CDC Resource - Subjective Cognitive Decline Among Women (2020)
|
|
Brain Health for All - Alzheimer’s is NOT a Normal Part of Aging!
Like other organs in the human body, it is normal for our brains to change as we age. Wisdom and expertise can increase with age, while the speed of processing information, making decisions, and recalling information can slow down.
Yet, worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss (known as subjective cognitive decline) is not a normal part of aging and can be one of the earliest noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer's is NOT a normal part of aging.
Learn more on how you can make positive choices to protect your brain health.
Take Control of Your Brain Health Today!
The evidence is clear – up to 40% of dementia cases can be prevented by managing certain risk factors. Taking care of your brain and body gives you the best chance to remain alert and be there for your friends and family for years to come.
Eat Healthy Food
Healthy eating habits make a big difference for brain health. Find out the right foods for healthy aging, learn how to find them on a budget, and try some sample menus.
Be Physically Active
Moving helps keep the brain healthy. It doesn't have to be intense hard or time consuming. Learn how to make an exercise plan that is right for you.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep helps reduce the buildup of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps you feel better and keeps your immune system healthy. Learn more about the link between Alzheimer’s and sleep, and how you can get your brain the rest it needs.
Keep in Touch
Staying social helps keep your brain healthy. Research shows that talking to people and spending time with friends and family can improve cognitive health and slow rates of memory problems. Learn how you can help your loved one to get these benefits.
Take Care of Common Health Problems
Brain health is part of your overall health. It’s important to take care of other conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. This can help to prevent memory loss and cognitive decline.
Eat Healthy Food
Healthy eating habits make a big difference for brain health. Find out the right foods for healthy aging, learn how to find them on a budget, and try some sample menus.
Be Physically Active
Moving helps keep the brain healthy. It doesn't have to be intense hard or time consuming. Learn how to make an exercise plan that is right for you.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep helps reduce the buildup of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps you feel better and keeps your immune system healthy. Learn more about the link between Alzheimer’s and sleep, and how you can get your brain the rest it needs.
Keep in Touch
Staying social helps keep your brain healthy. Research shows that talking to people and spending time with friends and family can improve cognitive health and slow rates of memory problems. Learn how you can help your loved one to get these benefits.
Take Care of Common Health Problems
Brain health is part of your overall health. It’s important to take care of other conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. This can help to prevent memory loss and cognitive decline.
Brain Health Resources for Specific Communities
Brain Health in Women
Almost 2/3 of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women. Women are at a higher risk for developing Alzheimer's disease compared to men and women are also more likely to take on caregiver responsibilities. Check out the tailored brain health and caregiving resources below for more information:
Brain Health in African American/Black People
African American/Black people are two times more likely to develop Alzheimer's than non-Latino White Americans. Check out the tailored brain health and caregiving resources below for more information:
Brain Health in Latino/Hispanic People
Latino/Hispanic people are 1.5x more likely to get Alzheimer's than non-Latino White Americans. Check out the tailored brain health and caregiving resources below for more information:
Alzheimer’s LA Telenovela about the Ramirez family facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease (available in English & Spanish)
Brain Health in Asian American and Pacific Islander People
1 in 25 Asian, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander adults experience subjective cognitive decline. Check out the tailored brain health resource below for more information:
Brain Health in American Indian and Alaska Native People
1 in 6 American Indian/Alaska Native adults experience subjective cognitive decline. Check out the tailored brain health and caregiving resources below for more information:
Resources for Other Specific Communities
See the great work our CDC-funded partners are doing:
International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA2) serves American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
HealthMatters™ Program (University of Illinois at Chicago) educates and empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their support systems about brain health.
Public Health Center of Excellence on Early Detection of Dementia (New York University) - national resource for evidence-based public health strategies to increase early detection of dementia.
These resources are brought to you by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Center for Brain Health Equity.
The Center for Brain Health Equity works with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nationally recognized experts, and community-based organizations to address brain health inequities.
Content on this page was developed with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award (1NU58DP006781) totaling $1,500,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
© UsAgainstAlzheimer's 2025
© UsAgainstAlzheimer's 2025