This article appears in the following The Gerontologist issue: Promoting Cognitive Health in Diverse Populations of Older Adults [View the issue table of contents]
Promoting Cognitive Health: A Formative Research Collaboration of the Healthy Aging Research Network
2 Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
3 Department of Sociology and Anthropology, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts
4 Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Denver
5 Center for Healthy Aging, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
6 School of Education, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
7 Carolina Geriatric Education Center, Center for Aging and Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
8 Division of Community Health and Human Development, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley
9 Department of Psychosocial and Community Health, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle
10 Texas Healthy Aging Research Network, School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station
11 Center on Aging and Department of Community Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown
1 Address correspondence to James N. Laditka, DA, PhD, MPA, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28223. E-mail: jladitka{at}uncc.edu
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Abstract |
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Purpose: Evidence suggests that healthy lifestyles may help maintain cognitive health. The Prevention Research Centers Healthy Aging Research Network, 9 universities collaborating with their communities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is conducting a multiyear research project, begun in 2005, to understand how to translate this knowledge into public health interventions. Design and Methods: This article provides an overview of the study purpose, design, methods, and processes. We examined the literature on promoting cognitive health, convened a meeting of experts in cognitive health and public health interventions, identified research questions, developed a common focus group protocol and survey, established quality control and quality assurance processes, conducted focus groups, and analyzed the resulting data. Results: We conducted 55 focus groups with 450 participants in 2005–2007, and an additional 20 focus groups and in-depth interviews in 2007-2008. Focus groups were in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese, with African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, Hispanics, non-Hispanic Whites, physicians and other health practitioners, rural and urban residents, individuals caring for family or friends with cognitive impairment, and cognitively impaired individuals. Implications: The data provide a wealth of opportunities for designing public health interventions to promote cognitive health in diverse populations.
Keywords: Aging, Attitudes about cognitive health, Brain health, Physical activity, Social involvement, Nutrition, Health communication, Public health interventions, Qualitative research, Focus groups
Received July 11, 2008; Accepted September 24, 2008
Decision Editor: Angie Hochhalter, PhD
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