Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Dementia is a brain disorder caused by damage to nerve cells in the brain. It is not a normal part of aging.
Dementia is progressive, meaning that it develops gradually over time. It begins with mild memory loss and can lead to the inability to carry on a conversation, carry out daily activities, or respond to the environment. Dementia is irreversible, meaning the damage it does to the brain cannot be undone. >It is
Signs and Symptoms
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Trouble handling money or paying bills
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them
- Changes in mood, personality, or behavior
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia. Learn more about the 10 signs of Alzheimer’s Disease and consult a health care provider.
Allegheny BOLD Coalition
Allegheny BOLD Coalition (ABC)
The Allegheny BOLD Coalition (ABC) brings together different local organizations, public health leaders, healthcare providers, and community advocates to educate, detect, and support people and caregivers affected by ADRD.
All communities in Allegheny County are empowered with equitable dementia care, strong local support, and opportunities for healthy aging - reducing the risk of dementia for everyone.
BOLD
Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure (BOLD) is a national initiative from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which strengthens communities’ ability to address Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Across the country, 43 state, local, territorial, and tribal partners are working to make brain health a public health priority - including Allegheny County.
Connect with the Allegheny BOLD Coalition! BOLD@AlleghenyCounty.US
Data on Dementia
Visit ACHD’s Community Health Indicators
Allegheny County has the second-largest aging population in the United States. In Allegheny County, Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) has emerged as the third leading cause of death.
Hispanic and Latinos are about 1.5x more likely than their white counterparts to have Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
Black and African Americans are about 2x more likely than their white counterpart to have Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
Additional Resources