About Us
The Alzheimer’s Disease Program (ADP) develops evidence-based, scientific information to educate, inform, and assist in translating its research into public health practice.
Nearly 7 million people in the US have Alzheimer’s disease at an annual cost of $345 billion dollars. Nearly two thirds of that, $222 billion, comes from government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Mission
Learn more about our work and CDC-funded projects and initiatives.
ADP developed the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map Series and is using it to provide direction to the field of public health across the nation. The road maps help ensure communities are “Alzheimer’s Ready” and are prepared to act strategically to stimulate changes in policies, systems, and environments. The series promotes the health, wellbeing, and independence of older adults, including those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. ADP works with national partners to assist with the widespread implementation of its road map series.
Key Goals
Early Assessment and Diagnosis
- Support conversations with providers about memory loss and potential cognitive impairment.
- Promote Alzheimer’s disease assessment, early diagnosis, and care planning.
Caregiving
- Communicate about caregiving as a public health issue.
- Provide information to empower caregivers.
Reduce Risk and Improve Outcomes
- Minimize preventable hospitalizations for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
- Develop educational materials to promote risk reduction strategies and increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Educating the Public and Work Force
- Educate the public and providers about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, caregiving, and healthy aging.
- Minimize health disparities associated with brain health and caregiving.
Population-level Data for Decisions and Action
- Provide state-level data for action through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System’s Cognitive Decline and Caregiving Modules