The National Institute on Aging defines cognitive health as the ability to clearly think, learn, and remember. Poor cognitive health can affect an individual’s overall health and wellbeing by making daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, taking medication, and managing chronic health conditions more difficult.
According to the Maryland Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, one in 10 Maryland residents over age 44 report experiencing some cognitive decline, such as increased confusion or memory loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people reporting cognitive decline are significantly more likely to live with other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and depressive disorder.
Current Activities
The MDH Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control is involved in ongoing work to address cognitive health issues including Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD).
- The Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Council recently released its 2022-2026 Maryland State Plan to Address ADRD. MDH, in collaboration with the Council and partners across the state, supports numerous statewide and local initiatives to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their caregivers.
For more information about our ongoing cognitive health initiatives, please contact
mdh.cognitivehealth@maryland.gov.
