Promoting Cognitive Health

Abstract

Growing evidence suggests that healthy behaviors such as being physically active, having a heart healthy diet, and being socially involved may promote cognitive health. The United States has recently begun encouraging such behaviors for that purpose. To help evaluate the diffusion of this policy, we sought to measure a baseline of activity in this area. We examined Web sites of 156 large health care systems, the health departments of all 50 states and the 20 largest US cities, and 181 nationally accredited senior centers, to identify information, products, programs, or services recommended for cognitive health. Among health care systems, 40% promoted cognitive health: 24% recommended mental activity, 20% healthy diets, 20% physical activity, and 16% social involvement. Among health departments, 30% promoted cognitive health in the same ways. Among senior centers, 21% offered strategies, primarily mental activity. Results suggest emerging activity in this area and opportunities for continued development.

An Australian survey of cognitive health beliefs, intentions, and behaviours through the adult life course

“…Over the last decade, governments and Alzheimer's International agencies have implemented public health campaigns targeting these modifiable lifestyle factors that impact upon brain health and cognition ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007 , Laditka et al, 2012 , World Health Organisation, 2012 ). In Australia, the national ‘Mind Your Mind’ dementia risk prevention programme was one of the first initiatives to place dementia prevention in the context of maintaining overall health and wellbeing ( Connor, 2008 ).…”

“…A number of surveys have been conducted across the United States ( Anderson et al, 2009 , Laditka et al, 2012 ) the United Kingdom ( McParland et al, 2012 , U.K. Health Forum, 2014 ) and Australia ( Low and Anstey, 2007 , Smith et al, 2014 ) to assess the public's knowledge of the modifiable determinants of cognitive health and dementia risk. Generally, these surveys have been undertaken in the context of developing public health strategies to prevent cognitive decline in older age.…”

Promoting cognitive health: a virtual group intervention for community-living older adults

“…The online format provides health services to older adults who otherwise would not receive them 17 . A review of health systems, public health departments, and senior centers also highlights that corroborating the study's findings, there is growing evidence to suggest that healthy behaviors, such as being physically active, eating a healthy diet, and being socially involved, can promote cognitive health 32 .…”

Cognitive Health Promotion Program for Community-Dwelling Seniors: Who Are We Reaching?

“…Growing evidence suggests that a healthy lifestyle could help seniors maintain their cognitive health (Laditka, Laditka, & Lowe, 2012). Indeed, studies have found that age-related cognitive decline might be lesser among seniors who are engaged in regular physical activities (Buchman, Wilson, & Bennett, 2008; Middleton, Mitnitski, Fallah, Kirkland, & Rockwood, 2008), such as brisk walking (Prohaska et al, 2009) or an extended training program (Lautenschlager et al, 2008).…”