Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health crisis in Alabama. Without an effective treatment or cure, the impact of Alzheimer’s will continue to rise and the numbers in Alabama are escalating.
The most recent data show:
- 96,000 people aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s in Alabama.
- 14.3% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline.
- 206,000 family caregivers bear the burden of the disease in Alabama.
- 225 million hours of unpaid care provided by Alzheimer’s caregivers.
- $2.8 billion is the value of the unpaid care.
- $925 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 Alabama:
Alzheimer’s Statistics,
Cognitive Decline,
Dementia Caregiving
Public health spotlight
Explore core areas
Find public health resources and examples that drive action across Alzheimer's-specific core areas.
Learn More
In Alabama, the Alabama Department of Public Health had one of its divisions — the Alabama Public Health Training Network — conduct a webcast for public health professionals about Alzheimer’s basics, with a free continuing education unit (CEU) available for state employees. The Alabama Department of Public Health mails out topic sheets — on dementia caregiving and the warning signs of Alzheimer’s — to individuals who call for more information.
State plan overview
In May 2012, the Alabama Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force was established (House Joint Resolution 433). The Task Force was charged with assessing the impact of Alzheimer’s disease, examining the existing service delivery system, and developing strategies to respond to this crisis within the state. The Task Force included representatives from state agencies, health care organizations, and community organizations as well as state legislators, caregivers, researchers and individuals living with the disease. In April 2015, the State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias in Alabama was published.
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 Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018-2023 Road Map. Public health practitioners can learn by example and find resources to help guide their response below.
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Implementation
| Alabama Department of Public Health |
Alabama Department of Public Health had one of its divisions, Alabama Public Health Training Network, conduct a webcast for public health professionals about Alzheimer’s basics, with a free CEU available for state employees. Nearly 200 people participated. |
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Resources