Brain Health & Dementia | Vermont Department of Health
Source: http://healthvermont.gov/wellness/brain-health-dementia
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:19
Brain Health & Dementia | Vermont Department of Health
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Translations for you
Brain Health & Dementia
In this section:
Age Strong VT: Our Roadmap for an Age-friendly State
Healthy Body, Healthy Brain
Living with Dementia
Resources for Health Care Professionals
Support for Dementia Family Caregivers
What Are Dementia-friendly Communities?
No matter your age or health status, it is important to understand what you can do to protect your brain health.
Brain health is an increasing public health priority in the US, and in our Vermont communities. The proportion of Vermonters over the age of 65 is continuing to increase, which means that more people will be impacted by memory loss, thinking problems and dementia.
What is Brain Health?
Brain health refers to one’s ability to remember, learn, play, concentrate and, generally, have a clear, active mind. This includes things like information management, logic, judgment and perspective. Brain health is influenced by several factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, stress, sleep, and substance use.
As we age, these abilities naturally change and it is normal to experience slower thinking speeds, trouble multitasking or occasionally forgetting things (i.e., misplacing items, forgetting a name you just learned, etc.).
Some older adults have more memory or thinking problems than others their age. This condition is called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. The risk of developing MCI increases as someone gets older. Conditions such as diabetes, depression, and stroke may increase a person’s risk. Those with MCI may have a greater risk of developing dementia.
Warning Signs
More serious problems -- like
Alzheimer's disease, early-onset Alzheimer's, dementia with lewy body, frontotemporal dementia, and other dementias
-- are often noticed when symptoms begin to interfere with daily life. As many as 40% of dementia cases can be delayed or prevented, and it helps to know what to look out for and when to see a doctor.
The CDC’s 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
:
Memory loss that disrupts normal life:
repeating oneself, forgetting important names or events.
Difficulty problem solving or planning:
having trouble following a recipe or playing games.
Challenges completing familiar tasks:
having trouble using a phone or driving.
Confusion with time or place:
losing track of time or getting lost in familiar places.
Trouble with spatial awareness:
clumsiness, issues with balance.
New problems with language:
forgetting words or having trouble forming a sentence.
Frequently misplacing items:
difficulty retracing steps.
Decreased judgment:
difficulty caring for a pet, poor hygiene, not managing money well.
Withdrawal from work or social activities:
not wanting to go to usual events.
Changes in mood or personality:
easily becoming irritable or upset.
People with one or more of the
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
are encouraged to speak with their doctor. An early diagnosis provides the best chance for treatment, planning for the future and cost savings. As an example, people who are diagnosed in an earlier stage are able to take steps that can ease the concerns of themselves and their loved ones, such as taking part in treatment decisions, plans, and perhaps participating in a clinical study or trial.
Vermonters aged 65+
Vermonters aged 65 or older are eligible to schedule a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit with their primary care provider. A cognitive screening and Health Risk Assessment are done at the visit. Together, you can update your Personalized Prevention Plan based on your results.
Risk Factors
There are several factors that put people at greater risk for dementia. Identifying and addressing risk factors helps to delay or prevent its onset. If you have any of the following risk factors speak with your doctor about prevention or management.
Individuals may be at greater risk for the dementia if they:
Are age 65 and older
Are female
Are African American or Hispanic
Have a family history of dementia
Have suffered from a traumatic brain injury
Have uncorrected hearing loss
Have experienced food insecurity in early life.
Are socially isolated.
Are physically inactive, have poor nutrition or smoke, or live with one or more chronic conditions including:
Depression
Obesity
Heart disease (stroke and/or high cholesterol)
Diabetes
Hypertension
Alcohol use disorder
What You Can Do
The idea of Alzheimer’s and dementia can be scary and overwhelming but acting as soon as you notice warning signs and risk factors sets you up for the best possible outcomes including time for planning, medication use to improve symptoms, and if interested, inclusion in studies.
