Health and Aging

Publications

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  • 2011-2012 Alzheimer's Disease Progress Report: Intensifying the Research Effort

    A summary of Alzheimer's disease research, infrastructure, and funding supported by the NIH.

    Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Research, Training Materials for Professionals

  • 2010 Alzheimer’s Disease Progress Report: A Deeper Understanding

    The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the Federal Government’s National Institutes of Health (NIH) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has primary responsibility for basic, clinical, behavioral, and social research in Alzheimer’s disease, aimed at finding ways to treat and, ultimately, prevent this disease. The Institute’s Alzheimer’s disease research program is integral to its mission, which is to enhance the health and well-being of older people.

    Keywords:

  • A Good Night's Sleep

    Ever since he retired, Edward dreads going to bed at night. He’s afraid that when he turns off his light, he will just lie there with his eyes open and his mind racing. “How can I break this cycle?” he asks. “I’m so tired—I need to get some sleep.” Just like Edward, you want a good night’s rest. Getting enough sleep helps you stay healthy and alert. But many older people don’t sleep well. If you’re always sleepy, it may be time to see a doctor. You shouldn’t wake up every day feeling tired.

    Keywords: Sleep, Sleep Disorders, Well-Being

  • Acute Hospitalization and Alzheimer's Disease: A Special Kind of Care

    A new environment filled with strange sights, odors and sounds, a change in the daily routine, medications and tests, and the disease process itself can all be factors that increase confusion, anxiety and agitation in a hospitalized individual with Alzheimer's disease. This booklet will help you to meet the needs of these patients. In it you will find facts about Alzheimer's disease, communication tips, personal care techniques, suggestions for working with behaviors and environmental factors to consider in the ER and in the hospital room.

    Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Hospitalization, Training Materials for Professionals

  • Advance Care Planning

    Advance care planning is not just about old age. At any age, a medical crisis could leave someone too ill to make his or her own healthcare decisions. Even if you are not sick now, making healthcare plans for the future is an important step toward making sure you get the medical care you would want, even when doctors and family members are making the decisions for you.

    Keywords: Advance Directives, End of Life, Legal Planning

  • Aging And Your Eyes

    Are you holding the newspaper farther away from your eyes than you used to? Join the crowd—age can bring changes that affect your eyesight. Some changes are more serious than others, but for many problems, there are things you can do to protect your vision. The key is to have regular eye exams so you can spot problems early.
    Spanish Version
    Keywords: Cataracts, Eyes and Vision, Glaucoma

  • Aging Hearts and Arteries: A Scientific Quest

    Age is the major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Heart disease and stroke incidence rises steeply after age 65, accounting for more than 40 percent of all deaths among people age 65 to 74 and almost 60 percent at age 85 and above. People age 65 and older are much more likely than younger people to suffer a heart attack, to have a stroke, or to develop coronary heart disease and high blood pressure leading to heart failure. Cardiovascular disease is also a major cause of disability, limiting the activity and eroding the quality of life of millions of older people each year.

    Keywords: Cardiovascular, Heart Conditions, Research, Training Materials for Professionals

  • Alcohol Use In Older People

    Anyone at any age can have a drinking problem. Uncle George always liked his liquor, so his family may not see that his drinking is getting worse as he gets older. Grandma Betty was a teetotaler all her life until she started having a drink each night to help her get to sleep after her husband died. Now, no one realizes that she needs a couple of drinks to get through each day.
    Spanish Version
    Keywords: Alcohol Use or Abuse, Risk, Safety

  • Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet

    Looking for information about Alzheimer’s disease? Helpful links: Alzheimer's Disease Basics Video: Inside the Brain: Unraveling the Mystery of Alzheimer's Symptoms Diagnosis
    Spanish Version
    Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Diagnosis, Genes, Research, Signs and Symptoms, Treatment

  • Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Fact Sheet

    Scientists don't yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer's disease. However, the more they learn about this devastating disease, the more they realize that genes play an important role in its development. Research conducted and funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health and others is advancing the field of Alzheimer's disease genetics.

    Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Genes

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