This report from the Alzheimer’s Association and the CDC provides the Public Health Road Map for State and National Partnerships, 2013–2018, outlines how state and local public health agencies and their partners can promote cognitive functioning, address cognitive impairment for individuals living in the community, and help meet the needs of care partners.
Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, with an estimated 5 million Americans suffering from the disease in 2013. By 2050, that number could triple, according to a joint report from the Alzheimer’s Association and CDC. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the Alzheimer’s-specific segment of CDC’s Healthy Aging Program, referred to as The Healthy Brain Initiative. Several organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association, National Institute on Aging, Administration on Aging, AARP and others, partnered with the CDC to create a road map to guide a coordinated public health response across agencies and organizations.The overall intent of the Healthy Brain Initiative is to better understand the public health burden of cognitive impairment through surveillance; build a strong evidence base for policy, communication, and programmatic interventions for improving cognitive health; and translate that foundation into effective public health practice in states and communities.
Much has happened since the first The Healthy Brain Initiative report was published in 2007. The Alzheimer’s Association and CDC revisited the Road Map with a specific focus on the role and contribution of state and local public health agencies. While federal agencies play a critical role in leading and funding efforts to address Alzheimer’s disease, state and local agencies organize and provide public health services on the ground level.
Download the full report here.
Ideas for coverage:
What Alzheimer’s initiatives are available in your community?
Are there partnerships or programs to report on? What programs are underway by state, county, or city public health departments, local Alzheimer’s Associations or other health organizations?
Are there local families/caregivers you can profile?
What’s being done to educate providers and caregivers to spot early warning signs? Can initiatives be integrated into patient centered medical homes?
Has the economy forced cuts to senior programs or caregiver support services?
What does the public need to know about caring for someone with cognitive decline or promoting good cognitive behavior?
Are there any clinical trials or studies underway at local medical/academic institutions?
What about emergency/preparedness planning? What plans are in place in your community/city?
What are some of the costs of care – unpaid/paid caregiving, lost days of work by care providers, medication, counseling, hospitalizations, cost of programs