Promoting Cognitive Health: A Formative Research Collaboration of the Healthy Aging Research Network
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Bei Wu, Associate Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: 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.
Promoting Cognitive Health: A Formative Research Collaboration of the Healthy Aging Research Network
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Created on 1/1/2009
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Additional Information
- Publication
- The Gerontologist, Special Issue, 49, S12-S17
- Language: English
- Date: 2009
- Keywords
- Cognitive health, Prevention Research Centers Healthy Aging Research Network, Healthy lifestyles, Public health interventions