— Changes Could Threaten Progress for People Living with Dementia, Caregivers —

CHICAGO, April 1, 2025 — The Alzheimer’s Association is sounding the alarm about the actions taken today by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that may undermine our nation’s response to the dementia public health crisis. 

Programs like the Healthy Brain Initiative and Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s, both of which had staff placed on administrative leave as part of the reduction in force at HHS today, have a meaningful impact on Americans everyday. The BOLD program, as well as other Alzheimer’s programs, were just unanimously reauthorized by Congress in December. 

“These public health programs are critical to Alzheimer’s/dementia awareness and brain health in communities across the nation. Among other things, they ensure that people living with dementia, caregivers and health providers have the information, resources and support they need,” said Joanne Pike, DrPH, Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO. “The programs remain intact, but continuing on a path of reducing staff and resources could cause irreversible damage.”

Without these programs, people may not have the information to make brain healthy choices to reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s, and be less likely to get a diagnosis or seek treatment.