This year, we are grateful for the dedication of our community organizations, state agency partners, and community members working to advance brain health and support those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. With state legislative funding, we are expanding our capacity to strengthen statewide dementia coordination and to collect, analyze, and report data on epilepsy and related seizure disorders in Minnesota. We also awarded grants to a new cohort of Healthy Brain Community Grantees and, in partnership with four community partners, implemented Alzheimer’s awareness initiatives through the MDH Alzheimer’s Awareness Grants. These accomplishments remind us that meaningful change happens when we work together.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment!
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Dementia community engagement plan
Deadline to apply: Dec. 23, 2025 ( by 4:30 p.m.)
Healthy Brain Initiative Team requests proposals to guide the development of a Dementia Community Engagement Plan. This Plan will describe actions to guide state agencies and organizations on how to engage with people living with dementia across the state. This Plan will also demonstrate how people living with dementia can be active participants in ongoing conversations that may influence programming, funding, and policies.
View information and instructions here: Quick Call: Dementia Community Engagement Plan (PDF)
To learn more visit Department of Administration (Reference number: PT 4880 Professional and Technical Solicitation Postings
Alzheimer's awareness grant
Deadline: Applications due Jan. 8, 2026
Seeking proposals to partner with us to implement a public information campaign to provide awareness of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia's (ADRD). Seeking organization's and new partners with experience in ADRD who can reach communities disproportionately impacted by underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. These communities include Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+), American Indian, people living with disabilities, and communities in Greater Minnesota.
To learn more please visit our Alzheimer’s Awareness Grant Funding webpage.
Travel season can be stressful but traveling while caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia can make traveling feel impossible. With the holiday season upon us, here are a few things to keep in mind to make traveling as a caregiver more manageable.
 How symptoms manifest at the airport:
- Forgets where they are traveling, directions, and security protocol
- Difficulty managing money, luggage, and carry-ons
- Unable to manage flight schedule and location (gate, boarding, seats, etc.)
- Unable to ask clear questions and understand directions
- May misplace personal items which may result in accusations of others
- Can easily become agitated and anxious
What can caregivers do?
- Allow extra time
- Be sure your loved one is wearing an identification bracelet
- Carry important documents and medications with you for easy access
- Consider hiring a medical transport service
- Consider staying at a hotel, not with relatives
There are many resources for traveling with a person living with dementia. Visit Dementia-Friendly Airports Group's website for more travel tips and resources.
Healthy aging through the senior years study (HATS)
HATS is an opportunity for older African Americans in the Twin Cities to participate in a five-year study of brain health, memory and thinking (cognitive) abilities. To learn more visit Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute website or call 612-283-6746.
The following are informational materials about the the long-term observational study.
HATS Recruitment Flyer (PDF)
HATS Informational Flyer (PDF)
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