Building states' capacity to address dementia

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Health Policy

Background:

• Dementia poses a significant public health challenge in the United States.
• There is a need to integrate dementia as a public health priority within various governmental structures.
• The Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map Series provides a framework for dementia-related public health actions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the reach and impact of the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure program.
• To highlight state-level strategies for advancing dementia as a public health priority.
• To showcase diverse approaches to dementia risk reduction, early detection, and caregiver support.

Main Methods:

• The study reviews the implementation of the BOLD Program since 2020.
• It analyzes the support provided to 45 state and other health departments.
• Exemplars of state-level initiatives are presented to illustrate program activities.

Main Results:

• The BOLD Program has supported numerous health departments in developing dementia action plans.
• Initiatives include engaging Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Programs for age-friendly systems.
• Efforts involve faith-based communities for risk reduction and training county staff for caregiver support.

Conclusions:

• The BOLD Program effectively promotes dementia as a public health issue across diverse communities.
• State and local health departments are implementing varied strategies tailored to their specific needs.
• Continued support and adaptation are crucial to address the diverse challenges in dementia public health action.