The Trump Administration is working to overcome Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias through the collaborative roadmap of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias. Through accelerating research, expanding early diagnostic capabilities, focusing on healthy aging to reduce risk factors, and strengthening care networks, we are working to improve the lives of an estimated 7.4 million Americans living with these conditions and the families.
Our strategic plan
The National Plan includes current, future, and ongoing federal initiatives that drive innovation and transform care nationwide. It captures the comprehensive, coordinated approach taken by HHS and federal partners to meet the extensive challenge of dementia, one that includes actions from 10 HHS operating divisions, as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of War, Social Security Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Department of Justice.
In October 2026, HHS announced additional actions the agencies are taking to promote healthy aging and help Americans reduce their dementia risk factors, accelerate research and innovation to develop future treatments, and improve healthcare and supports to meet the needs of patients and families currently affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Highlights
High-Risk Research Funding & SI-Driven Geroscience
Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)
ARPA-H announced $48.8 million for three new Alzheimer’s projects using secure data sharing, SI, and innovative clinical trials to better understand the disease and identify therapies that could slow or stop its progression before cognitive decline begins. An additional $2.75 million will support Alzheimer’s research at UCSF, complementing existing ARPA-H efforts focused on sleep-related risk and early protein dysfunction.
Alzheimer’s Prevention Accelerator & Neuroscience Nexus
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
FDA will launch an Alzheimer’s Prevention Accelerator through its Neuroscience Advancement and Innovation Nexus, which connects its biologics, drugs, and devices centers. The accelerator will support prevention and treatment trials through innovative trial designs, biomarkers, digital health tools, clinical outcome measures, and model-informed drug development.
Lifestyle Interventions and the MAHA ELEVATE Model
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
As part of the Make America Healthy Again: Enhancing Lifestyle and Evaluating Value-based Approaches Through Evidence (MAHA ELEVATE) Model, CMS expects to provide funding to support lifestyle interventions that address dementia, including services not currently covered by Original Medicare.
Systematic Review of Cognitive Decline and Dementia Prevention
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
NIH and the National Academies will reassess evidence on preventing age-related cognitive decline, MCI, and Alzheimer’s disease. Their 2017 review found promising evidence for cognitive training, blood pressure management, and physical activity, but too little to support a public health campaign. A new evidence review and consensus study, expected to run from 2026 to 2029, will examine subsequent research and set priorities.
Strengthening Public Health Capacity for Dementia and Caregiver Support
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC will expand education, surveillance, and community strategies to reduce Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias risk, improve detection and care, and support caregivers. Through the National Healthy Brain Initiative, BOLD Public Health Centers of Excellence, and new Public Health Adoption Accelerators, CDC will help state, local, and Tribal partners put promising approaches into practice.
Brain Health Awareness and Risk Reduction
Administration for Community Living (ACL)
ACL will use the National Aging Services Network to share brain health resources with older adults and caregivers, focusing on those with the greatest needs or at risk for dementia. ACL will also lead dementia training for the elder justice workforce, beginning with State Offices of Public Guardians and expanding to other professionals who serve older adults.
Expanding Brain Health Training and HIV/AIDS Cognitive Care
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
HRSA will expand brain health training for federally qualified health centers, add a measure of dementia screening, and strengthen dementia-related capacity in its grants. It will also develop guidance and share cognitive screening tools for providers serving people aging with HIV, who may face both HIV-associated cognitive disorders and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program services can help patients manage care and daily needs as cognition changes.
Integrating Behavioral Health, Suicide Prevention, and Dementia Care
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA will develop suicide prevention and crisis response resources for professionals serving older adults with cognitive impairment. The training will cover risk recognition, communication, caregiver involvement, and referrals to aging and dementia services. SAMHSA will also feature the links among cognitive decline, depression, suicide risk, loneliness, and isolation during 2027 Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day.
Real-World Diagnostic Journeys and Economic Burden
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
AHRQ will use its NIH partnership on All of Us to study the real-world path to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and its costs. Its work will examine delays, specialty care, medications, access barriers, health care use, and the financial burden on households and payers.
Expand Routine Preventive Visits in Indian Health Service Clinics
Indian Health Service
The Indian Health Service will use Annual Wellness Visit as a practical entry point for cognitive assessment and healthy aging. IHS plans to develop and disseminate an Annual Wellness Visit clinical support campaign to help IHS, Tribal, and Urban Indian clinicians use routine preventive visits as an opportunity to address cognitive assessment, healthy aging, and other preventive care priorities.
Related content
Alzheimers.gov
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NIH Fact Sheets
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How Alzheimer's Changes the Brain
Watch a brief video from NIH explaining how Alzheimer’s changes the brain.