THURS-032 - Changing the Future of Dementia Across the Lifecourse: The Role of Health Educators

Brief Abstract Summary: Join public health leaders to learn how you can be a part of the changing future of dementia. This session will provide updates on the latest science, guidelines and resources to help learners explore how they can use public health dementia education to motivate community change. As research continues to grow in areas of dementia risk reduction, increasing access to early detection and diagnosis, and supporting the nearly 12 million Americans providing unpaid care for a family member or friend with dementia, the need for community education has never been more urgent. In breakout groups, learners will explore how dementia education impacts their community, who they can engage in the learning process, and how available resources can support and enhance their work. With over 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s dementia, health educators are the front lines for equipping and connecting people, families, and communities with knowledge and resources to change the future of dementia.

Detailed abstract description: Dementia is a public health, health equity and health education priority. Public health professionals are uniquely positioned to change its future.

Over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, nearly 12 million Americans are providing unpaid care for someone with dementia, and the impact of Alzheimer's is expected to grow, with an estimated 13.8 million people projected to be living with the disease in 2060. Dementia has historically been considered an aging issue, impacting mostly older adults. Now, for the first time, dementia has been included in the United Nations High-Level Meeting and Political Declaration on the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. Dementia is projected to become the third-leading cause of death globally by 2040. The overlap of dementia with chronic disease and the ripple effects of care, impact on health care services, and emerging science on what people can do to protect their brain health make this a public health topic for global and local leaders to engage in.

Alzheimer's and other dementias disproportionately affect Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, American Indian and Alaska Native peoples, members of the LGBTQ+ community and women. Differences in life experiences, socioeconomic indicators and health conditions explain many of the differences in risk for dementia among groups. Additionally, many of the factors that influence the development of dementia could also influence whether and when a diagnosis of dementia occurs. These are areas of health equity where health educators can make a difference.

As the need for a dementia-capable workforce grows, new professionals must be equipped to join the local leadership of health educators to transform health across communities and the future of dementia. Health education and health promotion practice can promote lifelong wellbeing, which includes sharing information on healthy habits that support brain health, having conversations with providers, and supporting caregivers’ health.

In this session, attendees will gain a foundational understanding of the latest science on dementia risk reduction, early detection and diagnosis, and caregiving to support the implementation of Essential Public Health Services # 4–strengthen, support and mobilize communities and partnerships to improve health. Attendees will also learn about resources to address dementia from a public health perspective and how those resources can be used locally.

Attendees will address the overarching question of how to use public health dementia education to motivate community change. To do this, groups will create a plan by addressing: 1) Why dementia education is important for their community, 2) Who should be engaged, 3) How existing resources can be used, 4) What partners to involve, and 5) What similar efforts can be used as models.

Health educators hold the knowledge, skills, and community connection to change the future of dementia.