The Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act

The Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, passed in December 2018, provides federal funding to strengthen the public health approach to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The Act authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to:

  • Establish Public Health Centers of Excellence
  • Work with state, local, territorial, and tribal health departments
  • Improve the collection, analysis, and reporting of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias data

More information: BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act | CDC

Public Health Centers of Excellence

The Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Public Health Centers of Excellence promote effective strategies to address Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. They provide technical assistance to state and local health departments, tribal health services, and other stakeholders, including caregivers and the public. Their work builds awareness, increases understanding, and anticipates future dementia care needs.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention partner with three Public Health Centers of Excellence:

Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Funding and the New York State Department of Health

New York is one of 43 states funded under Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure. On September 30, 2023, the New York State Department of Health began a five-year cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Project activities will expand awareness about brain health and risk reduction strategies, improve the management of chronic disease co-morbidities, and strengthen partnerships with community providers to address early detection and diagnosis.

Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map

Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) activities support the Healthy Brain Initiative 2023–2027 Road Map, developed by the Alzheimer's Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This national plan promotes a public health approach to brain health across the life span through 24 recommended actions.

The Road Map calls on public health departments and policymakers to:

  • Strengthen partnerships and policies
  • Measure, evaluate, and use data
  • Build a diverse and skilled workforce
  • Engage and educate the public

Through Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) funding, the New York State Department of Health will apply the Road Map across its statewide dementia coalition, focusing on risk reduction, early detection and diagnosis, comorbidity prevention and management, and caregiver support.

More information: Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map | Alzheimer's Association

Early Detection and Diagnosis

One of the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure priorities is to expand access to early detection and diagnostic services. Benefits of early detection include:

  • Planning (health, legal, financial decisions)
  • Accessing support services and treatments
  • Reducing burden on caregivers
  • Increasing eligibility for clinical trials and new treatments

Anyone with memory concerns should talk to a healthcare provider.

Future Planning

Individuals diagnosed in the early stage of dementia can express their wishes for future care. Planning ahead ensures families and caregivers understand preferences, reducing uncertainty during the disease's progression.

Accessing Support Services

New York State offers services for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and their caregivers in all 62 counties. Since needs evolve over time, knowing what is available helps families access the right support at the right stage.

Services include:

  • Care consultations
  • Support groups
  • Education and training
  • Caregiver wellness programs
  • Peer support and enrichment activities

The Centers of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease across New York provide diagnostic services, information about disease progression, and interdisciplinary care planning.

More information: Where Can I Get Help? - Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias.

Dementia Care and Treatment

There are many treatments and medications that help manage Alzheimer's disease and related dementias symptoms. Early and accurate diagnosis ensures timely access to these options. New medications are now available for those with Mild Cognitive Impairment or early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Early detection also increases opportunities for participation in clinical trials.

Brain Health and Risk Reduction Strategies

Staying active and managing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, can help keep your brain strong. It may also lower your risk of dementia.

More information: Take Charge of Your Brain Health!