers, supports individuals with dementia and their families by training local staff, fostering dementia-friendly communities, and providing education and crisis planning. Read more about Wisconsin in the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map (PDF).

Working across the levels of prevention

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

• Risk reduction: Partnered with the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA) to create Let's Be Optimistic About Brain Health and The Mind Body Connection: How metabolic health contributes to brain health, two webinars about brain health.
• Early detection and diagnosis: Collaborated with the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute to establish the Memory Screening in the Community Program, led and executed entirely by Dementia Care Specialists at Aging and Disability Resource Centers, to provide a simple non-diagnostic screen to determine if referral to a physician for a follow-up would be appropriate.
• Safety and quality of care: Supported a statewide conference bringing together service professionals from Adult Protective Services, Crisis Response, Law Enforcement and local attorneys, collaboratively addressing systemic issues and improving responses for individuals living with dementia and their families.
• Dementia caregiving: Supported the creation of a certificate program for allied health professions specific to the health care needs of family caregivers of people living with dementia at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education.

Developing public health infrastructure and expanding capacity

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

• BOLD Program: Wisconsin Department of Health Services
• Risk Reduction Learning Collaboratives: Rusk County Public Health
• HBI Road Map Strategists: Village of Greendale Health Department, Oneida County Health Department, Waukesha County 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.