Aging and Health Matters

While caregiving provides numerous benefits, it can negatively affect caregivers' mental and physical health because caregivers often provide care while neglecting their own health care needs. A recent CDC study found that nearly 1 in 5 caregivers report fair or poor health; almost 2 in 5 caregivers have at least two chronic diseases; and 1 in 8 caregivers aged 45 or older self-reported worsening memory loss.

CDC study finds self-reported worsening memory loss among people 45+ differed for racial and ethnic groups, ranging from 5% among Asian and Pacific Islander adults, to nearly 17% among American Indian and Alaska Native adults. Memory loss that worsens over time can be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.

Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia, affects an estimated 6.5 million Americans aged ≥65 years. A growing body of evidence has identified potential modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), including high blood pressure, not meeting the aerobic physical activity guideline, obesity, diabetes, depression, current smoking, hearing loss, and binge drinking. A new CDC study examined the status of these modifiable risk factors among adults aged ≥45 years and found that the most common were high blood pressure and not meeting the aerobic physical activity guideline; each was found in nearly half of adults.

Arthritis prevalence is on the rise, with an estimated 58.5 million US adults reporting doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to a new CDC analysis. Dr. Kristina Theis, epidemiologist and lead author on the report, discusses the report's findings, including the increase in US adults with arthritis, how adults with arthritis can manage their symptoms, and how providers, public health professionals, and community members can help.

Entrevista con la Dra. Louise Murphy, epidemióloga sénior y experta en la materia, del Programa de los CDC contra la Artritis sobre la conexión entre la artritis y la salud mental, en especial entre la ansiedad y la depresión.