Last data update: Sep 16, 2024. (Total: 47680 publications since 2009)
Records 1-3 (of 3 Records) |
Query Trace: Jeffers EM [original query] |
---|
Modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer disease and related dementias among adults aged 45 years - United States, 2019
Omura JD , McGuire LC , Patel R , Baumgart M , Lamb R , Jeffers EM , Olivari BS , Croft JB , Thomas CW , Hacker K . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 71 (20) 680-685 Alzheimer disease,* the most common cause of dementia, affects an estimated 6.5 million persons aged ≥65 years in the United States (1). A growing body of evidence has identified potential modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) (1-3). In 2021, the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease (National Plan) introduced a new goal to "accelerate action to promote healthy aging and reduce risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias" to help delay onset or slow the progression of ADRD (3). To assess the status of eight potential modifiable risk factors (i.e., high blood pressure, not meeting the aerobic physical activity guideline, obesity, diabetes, depression, current cigarette smoking, hearing loss, and binge drinking), investigators analyzed data from the cognitive decline module that was administered to adults aged ≥45 years in 31 states and the District of Columbia (DC)(†) in the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Among the risk factors, prevalence was highest for high blood pressure (49.9%) and lowest for binge drinking (10.3%) and varied by selected demographic characteristics. Adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD),(§) an early indicator of possible future ADRD (4), were more likely to report four or more risk factors than were those without SCD (34.3% versus 13.1%). Prevalence of SCD was 11.3% overall and increased from 3.9% among adults with no risk factors to 25.0% among those with four or more risk factors. Implementing evidence-based strategies to address modifiable risk factors can help achieve the National Plan's new goal to reduce risk for ADRD while promoting health aging.(¶)(,)*. |
Improving brain health for populations disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Olivari BS , Jeffers EM , Tang KW , McGuire LC . Clin Gerontol 2022 46 (2) 1-5 Promoting and maintaining brain health for older adults is one of the greatest challenges facing the public health community in the United States. This will require the public health community to take steps to reduce disparities in brain health across disproportionately impacted communities. Although some levels of change in the brain processes, like slower processing speeds, trouble with multitasking or even increases in knowledge, are expected as people grow older, significant memory loss and other symptoms of dementia are not normal or inevitable (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Citation2021). Dementia is a general term used to describe problems with thinking and memory that are severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for about two-thirds of all cases, while other common forms of dementia such as cerebrovascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal or a combination of multiple co-occurring forms together make up a constellation commonly referred to as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) (Alzheimer’s Association, Citation2021). Today, it is estimated that over 6 million people in the United States are living with ADRD (Alzheimer’s Association, Citation2021). |
Prevalence and Characteristics of Subjective Cognitive Decline Among Unpaid Caregivers Aged 45 Years - 22 States, 2015-2019
Jeffers EM , Bouldin ED , McGuire LC , Knapp KA , Patel R , Guglielmo D , Taylor CA , Croft JB . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (46) 1591-1596 Approximately 20% of U.S. adults are unpaid caregivers (caregivers) (1) who provide support to a family member or friend with a health condition or disability. Although there are benefits to caregiving, it can negatively affect caregivers' physical and mental health (2-4). Much of the assistance caregivers provide, such as administering medications or financial management, relies on cognitive ability, but little is known about caregivers' cognitive functioning. Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), the self-reported experience of worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss over the past year (5), could affect caregivers' risk for adverse health outcomes and affect the quality of care they provide. CDC analyzed SCD among caregivers aged ≥45 years through a cross-sectional analysis of data from 22 states in the 2015-2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Among adults aged ≥45 years, SCD was reported by 12.6% of caregivers who provided care to a family member or friend with a health condition or disability in the past 30 days compared with 10.2% of noncaregivers (p<0.001). Caregivers with SCD were more likely to be employed, men, aged 45-64 years, and have chronic health conditions than were noncaregivers with SCD. Caregivers with SCD were more likely to report frequent mental distress, a history of depression, and frequent activity limitations than were caregivers without SCD. SCD among caregivers could adversely affect the quality of care provided to care recipients. Understanding caregivers' cognitive health and the types of care provided is critical to maintaining the health, well-being, and independence of the caregiving dyad. Health care professionals can support patients and their patients' caregivers by increasing awareness among caregivers of the need to monitor their own health. The health care team can work with caregivers to identify potential treatments and access supports that might help them in their caregiving role and compensate for SCD. |
- Page last reviewed:Feb 1, 2024
- Page last updated:Sep 16, 2024
- Content source:
- Powered by CDC PHGKB Infrastructure