Mental Health
Depression
To learn more about depression and to find out what resources are available, visit the Depression Resource Guide
Related Publications
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Report2007 Task Force Report on Aging Research Funding
April 2007 | Alliance for Aging Research
Related topics: Aging Research Alzheimer's Disease Arthritis Cancer Cardiovascular Disease Caregiving Chronic Pain Diabetes Federal Funding Geriatric Training Health Incontinence Medical Innovation Men's Health Mental Health Osteoporosis Other Diseases of Aging Parkinson's Disease Prevention Stroke Vision Loss Women's HealthThe 2007 Task Force on Aging Research Funding--more than 85 non-partisan disease groups, patient advocates, and foundations--urges Congress and the President to chart a better course for medical research on behalf of America's aging population. This year's report of the Task Force calls for a 6.7% increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health in FY 2008. It also presents data on the burden of 27 diseases and conditions that predominately affect older Americans, highlights some of the exciting work the NIH is doing to decrease these burdens, and serves as a resource for policymakers working to establish the funding levels necessary to advance healthy aging. -
Press ReleaseResolve to Work Out Your Brain in the New Year
RESOLVE TO WORK OUT YOUR BRAIN IN THE NEW YEAR
Alliance for Aging Research Offers 10 Steps to Brain Fitness
Washington, DC -- As we approach a new year, many people are making resolutions to take steps to improve their health. Based on a growing body of research that shows that you can improve your brain health, the Alliance for Aging Research encourages people to resolve to make brain health as important as physical fitness.
“There is a lot we can do to keep our brains healthy and potentially prevent or lessen the cognitive decline that often comes with aging,” said Daniel Perry, executive director of the non-profit Alliance for Aging Research. “We are encouraging people to take steps to improve brain health as part of their overall fitness regimen for the New Year.”
Screening of your brain health is important in the same way as a regular check of your cholesterol level. Regular screening of your everyday thinking skills allows you to track changes in your brain health over time. Screening is also the first step to differentiating, for example, between memory decline that is a normal part of aging and memory loss that may be part of a medical condition, and which may warrant further consultation. The Alliance for Aging Research and the Brain Resource Company have teamed up to bring information and resources on brain health to the public and to provide the WebNeuro test, a cognitive assessment that can be taken on personal computers—free to the first one million users (through May 14, 2007).
To learn more about how to make a difference in your brain health and make your fitness routine both physical and mental, follow the 10 steps below:
#1 Nourish Your Noggin: Eat a Brain Healthy Diet
Research shows that well-balanced diets that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (commonly found in fish), protein, antioxidants (such as folic acid), fruits and vegetables, and vitamin B; that are low in trans fats; and which have an appropriate level of carbohydrates —will help keep our brains healthy. A diet that reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes, as well as maintains a healthy weight, is also good for our brains.
#2 Use It or Lose It: Stay Mentally Active
Those who use their minds may be less likely to lose cognitive function than those who don’t. Learning a new skill or language, completing the crossword puzzle, taking educational courses, even learning to dance—all challenge and help maintain the brain.
#3 Work Out for Your Wits: Exercise and Keep Fit
Exercise increases circulation and blood flow to the brain, improves coordination skills, and helps stave off diseases and conditions that make you more prone to dementia, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Those who exercise have been found to be less likely to develop dementia later in life.
#4 Interact with Others: Stay Social
Socializing with friends, volunteering, traveling, and even participating in favorite leisure activities helps to keep our minds active and healthy. Social engagements also reduce stress— which has been proven to destroy brain cells and detrimentally affect overall health.
#5 Rest for Restoration: Get Plenty of Sleep
Scientists are still trying to unlock all of the mysteries of sleep, but they are starting to find that a lack of sleep can negatively impact brain health. Getting sleep is a necessary piece of your brain fitness routine—so if you aren’t getting enough – find some time to catch some ZZZZZs.
#6 Unwind for Your Mind: Manage Your Stress
We have long known that stress can wreak havoc on our bodies—we now know it can do the same to our minds. Many of our lives’ daily stress can have a cumulative effect on our brains—impacting its ability to remember and to learn. So whether you prefer yoga or time with your kids, find ways to eliminate stress from your life.
#7 Guard Your Gray Matter: Protect Your Head
A number of studies have found an association between head injury and dementia. One study of World War II veterans found that those with a history of head trauma were twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s disease, and that the more severe the head injury, the higher the risk. While scientists have a lot to learn about this potential causal link, it is still a good idea to wear protective head gear and seat belts, and guard your gray matter.
