Public health departments may be partners in dementia care

Public Health Departments and Senior Lifesavers for Healthy Living, to the authors of the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map, "released by the Centers for Disease Control Prevention and the Alzheimer's Association.

"A quick and strategic collaboration between public health and private partners could prevent cognitive health and other issues from the perspective of our healthcare system," the report authors wrote.

The document contains an agenda of 25 actions that address the needs of people and their partners. Five overarching issues covered by risk identification and risk reduction, diagnosis, education and training, caregivers, and evidence of the disease.

"Senior living communities can partner with their local public health departments to provide opportunities to reduce risk for cognitive decline and dementia and promote healthy lifestyles," Alzheimer's Association Director of Public Health Molly French told McKnight's Senior Living. "The Road Map also reinforces the importance of a dementia-able workforce across healthcare and community living settings. Experts agree dementia capable of improving quality of life, individual and family satisfaction. "

The publication is the third of its kind. Previous editions were published in 2007 and 2013. The next one will be published in about five years.