Brain Health As You Age:

Key Facts and Resources

Overview of Topics

Alcohol Use..................................................................................................................... 2

Alzheimer’s Disease........................................................................................................ 4

Brain Injuries ................................................................................................................... 6

Dementia......................................................................................................................... 7

Depression...................................................................................................................... 8

Diabetes.......................................................................................................................... 9

Eating Right................................................................................................................... 11

Exercise and Being Active............................................................................................. 13

Health Screenings......................................................................................................... 15

Healthy Aging................................................................................................................ 16

Heart Health/High Blood Pressure ................................................................................ 17

Medicines ...................................................................................................................... 18

Memory ......................................................................................................................... 19

Research on Brain Health: How You Can Help............................................................. 20

Sleep............................................................................................................................. 21

Sleep Apnea.................................................................................................................. 22

Smoking ........................................................................................................................ 23

Staying Connected........................................................................................................ 24

Stroke............................................................................................................................ 25

Additional Resources .................................................................................................... 26
Brain Health Key Facts and Resources | 2014

Page 2

Alcohol Use

Alcohol may act differently in older adults than in younger people. Some older adults 

can feel “high” without increasing the amount of alcohol they drink. This can make them 

more likely to be confused or have accidents, including falls, broken bones, and car 

crashes, which can cause head injuries among other problems.

If people choose to drink alcohol, U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans say that 

moderate drinking is up to two drinks a day for men, and one for women.

Some people should not drink alcohol. Many older adults should be extra careful 

because they often take medicines that can interact with it. For example:

 Alcohol and over-the-counter cough and cold remedies together can cause 

drowsiness and potential accidental overdoses. Older people are at even greater 

risk for these side effects.

 Using alcohol with common blood pressure medicines can increase risk for 

dizziness, drowsiness, and changes in heartbeat.

Talk with your health care provider if you have concerns or questions about alcohol and 

your health. You can also consult these websites for more information about alcohol in 

general and its effects as we age. 

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

On pages 30-32, offers guidelines related to drinking alcohol. 

http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2010/DietaryGuidelines2010.pdf

Age Page: Alcohol Use in Older People

Source: National Institute on Aging at NIH 

Offers basic information about alcohol use as people age and provides links to national 

resources. 

http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/alcohol-use-older-people 
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Older Adults and Alcohol: You Can Get Help

Source: National Institute on Aging at NIH

Provides information and help in determining whether alcohol is a problem and what to 

do if it is. 

http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/older-adults-and-alcohol

Aging, Medicines and Alcohol

Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Provides basic information on problems related to alcohol and medicines for consumers 

and provides a hotline to contact with questions. 

http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA12-3619/SMA12-3619.pdf

Rethinking Drinking

Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Offers information about “how much is too much” when it comes to alcohol, and tips and 

tools to help change drinking habits.

http://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/
Brain Health Key Facts and Resources | 2014

Page 4

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, or loss of certain brain 

functions, among older adults. Memory loss is usually its first sign.

Early signs of Alzheimer’s disease are:

 Finding it hard to remember things

 Asking the same questions over and over

 Having trouble paying bills or solving simple math problems

 Getting lost

 Losing things or putting them in odd places

Later signs of Alzheimer’s disease:

 Forgetting how to brush teeth or comb hair

 Being confused about time, people, or places

 Forgetting names of common things, such as a desk, house, or apple

 Wandering away from home

No one knows how to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. There are no pills, foods, or brain 

games that have been proven to prevent dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

However, we do have information about factors that may increase risk for Alzheimer’s, 

such as heart disease and diabetes, and you may be able to reduce your risks by living 

a healthy life. 

Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease, What Do We Know?

Source: National Institute on Aging at NIH

Describes what the research tells us and has yet to explain about reducing risk factors 

linked to Alzheimer’s disease. 

http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/preventing-alzheimers-disease 

Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet

Source: National Institute on Aging at NIH

Provides basic information about the disease, signs that it may be occurring, stages of 

the disease, and links to national and community resources. 

http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet 
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Alzheimer’s Disease

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

Provides basic information about the disease and links to national resources. 

http://www.cdc.gov/features/alzheimers/
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Page 6

Brain Injuries

Avoiding accidents, such as falls, is an important way to prevent head injuries that can 

hurt the brain. 

To prevent accidents, there are a number of things you can do. Learn about and deal 

with risks for falls and participate in fall prevention programs. Wear helmets and seat 

belts to help prevent head injuries as well. Remember to buckle your children or 

grandchildren into safety or booster seats every time they ride in a car. It is also 

important to avoid drinking alcohol when driving, and to avoid driving when taking 

certain medicines. Finally, keep guns and bullets stored in a locked cabinet.

