Public Health Strategies to Address Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: The National Healthy Brain Initiative, BOLD Public Health Centers of Excellence, and Public Health Adoption Accelerator

Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive condition. It begins with mild memory loss and may lead to the inability to communicate or respond to one's environment. Its prevalence is rising with the aging U.S. population. In 2021, it was the 5th leading cause of death for those 65 and older, with death rates continuing to climb.

The CDC Alzheimer's Disease Program, through the National Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) and funded partners, promotes brain health, addresses cognitive impairment, and supports caregivers using evidence-based approaches. This funding opportunity aligns with the HBI Road Map Series (including the State and Local Road Map 2023–2027 and the Road Map for Indian Country) and fulfills the aims of the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act (P.L. 115-406).

Funding Structure:

Component 1: National Healthy Brain Initiative: Funds up to two (2) organizations to develop and implement public health strategies guided by the HBI Road Map Series. Funded organizations will:

Develop evidence-informed training for health care and public health professionals on ADRD and caregiving. Expand the availability and use of public health surveillance data, including adaptation & revision of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) subjective cognitive decline and caregiver optional modules. Facilitate the coordination of recipients and national partners to address ADRD. Funding range: $2,500,000 to $3,000,000 per 12-month budget period. Component 2: BOLD Public Health Centers of Excellence: Funds three (3) Centers, each specializing in one of three topic-specific areas: dementia risk reduction, early detection and management of dementia, or dementia caregiving. Centers will:

Support the needs of the BOLD public health program and other public health agencies. Identify, disseminate, and promote best practices. Translate promising research into practical tools and resources. Increase professional education and develop materials to address specific individual needs to improve health outcomes. Funding range: $750,000 to $1,000,000 per 12-month budget period. Component 3: ADRD Public Health Adoption Accelerator. Funds up to two (2) organizations to serve as public health strategy adaptation accelerator programs. This means using dissemination and implementation of science to spread and put into practice effective public health strategies, tools, and resources to tackle ADRD. Organizations will:

Collaborate with CDC and other organizations to create a prioritized list of ADRD approaches & strategies. Use proven strategies to engage partners, health care organizations, and policymakers to enhance uptake and implementation, accelerating the impact of ADRD efforts. Provide technical assistance to Component 1 & 2 recipients. Funding range: $750,000 - $1,200,000 per 12-month budget period. Applicants may apply for multiple components, but must submit a separate application per component.