Aging Related

Many older adults have multiple chronic conditions (MCCs)—defined as having more than two concurrent chronic conditions—that are sensitive to dietary practices. However, communication around dietary behaviors can be challenging and complex because patients with MCCs have different dietary preferences. In addition, many clinicians lack effective communication tools or the training required to elicit dietary information from older patients.

Given estimates of a fivefold increase in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnoses among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people by 2060, researchers in a new NIMHD study examined whether social determinants of health (SDOH) account for these disparities. SDOH are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that are known to drive health outcomes. Evidence of SDOH is essential to improving health and advancing health equity.

NIMHD’s Conversations with Researchers Advancing Health Equity

September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month. As we celebrate the significant contributions to America—from its history through present day—by people who represent Hispanic and Latino communities, we recognize researchers who are promoting health equity through their work to advance the science of minority health and health disparities.

Older adults who are disabled and homebound are more likely than their peers to be socioeconomically disadvantaged and have depression.

More than a third of adults in the United States have obesity, and people who live in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods with lower-income and less-educated populations have a higher risk of obesity.

Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions that involve loss of mental clarity (dementia) turn daily life tasks into challenges.