NEWS

CDC Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Program Announce New Data and Guides

May 23, 2018

In their recent newsletter, the Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Program under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a list of helpful and important resources for older adults and caregivers as well as the organizations and communities looking to better serve them.

Older adults may have more difficulty during an unexpected natural disaster than other groups because of limited mobility, hearing impairments, or the presence of chronic health conditions. However, by developing a plan to fit their needs, older adults can be prepared for any situation. Learn more about how to create a disaster plan and supply kit!

The CDC recently updated the Healthy Aging Data Portal, which provides access to a range of national, regional, and state data on older adults. This resource was developed by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.  It allows users to examine data on key indicators of health and well-being for older Americans, such as tobacco and alcohol use, screenings and vaccinations, and mental and cognitive health.

The portal was updated with 2016 BRFSS data, including data on cognitive decline from 49 states and data on caregivers from 38 states.  Portal users can retrieve CDC data by indicator or by geographic area, and then use these data to develop reports and create customized maps, charts, and graphics. Public health professionals can use the data to create a snapshot of the health of older adults in their states, which can help them prioritize and evaluate public health interventions.

Join the Alzheimer’s Association on Thursday, May 17th from 2-3:00pm ET for an interactive webinar on caregiving for people living with dementia and ways that state public health can support both populations. Erin Bouldin, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Appalachian State University will offer insight from analyses of the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Caregiver Module data, and David Hoffman, DPS, CCE, Bureau Director will represent the New York State Department of Health’s Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support Initiative (ADCSI).

Please register online in advance!