Aging and Health Matters

While caregiving provides numerous benefits, it can negatively affect caregivers' mental and physical health because caregivers often provide care while neglecting their own health care needs. A recent CDC study found that nearly 1 in 5 caregivers report fair or poor health; almost 2 in 5 caregivers have at least two chronic diseases; and 1 in 8 caregivers aged 45 or older self-reported worsening memory loss.

CDC study finds self-reported worsening memory loss among people 45+ differed for racial and ethnic groups, ranging from 5% among Asian and Pacific Islander adults, to nearly 17% among American Indian and Alaska Native adults. Memory loss that worsens over time can be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.

Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia, affects an estimated 6.5 million Americans aged ≥65 years. A growing body of evidence has identified potential modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), including high blood pressure, not meeting the aerobic physical activity guideline, obesity, diabetes, depression, current smoking, hearing loss, and binge drinking. A new CDC study examined the status of these modifiable risk factors among adults aged ≥45 years and found that the most common were high blood pressure and not meeting the aerobic physical activity guideline; each was found in nearly half of adults.

Caregiving can negatively affect caregivers' physical and mental health. Unpaid adult caregivers age 45 and older reported greater Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) than noncaregivers. Caregivers with SCD were more than likely than those without SCD to report chronic health conditions, a history of depression, and frequent activity limitations.

Arthritis prevalence is on the rise, with an estimated 58.5 million US adults reporting doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to a new CDC analysis. Dr. Kristina Theis, epidemiologist and lead author on the report, discusses the report's findings, including the increase in US adults with arthritis, how adults with arthritis can manage their symptoms, and how providers, public health professionals, and community members can help.

Entrevista con la Dra. Louise Murphy, epidemióloga sénior y experta en la materia, del Programa de los CDC contra la Artritis sobre la conexión entre la artritis y la salud mental, en especial entre la ansiedad y la depresión.

Interview with CDC's senior epidemiologist and arthritis subject matter expert, Dr. Louise Murphy, about the connection between arthritis and mental health, namely depression and anxiety.

Caregivers who are part of the baby boomer generation reported having more chronic disease, more disability, and lower self-rated health compared to non-caregivers-putting them at risk of needing care themselves.

La salud del celebro y la salud física son especialmente importantes a medida que envejecemos. ¿Sabía que algunas personas con afecciones crónicas están en mayor riesgo de enfermedad de Alzheimer? Descubra 8 maneras de mantener su cuerpo sano que también podrían mantener su cerebro sano.

Brain health and physical health are especially important as we age. Did you know some people with chronic health conditions are at greater risk for Alzheimer's disease? Find out about 8 ways to keep your body healthy that may also keep your brain healthy.

Loneliness and social isolation puts older adults at risk for several serious medical problems including dementia. It is an underrecognized risk to the public's health. Dr. Craig Thomas, director of CDC's Division of Population Health, is interviewed about a new report on this topic.

Although caregiving has many benefits, it's important to recognize that caregivers may be compromising their own health. One in five adults report being a caregiver for a family member or friend, and 21% say they are in fair or poor health, according to a large, long term study of more than 252,000 adults.

Regular physical activity is linked to a lower risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, some cancers, and even Alzheimer's disease. People may feel better each time they are active. Find out how much activity people should be getting, and the type of activities recommended for older adults.

Hacer actividad física con regularidad está asociado a un menor riesgo de presentar muchas enfermedades crónicas, como las enfermedades cardiacas, algunos cánceres e incluso la enfermedad de Alzheimer. Es posible que las personas se sientan mejor cada vez que están activas. Entérese cuánta actividad deberían hacer y el tipo de actividades que se recomiendan para los adultos mayores.

Un estilo de vida saludable podría ayudar a reducir su riesgo de tener la enfermedad de Alzheimer. Dos estudios grandes, de larga duración, indican que la actividad física adecuada, una alimentación nutritiva, un consumo limitado de alcohol y no fumar podrían ayudar, incluso a las personas que tienen un riesgo promedio o intermedio debido a sus genes. Nota del estudio de producción: Las voces de Montrece Ransom y Scott Bowen han sido interpretadas al español por los expertos Claudia Kukucka y Álex Álvarez, respectivamente, de la Oficina del Director Adjunto de Comunicaciones de los CDC.

A healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Two large, long term studies indicate that adequate physical activity, a nutritious diet, limited alcohol consumption, and not smoking may help-even for people at average and intermediate risk because of their genes.

Memory loss is not a normal part of aging, but a large study revealed younger people who reported confusion or memory loss had not talked to their doctor about it. It's important for patients and their families to get appropriate information and referrals as early as possible.

Dr. Christopher Taylor of CDC's Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging Program describes Alzheimer's disease, the fifth leading cause of death in Americans 65 years and older.

Learn about CDC's Healthy Brain Initiative's 2018-2023 Road Map to address Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia in the U.S.

In 2013, CDC and the Alzheimer's Association released the second in a series of road maps. These are the accomplishments from the last two years.