Media Statement

CDC Applauds Release of Brief on Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer′s Disease Issued by Council of State Governments

Statement by Lynda Anderson, Ph.D., Director, Healthy Aging Program, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention′s (CDC) Healthy Aging Program is excited to be a part of the national efforts to address the impact of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer′s disease in the public health arena.  By embracing cognitive health as a priority issue, state and local public health departments can be mobilized to study, identify, and implement effective strategies that address this key component of health.

The Council of State Government′s issue brief on cognitive impairment and Alzheimer′s disease comes at a critical time given the dramatic aging of the U.S. population, the scientific interest in the role of lifestyle choices in maintaining cognitive function, and the growing demand from individuals, families and states for help in understanding and addressing the impact of cognitive impairment, particularly Alzheimer′s disease. The issue brief highlights the importance of these matters and provides key actions policy and decision-makers can take to address the significant health, social, and economic burdens of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer′s disease.