Brain Health Knowledge in Assisted Living: Establishing Baseline Information for Interventions to Promote Adaptation and Successful Aging

Abstract

Aging and its effects on a person’s quality of life are a growing concern for older adult Americans and their caregivers. Recent studies have shown links between certain lifestyle behaviors and lessened cognitive decline; however, there is insufficient information about how much actual knowledge the older adult population has with regard to maintaining maximum brain health as they age. This lack of information is even more profound when it comes to those older adults residing in assisted living communities. Little research evidence exists exploring how assisted living residents view brain health and what relationship exists between their brain health knowledge and other variables. This study examined brain health knowledge among residents of assisted living communities (ALCs) in North Carolina. Findings revealed significantly higher brain health knowledge in Whites compared to Blacks. Implications for practice indicate a need for providers to be aware of gaps in brain health knowledge of older Black Americans in ALCs and provide information accordingly.

KEYWORDS:

• brain health
• cognition
• successful aging