The Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures for Washington reports that more than 125,000 people in Washington are living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is currently the 4th leading cause of death in our state. These numbers are expected to rise significantly over the next 20 years due to shortages in health care and caregiver support resources. Dementia does not impact all communities equally. Black and African American communities, American Indian and Alaska Native communities, Hispanic communities, and many rural communities experience higher rates of dementia and face greater barriers to early diagnosis, treatment, and support. To help address these disparities, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), with support from the Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative (DAC), is offering small grants to community‑based and faith‑based organizations across the state. These grants are intended to support locally driven efforts that: • Promote brain health and increase awareness of dementia • Connect people with information, education, and available resources • Encourage partnerships and collaboration to support brain health and dementia awareness.