Falls and Older Adults

Source: NIH

Provides information on causes of and risk factors for falls, and explains how to protect 

oneself.

http://nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/aboutfalls/01.html 

Help Seniors Live Better, Longer: Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury

Source: CDC

Contains materials that help families prevent, recognize, and respond to brain injury 

among older people. 

http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/seniors.html 

Traumatic Brain Injury: Hope Through Research

Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at NIH 

Describes serious head injuries, prevention, and rehabilitation.

www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi 
Brain Health Key Facts and Resources | 2014

Page 7

Dementia

People with dementia have significant problems in cognitive function – the ability to 

think, remember, or reason – that interferes with normal activities and relationships. 

They may also lose their ability to solve problems and control their emotions, and 

sometimes may have personality changes and behavioral problems. Dementia is not a 

disease, but the general term for these symptoms. The diseases that can cause 

dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, 

frontotemporal dementia, Huntington’s disease, and other conditions.

Some medicines to treat dementia like Alzheimer’s disease can delay symptoms for a 

period of time. Certain types of dementia can be reversed with appropriate treatment. 

Depending on the type of dementia, other approaches, like computerized recall devices 

or note taking, may help.

No brain game or other specific type of mental activity has been proven directly to 

prevent or slow the development of dementia. However, keeping the mind active 

through a variety of activities has been linked to a reduced risk of dementia.

The Dementias: Hope through Research

Source: NIH

Offers general information about dementia.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/dementias
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Page 8

Depression

Depression is a condition with feelings of sadness that last for weeks at a time. 

If someone has several of the following symptoms that last more than two weeks, he or 

she should see a doctor.

 An empty feeling, ongoing sadness, and anxiety

 Tiredness, lack of energy

 Loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities, including sex

 Sleep problems

 Eating more or less than usual

 Crying too often or too much

 Having aches and pains that don’t go away when treated

 Having difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions

 Feeling guilty, helpless, worthless, or hopeless

 Being irritable

 Having thoughts of death or suicide or attempting suicide 

Your health care provider or local programs can help, and Medicare covers mental 

health services.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, you need to get help immediately. You can: 

 Call 911

 Visit a nearby emergency department or your health care provider’s office

 Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-

800-273-TALK (8255), 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to talk to a trained counselor

Age Page: Depression

Source: National Institute on Aging at NIH

Provides the basics on depression among older adults along with connections to 

national and community resources. 

http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/depression 

Depression Is Not a Normal Part of Growing Older

Source: CDC

Provides basic information about depression and connections to national resources.

http://www.cdc.gov/aging/mentalhealth/depression.htm 
Brain Health Key Facts and Resources | 2014

Page 9

Diabetes

People get diabetes when their blood glucose level, sometimes called blood sugar, is 

too high. Our bodies change the foods we eat into glucose, and insulin helps the 

glucose get into our cells to make energy. When you have diabetes, your body may not 

make enough insulin or may not use it correctly. Diabetes can lead to dangerous health 

problems like heart attack or stroke, and some studies suggest that diabetes may be a 

risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. 

Age Page: Diabetes in Older People – A Disease You Can Manage

Source: National Institute on Aging at NIH

Provides basic information about the disease and links to community resources. 

http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/diabetes-older-people-disease-you-canmanage 

Basics about Diabetes

Source: CDC

Defines diabetes, lists symptoms, and provides links to many resources about 

controlling the condition. 

http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/consumer/learn.htm 

National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP)

Source: Cosponsored by NIH and CDC

Provides information about diabetes.

http://ndep.nih.gov/ 

Information specifically for older adults: http://www.yourdiabetesinfo.org (search for 

“older adults”).
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10

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program and Diabetes Self-Management 

Program

Source: National Council on Aging

These programs, which are available through many Area Agencies on Aging, help older 

adults learn how to manage chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, 

and diabetes through healthier eating, more movement, appropriate use of medicines, 

stress reduction, and tips for talking with your doctor.

Program information: http://www.ncoa.org/improve-health/center-for-healthyaging/chronic-disease-1.html

Contact local Area Agency on Aging/find a program: www.eldercare.gov. 
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Eating Right

Healthy habits can reduce the risk of many chronic conditions like heart disease and 

type 2 diabetes. 

You can find out about healthy diets from your health care provider and from local 

agencies.

