Awareness, Education, and Prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease in the Older Adult

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a major issue in our nation. Many of our neighbors, family, and friends have concerns and a call for our attention is necessary. CKD does not have a specific target, but individuals with diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and obesity are all at increased risk. Adults older than 65 years of age are especially at increased risk for developing CKD due to decrease in kidney function and other physiologic changes. In light of this, awareness, education, and prevention of CKD in the older adult population is important. The number of older individuals with a diagnosis from CKD is increasing, putting these older adults at risk for other chronic diseases and death. To address this issue, a sample of the older adults in central and northern Mississippi were given a survey to assess the number of older adults that were aware of CKD, its psychological and physical effects, and disease prevention. Approximately seventy older adults in central and northern Mississippi were given a survey to obtain data related to CKD awareness, education, and prevention