LAUSR

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, 2021). 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, 2021). Today, it is estimated that over 6 million people in the United States are living with ADRD (Alzheimer’s Association, 2021). The biological causes of ADRD are not fully known. Certain risk factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing ADRD. Increased age is a strong factor; however, there is emerging evidence for additional risk factors – both modifiable and unmodifiable – such as physical inactivity, cardiovascular health, smoking, social engagement/isolation, educational attainment, obesity, diabetes, nutrition, brain injury, hearing impairment, and genetics (Alzheimer’s Association, 2021). No pharmacological treatments currently exist to cure ADRD, but people may be able to reduce their risk for developing ADRD by addressing modifiable risk factors. To stimulate activity in this area, the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease: 2021 Update added the first new goal to the plan since its formation in 2011, Accelerate Action to Promote Healthy Aging and Reduce Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Department of Health and Human Services, 2021).