CDC and Alzheimer's Association Release the First Ever Brain Health "Road Map": Effort to maintain and improve the cognitive performance of all adults

[10 June 2007 - CDC and Alzheimer's Association] In order to maintain and improve the cognitive performance of all adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alzheimer’s Association today released the first-ever National Public Health Road Map to Maintaining Cognitive Health (Road Map) at the 2nd Alzheimer’s Association International Conference on Prevention of Dementia in Washington, D.C. The Road Map highlights the importance of maintaining and improving cognitive health to the overall health of the nation. The Road Map is both a call to action and a guide for implementing a coordinated approach to raising the public’s awareness about cognitive health and increasing the nation’s commitment to understanding both the risks for cognitive decline and ways of maintaining brain health. “Public health has a key role to play in ensuring that added years for older Americans are quality years, including both physical health and cognitive health,” said CDC Director, Dr. Julie L. Gerberding. “The National Public Health Road Map to Maintaining Cognitive Health represents a reason for optimism coupled with a clear need for action. The Road Map provides critical action steps that organizations and agencies can take to move cognitive health into the public health arena in a strategic, coordinated manner.” The components of healthy cognitive functioning include language, thought, memory, judgment, perception and the ability to carry out the activities of daily living. Public health efforts to date have largely focused on physical health. It is clear, however, that the loss of cognitive function carries life-altering implications for individuals and families, high costs for healthcare systems, and a tremendous burden on society. As Americans age, there is increased risk of cognitive decline, including a dramatic rise in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This in turn contributes to caregiver burden, spiraling health care costs and economic hardship. More | Full Report (PDF)