As you age, the risk of developing some diseases increases. Regular checkups and screening tests are important to maintain good health.

How often you have the following tests depends on your age, health, and risk factors for specific diseases. Tests that may be done at your regular checkups include:

• Blood pressure screening.
• Breast cancer screening for women.
• Cervical cancer screening for women.
• Cholesterol screening.
• Colorectal cancer screening.
• Coronary artery disease screening.
• Dental checkup.
• Diabetes type 2 screening.
• Hearing tests.
• HIV test.
• Prostate cancer screening for men.
• Screening for alcohol abuse (also called alcohol misuse).
• Screening for depression.
• Sexually transmitted disease screening.
• Skin cancer screening.
• Thyroid disease screening.
• Tuberculosis screening.
• Vision tests and glaucoma screening.

After reviewing all of the research, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has not recommended for or against routine screening for dementia in older adults.¹

Monitor your weight, and see your doctor if you suddenly or consistently gain or lose weight. For more information, see the topics Healthy Weight and Obesity.