Serving Louisiana & Beyond

Understanding
Alzheimer's
& Related Dementia

The Brain Institute of Louisiana — in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Health and the Governor's Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Advisory Council — is dedicated to education, early detection, and advancing care for those living with cognitive decline, and the families who love them.

94,700Louisianans living with Alzheimer's disease
168KUnpaid family caregivers in Louisiana
12.4%Prevalence rate — one of the nation's highest
1 in 5Adults ages 45–65 in LA report Subjective Cognitive Decline
40%Of dementia risk may be attributable to modifiable lifestyle factors — early intervention matters
Key Definitions
What is Dementia?

Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. It is not a single disease — it describes a syndrome caused by several different brain diseases, most commonly Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is not a normal part of aging.

At-Risk Group in Louisiana

Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD)

Subjective Cognitive Decline describes a person's self-reported experience of worsening memory or thinking ability, in the absence of any objective deficits on standard cognitive tests. Approximately 1 in 5 Louisiana adults ages 45–65 report SCD. This group is at elevated risk of developing dementia and represents an important window for early intervention and prevention.

Our Approach

Three Pillars of Dementia Care

Whether you're trying to reduce your risk, understand a recent diagnosis, or find the best treatment options — we're here to guide you at every stage.

01
Pillar One

Prevention

Explore Prevention
02
Pillar Two

Diagnosis

Explore Diagnosis
03
Pillar Three

Treatment

Explore Treatment
Louisiana at a Glance

Dementia in Our State

Louisiana faces unique challenges — from health disparities in rural communities to some of the highest vascular risk rates in the nation.

94,700
Louisianans currently living with Alzheimer's
42%
Of Louisiana citizens are between ages 45–65
1 in 5
Adults 45–65 in Louisiana report Subjective Cognitive Decline
#6
New Orleans ranked 6th in the nation for dementia risk
Higher risk for Black Americans due to health disparities

Sources: Alzheimer's Association Louisiana Chapter; 2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts & Figures; Well-Ahead Louisiana / 2023–2028 Louisiana ADRD State Plan; CDC BRFSS

You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone

Whether you're concerned about your own memory, caring for a loved one, or looking for clinical resources — ADRD Louisiana is here at every step.