Nutrition programs at Area Agencies on Aging provide meals and related services to 

older people in a variety of places like senior centers, or in older people’s homes, if they 

are homebound. Services are targeted to those in greatest social and economic need. 

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program can also help. 

Older Americans Nutrition Programs

Source: Eldercare Locator

Provides nutritious meals in group (e.g., senior center) settings or delivered to a 

person’s home. 

http://www.eldercare.gov/eldercare.net/public/resources/topic/Food_Nutrition.aspx#find

Young at Heart: Tips for Older Adults

Source: NIH

Provides information about steps older adults can take to improve their health, including 

eating better. 

Healthy Eating focus: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/young_heart.htm#e

Full publication: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/PDFs/youngatheart.pdf. 

What’s On Your Plate? Smart Food Choices for Healthy Aging

Source: National Institute on Aging at NIH

A guide to help older adults make wise decisions about what they eat as they get older. 

Tailored specifically for older adults’ nutritional issues, it offers information about food 

groups, serving sizes, food labels, and more.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/whats-your-plate-smart-food-choices-healthyaging 
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Fit and Fabulous as You Mature

Source: Weight-Control Information Network of the National Institute of Diabetes and 

Digestive and Kidney Diseases at NIH

Offers ideas for moving more and eating right.

http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/mature.htm

Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure with DASH (Dietary Approaches to 

Stop Hypertension) 

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at NIH

Provides a brief introduction to a diet proven to lower blood pressure when followed 

carefully. 

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/dash_brief.pdf 
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Exercise and Being Active

To learn more about how to move or exercise in a healthy way, ask your health care 

provider about your personal situation. He or she can help you determine the best 

form(s) of exercise and how much you should do. The Chronic Disease SelfManagement Program can also help. Resources like exercise programs can be very 

helpful.

While exercise has not been proven to prevent or reduce risk of dementia, emerging 

evidence suggests that it may play a role. Staying active can improve your heart health 

and your circulatory system and could even be helpful if you suffer from a neurological 

disease such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. 

Go4Life®

Source: National Institute on Aging at NIH

This physical activity and exercise campaign for older adults has an interactive website 

offering evidence-based exercises, guidance on how to get started and keep going with 

an exercise routine, and videos demonstrating exercises while discussing tips on how to 

incorporate physical activity and exercise into older adults’ daily lives. The campaign 

features partnerships with community organizations and agencies. 

www.nia.nih.gov/go4life 

Young at Heart: Tips for Older Adults

Source: NIH 

Provides information about steps that older adults can take to improve their health, 

including moving more. 

Physical Activity focus: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/young_heart.htm#h

Full publication: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/PDFs/youngatheart.pdf

Fit and Fabulous as You Mature

Source: Weight-Control Information Network of the National Institute of Diabetes and 

Digestive and Kidney Diseases at NIH

Offers ideas for moving more and eating right.

http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/mature.htm
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How Much Physical Activity Do Older Adults Need?

Source: CDC

Fact sheet that offers guidelines on the frequency and types of exercise that older 

adults need to promote good health.

http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/olderadults.html
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Health Screenings

It is critical to check with your health care provider about recommended health 

screenings. Medicare will pay for some screenings and provider visits without a 

copayment. For example, Medicare beneficiaries are entitled to a Welcome to Medicare 

visit within 12 months of joining the program and an annual wellness visit, both of which 

have no copayments or deductibles. 

General Screening Recommendations for Chronic Disease and Risk Factors in 

Older Adults

Source: Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing

Summarizes recommendations on screening frequency for older adults. 

Recommendations come from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the American 

Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, and the American Geriatrics 

Society, among others. 

http://consultgerirn.org/uploads/File/trythis/try_this_27.pdf 
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Healthy Aging

Living a healthy life is important for better aging and reducing important risks to brain 

health. To learn more about staying healthy, you can take part in healthy aging 

programs at local Area Agencies on Aging and their service providers or other activities

in your community. You can also work with your health care provider.

Women: Stay Healthy at 50+ 

Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality 

Provides information to help women stay healthy at age 50 and above. Addresses 

screening tests needed and when to get them, which medicines may prevent diseases, 

and daily steps to take for good health.

http://www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/prevention/lifestyle/women-over-50.html 

Men: Stay Healthy at 50+ 

Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Provides information to help men stay healthy at age 50 and above. Addresses 

screening tests needed and when to get them, which medicines may prevent diseases, 

and daily steps to take for good health.

http://www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/patient-involvement/healthy-men/men-over50.html

NIHSeniorHealth.gov

Source: National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine at NIH 

Offers information for older adults in an easy-to-read format featuring videos and 

healthy aging tips. 

http://nihseniorhealth.gov/
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Heart Health/High Blood Pressure

Your heart’s health has an effect on the health of your brain. Heart disease and high 

blood pressure affect how blood circulates in your body, and they are major risk factors 

for stroke, which damages your brain. Heart disease can limit the flow of blood through 

the body, including the brain. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing through your 

arteries and it can create problems for the brain when too high or too low. 

