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

• 122,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in Missouri.
• 11.2% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline.
• 223,000 family caregivers bear the burden of the disease in Missouri.
• 350 million hours of unpaid care provided by Alzheimer’s caregivers.
• $6.4 billion is the value of the unpaid care.
• $1.1 billion 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 Missouri: Alzheimer’s Statistics (PDF), Cognitive Decline (PDF), Dementia Caregiving (PDF), Risk Factors (PDF), County-Level Alzheimer's Prevalence (PDF)

Tribes in your state

Use the HBI Road Map for American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples to start conversations with tribal leaders on public health actions that can be taken to support brain health and caregivers. Find tribal leaders and federally recognized tribes in your state: Tribal Leaders Directory.

Public health spotlight

In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services conducted a multi-faceted social marketing campaign to provide culturally appropriate messaging and information on risks, early diagnosis, treatment and community resources among African Americans.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reassessed the level care assessment mechanism of the state Medicaid program. As a result, more people living with dementia are able to access support to help them remain at home.

State plan overview

In 2009, the Missouri General Assembly established the Missouri Alzheimer’s State Plan Task Force through passage of HB 272. Tasked with assessing the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias within the state, the Task Force included representatives from state agencies, health care providers and community organizations as well as caregivers, state legislators, and individuals living with Alzheimer’s and the Lieutenant Governor. After collecting public input regarding community frustrations, concerns, and advice on dealing with this disease, the Task Force presented the Missouri Alzheimer’s State Plan, published in November 2010.

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.