Publications

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Alzheimer's Disease Medications Fact Sheet
Several prescription drugs are currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can provide patients with comfort, dignity, and independence for a longer period of time and can encourage and assist their caregivers as well. It is important to understand that none of these medications stops the disease itself.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Medication
Alzheimer's Disease: Unraveling the Mystery
An essential primer on Alzheimer’s disease, this 80-page publication describes how the brain works and how it changes with age in healthy people and people with Alzheimer’s. Research on causes, diagnosis, prevention, potential treatments, and caregiver support is summarized. Look for full-color illustrations, a glossary, and a list of resources.

Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Training Materials for Professionals
Arthritis Advice
The word "arthritis" makes many people think of painful, stiff joints. But, there are many kinds of arthritis, each with different symptoms and treatments. Most types of arthritis are chronic. That means they can go on for a long period of time.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Arthritis, Bones and Joints, Osteoarthritis, Pain
Beware of Health Scams
You see the ads everywhere these days—“Smart Drugs” for long life or “Arthritis Aches and Pains Disappear Like Magic!” or even statements claiming, “This treatment cured my cancer in 1 week.” It’s easy to understand the appeal of these promises. But there is still plenty of truth to the old saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!”

Keywords: Elder Abuse, Fraud, Safety
Biology of Aging
Research Today for a Healthier Tomorrow What is aging? Can we live long and well—are they the same? Is aging in our genes? How does our metabolism relate to aging? Can your immune system still defend you as you age? Learn the answer to these questions and more. Biology of Aging: Research Today for a Healthier Tomorrow describes some of NIA’s exciting findings about the basic biology of aging and points to directions for future investigation.

Keywords: Aging Research, Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, Biology of Aging, Genes, Life Expectancy, Longevity, Research
Can We Prevent Aging?
People are living longer. In 1970, the average life expectancy at birth in the United States was 70.8 years; in 2008, it was 78.0 years; and by 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau projects life expectancy will reach 79.5 years. Views on aging are also changing. Disease and disability were once considered an inevitable part of growing older, but that is no longer true. While aging does put us at greater risk for health issues, many older adults can be healthy and active well into their advancing years.

Keywords: Anti-Aging, Estrogen, Hormones, Longevity, Men's Health, Nutrition, Prevention, Resveratrol, Testosterone, Training Materials for Professionals, Well-Being
Cancer Facts For People Over 50
Cancer strikes people of all ages, but you are more likely to get cancer as you get older, even if no one in your family has had it. The good news is that the number of cancer cases and death rates are both going down. No matter what your age, the chances of surviving cancer are better today than before.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Cancer, Men's Health, Women's Health
Caregiver Guide: Tips for Caregivers of People with Alzheimer's Disease
For more information and caregiving tips, see the booklet Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease: Your Easy-to-Use Guide from the National Institute on Aging. You can also find a topic-by-topic list of brief tip sheets for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease.

Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiving
Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
Your Easy-to-Use Guide from the National Institute on Aging This comprehensive, 104-page handbook offers easy-to-understand information and advice for at-home caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease. It addresses all aspects of care, from bathing and eating to visiting the doctor and getting respite care.

Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiving, Training Materials for Professionals
Choosing A Doctor
Mrs. Wiley had a big surprise the other day when she called her doctor's office to make an appointment. The receptionist told her that Dr. Horowitz was retiring at the end of the year. After all these years of care, Mrs. Wiley felt like she was losing a trusted friend. Dr. Horowitz had treated her strep throat, bladder infections, and that nasty sprained wrist. He even helped her through menopause. Mrs. Wiley worried that she wouldn't be able to find a new doctor she'd like.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Doctor-Patient Communication, Health Care, Medicare, Physicians