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:

• 15,000 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.
• $343 million is the value of the unpaid care.
• $135 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), Dementia Caregiving (PDF), Risk Factors (PDF)

Public health spotlight

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

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.