Check with your health care provider for help in dealing with heart conditions, high blood 

pressure, or cholesterol levels.

Age Page: High Blood Pressure

Source: National Institute on Aging at NIH

Gives basic information about how to control high blood pressure.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/high-blood-pressure

In Brief: Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure with DASH

Source: NIH

Describes the basics of a healthy eating plan that has been proven to lower blood 

pressure. 

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/dash_brief.pdf 

High Blood Cholesterol: What You Need to Know

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at NIH

Provides information about healthy cholesterol levels and how to achieve them. 

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/chol/wyntk.pdf

Chronic Disease Self-Management and Diabetes Self-Management Programs 

Source: National Council on Aging

Help older people learn how to manage chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood 

pressure, and diabetes through healthier eating, more movement, appropriate use of 

medicines, and stress reduction. Also provide tips for talking to doctors. 

Program information: http://www.ncoa.org/improve-health/center-for-healthyaging/chronic-disease-1.html

Contact local Area Agency on Aging/find a program: www.eldercare.gov
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Medicines

Taking your medicines properly is important, and you should check with your health 

care providers before making any changes. Sometimes, your prescribed or over-thecounter medicines may interact poorly, or you could get prescriptions from different 

health care providers that duplicate or interfere with one another. Remember, alcohol 

and many medicines don’t mix. Check with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care 

provider to determine whether your medicines could be improved.

Safe Use of Medicines

Source: National Institute on Aging at NIH

Offers easy-to-read basics about medicine use and provides further resources.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/safe-use-medicines 

Alcohol Use and Older Adults

Source: NIHSeniorHealth.gov

Includes information about the dangers of combining alcohol with medicines. 

http://nihseniorhealth.gov/alcoholuse/alcoholandaging/01.html 

Medication Safety Basics

Source: CDC

Discusses how adults should take medicines safely and appropriately. 

http://www.cdc.gov/medicationsafety/basics.html

Ten Medications Older Adults Should Avoid or Take with Caution

Source: American Geriatrics Society 

Discusses medications to avoid or use with caution, and their side effects. 

http://www.americangeriatrics.org/files/documents/beers/FHATipMEDS.pdf
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Memory

Age Page: Forgetfulness: Knowing When to Ask For Help

Source: National Institute on Aging at NIH 

Offers general information about memory as we age, mild cognitive impairment, and 

dementia. 

http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/forgetfulness-knowing-when-ask-help 
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Research on Brain Health: How You Can Help

Scientists are studying how to keep our brains healthy as we age. Some studies track 

people over many years and others test potential medicines or other possible ways to 

reduce risks to brain health. This research is mostly done by scientists at academic 

medical centers, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, or the federal government.

The success of these studies depends on people volunteering to participate in them. 

Please get advice from your health care provider before taking part in a study. These 

websites can help you find studies that need volunteers and tell you more about taking 

part in research.

NIH Clinical Research Trials and You

Source: NIH 

Discusses how clinical trials are conducted and how you and your privacy and 

information are protected. 

http://www.nih.gov/health/clinicaltrials/index.htm 

Clinicaltrials.gov

Contains a searchable database of federally- and privately-supported clinical trials. It 

contains information about each study’s purpose, who can join, locations, and contact 

information. 

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov

Research Match

Connects researchers with people to participate in their studies. The free, secure 

registry makes it easier for you to volunteer for current and future studies.

http://www.researchmatch.org/?rm=CRAWebsite 
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Sleep

Not sleeping well or lack of sleep can lead to a number of problems. Older adults who 

have poor nighttime sleep are more likely to feel depressed, have attention and memory 

problems, suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, experience more nighttime falls, 

and use more over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids. There are many reasons why 

older adults may not get enough sleep.

Age Page: A Good Night’s Sleep

Source: National Institute on Aging at NIH 

Provides basic information on the importance of sleep for older adults and tips on 

getting a better night’s rest. 

http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/good-nights-sleep 
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Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea means that you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths 

while you sleep. Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and may 

occur five times or more an hour. Typically, normal breathing then starts again, 

sometimes with a loud snort or choking sound. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the 

risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, obesity, diabetes, and 

accidents. Some research shows that sleep apnea may increase the risk of developing 

brain diseases.

