Wyoming

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

• 10,100 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in Wyoming.
• 11.2% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline.
• 16,000 family caregivers bear the burden of the disease in Wyoming.
• 21 million hours of unpaid care provided by Alzheimer’s caregivers.
• $382 million is the value of the unpaid care.
• $86 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 Wyoming: Alzheimer’s Statistics, Cognitive Decline, Dementia Caregiving

Public health spotlight

In Wyoming, the Department of Health has been an integral partner in the recently developed state plan to address Alzheimer’s.

State plan overview

A work group to develop the state’s Alzheimer’s plan was established in 2015 and members include representatives from hospital systems, physician groups, long-term care providers, the state university, the division of aging, and the governor’s office. The work group hosted town halls across the state to receive public input as part of their comprehensive, statewide needs assessment. The final plan — Wyoming State Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias — was introduced in October 2018.

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.