Population Segments differ on perceptions of
Cognitive Health
A new special issue of
The Gerontologist has
identified for the first time how
ethnically, culturally, linguistically, and
geographically diverse groups think about
aging and brain health.
This research was conducted based on
recommendations from the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention’s (CDC)
Healthy Brain Initiative, a
project designed to eliminate health
disparities.
The findings will be used to further the
development of effective public health
messages to promote cognitive health in
older adults across the nation.
"This special issue includes a wide range of
cutting-edge manuscripts on cognitive health
in old age,” said William J. McAuley, PhD,
editor-in-chief of
The Gerontologist.
“It
presents information on perceptions about
cognitive health held by various groups,
methods of promoting cognitive health, and
approaches to preserving physical health
among those with cognitive problems."
All demographic groups studied believed that
cognitive health is influenced by physical,
mental, and social activity; however, they
differed in opinions of the benefits of
specific activities, nutrition, and
genetics. The respondents also indicated
that that media messages about cognitive
health are limited and confusing.
Furthermore, many agreed that health
messages that incorporate specific community
values and are delivered within pre-existing
social groups by community leaders may be
particularly effective.
The
Healthy Aging Research Network
(HAN), located within CDC’s larger
Prevention Research Centers Program
and supported by
CDC’s Healthy Aging Program,
spearheaded the project.
"The Network is unique in that it combines
diverse perspectives of nine Network members
— in partnership with CDC’s Healthy Brain
Initiative — to focus on improving our
understanding of the public’s perceptions
about cognitive health by conducting quality
research and dissemination of findings,”
said Wayne H. Giles, MD, MS, the director of
the Division of Adult and Community Health
within the National Center for Chronic
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
Between 2005 and 2007, the HAN conducted 55
focus groups with over 450 older adult
participants from nine states, including
rural and urban communities; individuals
with cognitive impairment and their family
caregivers; speakers of English, Spanish,
Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese; and
African Americans, American Indians, Asian
Americans, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic
whites.
“This special issue of
The Gerontologist is an example
of the important results of that work and
includes key findings about cognitive health
that can assist in efforts to disseminate
appropriate and effective cognitive health
messages," Giles said.
Funding for the special issue, titled “Promoting
Cognitive Health in Diverse Populations of
Older Adults: Attitudes, Perceptions,
Behaviors, and their Implications for
Community-Based Interventions,"
was provided by the CDC’s Healthy Aging
Program.
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The Gerontologist is a
refereed publication of
The Gerontological Society of America
(GSA), the nation's oldest and largest
interdisciplinary organization devoted to
research, education, and practice in the
field of aging.
The principal mission of the Society — and
its 5,200+ members — is to advance the study
of aging and disseminate information among
scientists, decision makers, and the general
public.
GSA’s structure also includes a policy
institute,
the National Academy on an Aging Society,
and an educational branch,
the Association of Gerontology in Higher
Education.