#8 Think Overall Health: Control Other Conditions
Researchers have found that those with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, hypertension and other conditions, are more likely to develop dementia than their healthier counterparts. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet, and controlling stress can help to stave off diseases and protect your brain from their deleterious effects. Get regular check-ups and work with your doctor to control your risk factors.
#9 Give Your Brain a Break: Avoid Unhealthy Habits
Smoking, heavy drinking and the use of recreational drugs may cause increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline. So, do yourself a favor and kick the nasty habit—your body and your brain will thank you.
#10 Understand Your Risk: Consider Your Genes
While scientists believe there is much to be done to maintain our cognitive vitality, one factor that cannot be controlled is genetics. While you can’t change your genes yet, if your family history puts you at an increased risk of dementia, maintaining your brain health may help slow onset and progression.
Learn more about brain health at www.agingresearch.org/brainhealth and assess your cognitive function free until May 14, 2007, by taking the Brain Resource WebNeuro test.
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Founded in 1986, the Alliance for Aging Research is a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the health and independence of aging Americans through public and private funding of medical research and geriatric education. The Alliance combines the interest of top scientists, public officials, business executives, and foundation leaders to promote a greater national investment in research and new technologies that will prepare our nation for the coming senior boom, and improve the quality of life for today’s older generation
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The Brain Resource Company (BRC, www.brainresource.com) has set up the first global standard for Cognitive Brain Testing. BRC’s standardized international database, with thousands of subjects, brings together behavioral and biological measures that are normally examined in isolation (including Personal History, Cognition, Electrical Brain Function, Brain Structure, and Genetics). The methodology is used in over 100 sites, in the USA, Europe, South Africa and Australia. BRC provides evidence-based reports about brain function and cognition to support decisions that promote better clinical management. It is being used commercially in drug development and clinical management and is also being made available to brain scientists for non-commercial scientific research. -
Press ReleasePublic Doesn't Realize How Vulnerable Seniors are to Chronic Diseases
March 30, 2006
Related topics: Alzheimer's Disease Cancer Diabetes Health Mental Health Other Diseases of Aging ResearchROPER SURVEY: PUBLIC DOESN’T REALIZE HOW VULNERABLE OLDER AMERICANS ARE TO CANCER, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, DIABETES AND NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
Alliance for Aging Research Almanac Underscores the Human and Economic Impact of Chronic Diseases on Our Aging Nation
Washington, DC –- The Alliance for Aging Research reports that by age 65, nearly nine out of ten Americans will have at least one chronic condition; but a survey conducted this month by Roper/GfK finds that most people sorely underestimate that figure.
Furthermore, the Roper/GfK survey demonstrates a lack of knowledge among Americans when it comes to their chances of getting cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, as they age.
Survey findings include:
- When asked about their chances of having a chronic disease by age 65, just 4% of Americans select the correct range (81% - 90%) from a set of possible answers read during the survey.
- Just 10% of the American public correctly estimates their chances of getting cardiovascular disease (61%-70%) by retirement age and most vastly underestimate their chances (39% are 20 points off or more).
By 2030, the number of Americans age 65 and older will double as the baby boomer generation ages. As a result, Americans face an increased risk of developing chronic conditions that often require ongoing, expensive medical care and result in a loss of independence and productivity for themselves and their family caregivers. At the same time, the emergence of new technologies has the potential to redefine old age for millions of people.
To better understand the human and economic burden of chronic disease, the Alliance for Aging Research introduces The Silver Book: Chronic Disease and Medical Innovation in an Aging Nation. The Silver Book is an almanac that draws upon scores of authoritative studies and analyses by the government, industry, private organizations and prominent economists.
"We hope The Silver Book serves as a ready and trusted resource for thought-leaders, policymakers and others who influence health care," said Mr. Perry.
The Alliance for Aging Research will keep the almanac current in hopes that it will continue to inform decision-making and policy innovations important to our aging society. The Silver Book is available for purchase and free download at www.agingresearch.org.
This survey was conducted by the Roper Public Affairs group among a national random digit dialing (RDD) probability sample of 1,000 Americans age 18 and above. The survey was conducted March 17-19 2006 and the margin of error is + 3.7 percentage points.
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Founded in 1986, the Alliance for Aging Research is a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the health and independence of aging Americans through public and private funding of medical research and geriatric education. The Alliance combines the interest of top scientists, public officials, business executives, and foundation leaders to promote a greater national investment in research and new technologies that will prepare our nation for the coming senior boom, and improve the quality of life for today’s older generation
