"The Network is unique in that it combines diverse perspectives of nine Network members - in partnership with CDC's Healthy Brain Initiative - to focus on improving our understanding of the public's perceptions about cognitive health by conducting quality research and dissemination of findings," said Wayne H. Giles, MD, MS, the director of the Division of Adult and Community Health within the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

Between 2005 and 2007, the HAN conducted 55 focus groups with over 450 older adult participants from nine states, including rural and urban communities; individuals with cognitive impairment and their family caregivers; speakers of English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese; and African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic whites.

"This special issue of The Gerontologist is an example of the important results of that work and includes key findings about cognitive health that can assist in efforts to disseminate appropriate and effective cognitive health messages," Giles said.

Funding for the special issue, titled "Promoting Cognitive Health in Diverse Populations of Older Adults: Attitudes, Perceptions, Behaviors, and their Implications for Community-Based Interventions," was provided by the CDC's Healthy Aging Program.

Source: The Gerontological Society of America