Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are projected to affect 88 million Americans by 2050, and the rise in dementia prevalence will disproportionately impact the socioeconomically disadvantaged and individuals identifying as African American/Black or Latinx/Hispanic. This presentation will aid planners in incorporating considerations of brain health and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in their planning efforts, by providing foundational knowledge of these health concepts and data sources and resources to understand the prevalence of dementia in their communities. Attendees will learn about the disparities in brain health and dementia by racial/ethnic group, gender, and socioeconomic status. Attendees will be presented with evidence linking community environments to brain health and dementia outcomes, as well as the mechanisms (examples: physical activity and social engagement) through which community environments are thought to influence brain health and dementia. Finally, planners will be provided with resources and examples of planning for dementia in US communities.
