Older Americans Month—May 2009
By 2030, one in every five Americans will be age 65 or older. Although the risk of disease increases with advancing age, poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Many illnesses, disabilities and even death associated with chronic disease are preventable.
Nearly 40 percent of deaths in America can be attributed to poor health habits such as lack of physical exercise, poor eating habits and smoking. While it's important for older Americans to have good physical health, it's equally important that they maintain good mental health. Nearly 20 percent of Americans age 55 and older experience depression and anxiety disorders.
NCCAM supports studies on diseases and conditions related to aging. Some older Americans may try complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, including dietary supplements. An individual considering using CAM therapy, should talk to their health care providers to ensure safe and coordinated care.
Fact Sheets
- Aging Resources
- Are You Considering Using CAM?
- Dietary and Herbal Supplements
- Herbs at a Glance
- Tell Your Doctor About Your Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Time to Talk)
Clinical Trials
Learn more about medical studies about CAM and diseases that affect older Americans. These studies are currently enrolling participants.
- Chelation Therapy Study—Heart Attack
- Effects of Sage on Memory and Mental Performance in Alzheimer's Disease Patients
- Green Tea and Tai Chi for Bone Health (GTP-TC-Bone)
- Isoflavones for Promoting Calcium Absorption and Preventing Bone Loss in Post Menopausal Women
- Safety and Effectiveness of S-Adenosyl-l-Methionine (SAMe) for the Treatment of Major Depression
Selected Publications by NCCAM Grantees
NCCAM has funded many basic and clinical studies related to heart disease. These articles are examples of the breadth of research the Center supports. To find more articles by NCCAM grantees, search PubMed.
- Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis of the Knee
- Botanical May Help Conditions Associated With Aging
- Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study
- Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT)
- Grape Seed Extract May Help Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Grape Seed Extract May Help Prevent and Treat Alzheimer's
- Tai Chi Chih Improves Sleep Quality in Older Adults