What to do if you notice risk factors or warning signs in yourself or others.
What to do if you’re interested in brain health wellness and dementia prevention.
Support for caregivers and anyone caring for someone with dementia.
Guidance, trainings, and resources for Vermont health providers.
Plans, Reports and the Brain Health Newsletter
Plans and Reports:
Report on Community Clinical Linkages and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias January 2025
Vermont Action Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease, Related Dementias and Healthy Aging 2022-2025
Action Plan Progress Report – Year 1 (October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023)
Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Surveillance in Vermont 2023
Caregiving in Vermont
: Profiles of individuals caring for family members with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.
VT Hub and Spoke for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Overview
Brain Health Newsletter
February 2026
January 2026
December 2025
November 2025
October 2025
September 2025
August 2025
July 2025
June 2025
May 2025
April 2025
March 2025
To subscribe to the newsletter please contact Edwin DeMott, Program Manager
[email protected]
Key Data:
In 2022, 10% of Vermont adults aged 45 and older reported worsening confusion or memory loss in the last year.
Adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or other sexual identity (LGBT) have a significantly higher rate of subjective cognitive decline (15%), compared to non-LGBT adults (10%).
Of the adults who reported symptoms of cognitive decline, just half (50%) discussed their confusion or memory loss with a healthcare professional.
What Are Dementia-friendly Communities?
A Dementia Diagnosis Comes with Significant Barriers to Navigating Daily Life How we conduct business...
Age Strong VT: Our Roadmap for an Age-friendly State
Support for Dementia Family Caregivers
If you or someone close to you is impacted by Alzheimer’s or a related dementia...
Resources for Health Care Professionals
A predicted 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s disease in 2050, dramatically impacting the lives...
Living with Dementia
Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia can leave you feeling scared, isolated, hopeless...
Healthy Body, Healthy Brain
The health of your brain and your body are closely linked. As a result, practicing...
Subscribe to Brain Health & Dementia
Last Updated:
April 1, 2026
Skip to main content
MENU
x
CLOSE
Translations for you
Brain Health & Dementia
In this section:
Age Strong VT: Our Roadmap for an Age-friendly State
Healthy Body, Healthy Brain
Living with Dementia
Resources for Health Care Professionals
Support for Dementia Family Caregivers
What Are Dementia-friendly Communities?
No matter your age or health status, it is important to understand what you can do to protect your brain health.
Brain health is an increasing public health priority in the US, and in our Vermont communities. The proportion of Vermonters over the age of 65 is continuing to increase, which means that more people will be impacted by memory loss, thinking problems and dementia.
What is Brain Health?
Brain health refers to one’s ability to remember, learn, play, concentrate and, generally, have a clear, active mind. This includes things like information management, logic, judgment and perspective. Brain health is influenced by several factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, stress, sleep, and substance use.
As we age, these abilities naturally change and it is normal to experience slower thinking speeds, trouble multitasking or occasionally forgetting things (i.e., misplacing items, forgetting a name you just learned, etc.).
Some older adults have more memory or thinking problems than others their age. This condition is called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. The risk of developing MCI increases as someone gets older. Conditions such as diabetes, depression, and stroke may increase a person’s risk. Those with MCI may have a greater risk of developing dementia.
Warning Signs
More serious problems -- like
Alzheimer's disease, early-onset Alzheimer's, dementia with lewy body, frontotemporal dementia, and other dementias
-- are often noticed when symptoms begin to interfere with daily life. As many as 40% of dementia cases can be delayed or prevented, and it helps to know what to look out for and when to see a doctor.
The CDC’s 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
:
Memory loss that disrupts normal life:
repeating oneself, forgetting important names or events.
Difficulty problem solving or planning:
having trouble following a recipe or playing games.
Challenges completing familiar tasks:
having trouble using a phone or driving.
