Promoting Cognitive Health: A Formative Research Collaboration of the Healthy Aging Research Network

作者：Laditka James N^*; Beard Renee L; Bryant Lucinda L; Fetterman David; Hunter Rebecca; Ivey Susan; Logsdon Rebecca G; Sharkey Joseph R; Wu Bei

来源：The Gerontologist, 2009, 49(S1): S12-S17.

DOI：10.1093/geront/gnp085

• Aging
• Attitudes about cognitive health
• Brain health
• Physical activity
• Social involvement
• Nutrition
• Health communication
• Public health interventions
• Qualitative research
• Focus groups

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.

• 出版日期2009-6