Signs of sleep apnea include:

 Restless sleep

 Loud snoring (with periods of silence followed by gasps)

 Falling asleep during the day

 Morning headaches

 Trouble concentrating

 Irritability and moodiness

 Forgetfulness

 Anxiety

 Depression

Not everyone who has these symptoms will have sleep apnea. If you experience even a 

few of these symptoms, visit your health care provider.

Sleep Apnea Information Page

Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at NIH

Defines sleep apnea and provides links to national organizations working in this area. 

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/sleep_apnea/sleep_apnea.htm 

What is Sleep Apnea?

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at NIH

Defines sleep apnea, discusses treatments, and has a video to help people understand 

the condition. 

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/
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Smoking

Quitting smoking benefits you in many ways, including brain health, and is beneficial at 

any age. Your health care provider, local programs, or these resources can help you.

Smokefree

Source: National Cancer Institute at NIH

Offers science-driven tools, information, and support that have been effective in helping 

smokers quit.

http://smokefree.gov/

Age Page: Smoking: It’s Never too Late to Stop

Source: National Institute on Aging at NIH

Provides information and links to help older people stop smoking. 

http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/smoking-its-never-too-late-stop 

LiveHelp 

Source: National Cancer Institute at NIH

Provides people with opportunities to ask questions about quitting smoking. 

https://livehelp.cancer.gov/app/chat/chat_launch 

Strategies to Quit Smoking

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at NIH

Offers tips and a video as well as links to smoking hotlines.

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/smo/strategies.html 

How to Quit

Source: CDC

Contains resources for people who want to quit smoking. 

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_to_quit/index.htm

Quit Lines: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669)
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Staying Connected

Emerging research suggests that doing activities you enjoy may help maintain wellbeing as you age. Older adults who do what they believe to be meaningful say they feel 

happier and healthier. Some studies find lower rates of dementia among people who 

stay socially active and connected with others, although no specific activity has been 

shown to prevent or slow dementia. These websites have tips on staying connected. 

Participating in Activities You Enjoy – More than Just Fun and Games 

Source: National Institute on Aging at NIH 

Describes the benefits of being active in a community and staying involved.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/participating-activities-you-enjoy-more-just-funand-games

AARP Experience Corps 

Source: AARP

Engages older adult tutors in improving K-3 student literacy in disadvantaged schools. 

http://www.aarp.org/experience-corps 

RSVP

Source: Corporation for National & Community Service

Offers an opportunity to join one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for 

people aged 55 and over. Older adults can use the skills and talents they have learned 

over the years, or develop new ones, to serve in a variety of volunteer capacities within 

their communities. Opportunities can involve teaching and tutoring.

http://www.cns.gov/programs/senior-corps/rsvp
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Stroke 

A stroke, or “brain attack,” happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. When 

this happens, brain cells begin to die because they are not getting the oxygen and 

nutrients they need. The symptoms of a stroke happen very quickly and include: 

 Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side 

of the body

 Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech

 Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

 Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination 

 Sudden severe headache with no known cause

If you have any of these symptoms or see someone with these symptoms, call 911 

immediately. 

The best treatment for stroke is prevention. If you smoke, quit. If you have high blood 

pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol, getting them under control and 

keeping them under control will greatly reduce your chances of having a stroke. 

The following resources can be viewed, ordered, or downloaded online.

Know Stroke. Know the Signs. Act in Time. 

Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at NIH

Describes the importance of knowing the symptoms of a stroke and acting immediately.

www.ninds.nih.gov/education 

Brain Basics: Preventing Stroke

Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at NIH

Details healthy living habits for preventing stroke. Includes charts for scoring your stroke 

risk. 

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/preventing_stroke.htm 
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Additional Resources

For more information on community programs, contact your local Area Agency on Aging 

or Aging and Disability Resource Center. Or, go to www.eldercare.gov. 

To find Internet resources on various topics, go to: 

Health & Aging Website

Source: National Institute on Aging at NIH

Offers information about a variety of health conditions and ways to live a healthier life.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/health

General Health and Disease Information

Source: NIH

http://www.nih.gov

Find out about participating in research at www.clinicaltrials.gov. 

Health Information for Older Adults

Source: Healthy Aging Program, CDC

Provides links to a wide variety of healthy aging topics of interest to older adults.

http://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/index.htm