Confusion with time or place:
losing track of time or getting lost in familiar places.
Trouble with spatial awareness:
clumsiness, issues with balance.
New problems with language:
forgetting words or having trouble forming a sentence.
Frequently misplacing items:
difficulty retracing steps.
Decreased judgment:
difficulty caring for a pet, poor hygiene, not managing money well.
Withdrawal from work or social activities:
not wanting to go to usual events.
Changes in mood or personality:
easily becoming irritable or upset.
People with one or more of the
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
are encouraged to speak with their doctor. An early diagnosis provides the best chance for treatment, planning for the future and cost savings. As an example, people who are diagnosed in an earlier stage are able to take steps that can ease the concerns of themselves and their loved ones, such as taking part in treatment decisions, plans, and perhaps participating in a clinical study or trial.
Vermonters aged 65+
Vermonters aged 65 or older are eligible to schedule a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit with their primary care provider. A cognitive screening and Health Risk Assessment are done at the visit. Together, you can update your Personalized Prevention Plan based on your results.
Risk Factors
There are several factors that put people at greater risk for dementia. Identifying and addressing risk factors helps to delay or prevent its onset. If you have any of the following risk factors speak with your doctor about prevention or management.
Individuals may be at greater risk for the dementia if they:
Are age 65 and older
Are female
Are African American or Hispanic
Have a family history of dementia
Have suffered from a traumatic brain injury
Have uncorrected hearing loss
Have experienced food insecurity in early life.
Are socially isolated.
Are physically inactive, have poor nutrition or smoke, or live with one or more chronic conditions including:
Depression
Obesity
Heart disease (stroke and/or high cholesterol)
Diabetes
Hypertension
Alcohol use disorder
What You Can Do
The idea of Alzheimer’s and dementia can be scary and overwhelming but acting as soon as you notice warning signs and risk factors sets you up for the best possible outcomes including time for planning, medication use to improve symptoms, and if interested, inclusion in studies.
What to do if you notice risk factors or warning signs in yourself or others.
What to do if you’re interested in brain health wellness and dementia prevention.
Support for caregivers and anyone caring for someone with dementia.
Guidance, trainings, and resources for Vermont health providers.
Plans, Reports and the Brain Health Newsletter
Plans and Reports:
Report on Community Clinical Linkages and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias January 2025
Vermont Action Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease, Related Dementias and Healthy Aging 2022-2025
Action Plan Progress Report – Year 1 (October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023)
Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Surveillance in Vermont 2023
Caregiving in Vermont
: Profiles of individuals caring for family members with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.
VT Hub and Spoke for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Overview
Brain Health Newsletter
February 2026
January 2026
December 2025
November 2025
October 2025
September 2025
August 2025
July 2025
June 2025
May 2025
April 2025
March 2025
To subscribe to the newsletter please contact Edwin DeMott, Program Manager
[email protected]
Key Data:
In 2022, 10% of Vermont adults aged 45 and older reported worsening confusion or memory loss in the last year.
Adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or other sexual identity (LGBT) have a significantly higher rate of subjective cognitive decline (15%), compared to non-LGBT adults (10%).
Of the adults who reported symptoms of cognitive decline, just half (50%) discussed their confusion or memory loss with a healthcare professional.
What Are Dementia-friendly Communities?
A Dementia Diagnosis Comes with Significant Barriers to Navigating Daily Life How we conduct business...
Age Strong VT: Our Roadmap for an Age-friendly State
Support for Dementia Family Caregivers
If you or someone close to you is impacted by Alzheimer’s or a related dementia...
Resources for Health Care Professionals
A predicted 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s disease in 2050, dramatically impacting the lives...
Living with Dementia
Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia can leave you feeling scared, isolated, hopeless...
Healthy Body, Healthy Brain
The health of your brain and your body are closely linked. As a result, practicing...
Subscribe to Brain Health & Dementia
Last Updated:
April 1, 2026