Seniors & Health Newsbytes

Menstuff® is actively compiling newsbytes on the issue of seniors and health.

Importance of Strength Training for Older Adults

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Stop the Aging Process ... or at Least Try

When you are younger everyone always tells you to wear a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) on your face every day. This is just one of the wise tips females learn when growing up. Others include applying your makeup in upward motions so you don't pull on your skin and putting on under eye lotion with your ring finger (it applies less pressure.) People started telling me these things when I was in middle school in order to prevent wrinkles. And lets be honest, no one should be worried about wrinkles at age 12!

I actually really did begin following these rules when I was little and I think that they are good practices to have (especially the SPF.) But now that I am a little bit older, wrinkles are a closer than they were at age 12, so I am much more aware of all of anti-aging products around me.

I am going to be honest; I still do not know a ton about anti-wrinkle creams and have yet to use them.
Source: hotsearches.aol.com/2007/06/20/stop-the-aging-process-or-at-least-try-to?ncid=AOLSEA00020000000019

Botox Helps Stroke Patients

Test Could Help Treat Hearing Loss
Source: www.healthcentral.com/newsdetail/408/528794.html

Anemia May Raise Elderly Death Risk

Treating the common condition could extend lives, researchers say.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/newsdetail/408/528718.html

Make Your Stairs Safer

Install handrails on both sides
Stair edges are marked with contrasting colors.
They have a non-slip surface.
Handrail height feels comfortable when used for support.
Handrails extend 12 inches beyond the top and bottom steps, and are round in shape.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/newsdetail/408/527885.html

Some Doctors Warn of Hype in Hip Surgery Ads

On websites and television, hospitals and surgeons are promoting what they call a dramatically better way to treat painful hips: "minimally invasive surgery" that allows patients to recover quickly and with less pain.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC255/24479/28840/432160.html?d=dmtICNNews

Regular Exercise Fights Pain in Elderly

Older people who exercise regularly experience fewer aches and pains than other people their age who are less active.
Source: my.webmd.com/content/article/112/110281.htm

Stepping In: What to Do When Loved Ones Ignore Health Problems

It's hard to watch a loved one refuse to make necessary, maybe even lifesaving, behavior changes. Here are some tips for helping loved ones help themselves.
Source: www.webmd.com/content/Article/113/110929.htm

Living Better: Keeping Death at Bay

Overall, Americans are living longer, stronger, and healthier lives according to an in-depth look at nationwide causes of death. See what we're doing right and where we need to improve.
Source: my.webmd.com/content/Article/111/110137.htm

Is your short-term memory short-circuiting with age?

We have one possible explanation plus tips for keeping sharp. "What we found is that in normal aging, focusing on what's relevant is just not enough. You also need to filter out information that's irrelevant or distracting,"
Source: my.webmd.com/content/article/111/110116.htm

America: Are We Prepared to Age Gracefully?

The number of frail and elderly is set to explode, according to the White House, and a long-term care crisis may be just around the corner. Find out what the expected shortage of care could mean for you.
Source: my.webmd.com/content/Article/112/110554.htm

Those 'Senior Moments'

Memory problems commonly associated with age and called "senior moments" might be related to reduced blood flow to the brain caused by high blood pressure, according to a report at the American Heart Association's 57th Annual High Blood Pressure Research Conference.
Source: American Heart Association, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC274/333/33000/369694.html?d=dmtICNNews

How To Understand When Your Doctor Talks Statistics

While nearly all doctors are required to learn about statistics during their training, most patients are not, so here s your chance!
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC255/9273/35328/381638.html?d=dmtHMSContent

Tai Chi Chih Boosts Shingles Immunity In Older Adults

Fifteen weeks of tai chi chih practice may have helped a small group of older adults increase the levels of immune cells that help protect their body against the shingles virus, according to a new study.
Source: Center for the Advancement of Health

The Goods on Garlic

It has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=513632
 

Tropical Oils Beat Fat

Blend used for cooking fights cholesterol, study finds.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=513702
 

Soy Much Goodness

Protein without the fat.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=513858
 

U.S. Panel on Fence About Supplements

Finds no evidence to recommend them to prevent heart disease, cancer.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=513888

Calcium Correctness

Time your intake wisely.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=513755

It's Spring, and the Allergies Are A'Bloom

Here's how to tell which is which.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=510886

Combo Drugs Best For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Combining a new drug with the standard initial treatment for rheumatoid arthritis seems to work better than using either medicine alone, research indicates.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC255/333/21291/376532.html?d=dmtICNNews

Eating and Aging

Tips for overcoming eating difficulties.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=513634

Air Pollution May Damage Brain, Heart

Studies suggest it can cause Alzheimer's-like lesions, heart problems.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512732

Let Anger go, Save the Headache

If you're angry about something, let it out and it might save you a headache.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=8006449

Through Sickness and in Health

When one spouse cares for the other.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512754

Some Are Missing Out on Depression Treatment

Lower rates of therapy, drugs for older men, blacks and Hispanics.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512537

'Silent' Strokes Linked to Dementia

Danish study finds symptomless attacks double risk.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512416
 

Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs Don't Do it All

These heart meds don't offer much protection against stroke, study finds.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512462

NSAIDs May Ward Off Alzheimer's Disease

Study finds aspirin works almost as well as other anti-inflammatories.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512441
 

HRT Minus Java May Keep Parkinson's at Bay

Study looks at effects of the combination on this brain disease in women.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512237

For Many Seniors, Sleep is an Elusive Dream

But treatments can help those in search of a good night's rest
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512493
 

Pumpernickel Promotes Pump Health in Elderly

Study finds it's never too late to start increasing fiber.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512513

People Keep Their Distinctive Patterns Of Cognitive Ability As They Age, Contrary To Prior Speculation

Never good with numbers? The bad news: As you age, you may still not be good with them. The good news: You ll still be good at what you re good at today.
Source: American Psychological Association, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC255/333/8896/369029.html?d=dmtICNNews

Ceramics Offer New Promise In Hip Replacements

Dr. Joseph Brown's pain radiated from his back down his right leg to his foot, worsening to the point that it awakened him at night.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC255/24479/28840/369090.html?d=dmtICNNews

Gov. Kempthorne Focuses On Long-Term Care

Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne says that as leader of the National Governors Association he will emphasize long-term care -- a problem for state budgets, the country's aging population and his own parents.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC255/333/21344/368312.html?d=dmtICNNews

Exercise Reduces The Decline In Pulmonary Function In Aging Men

In tests of male subjects over periods of up to 25 years, Finnish investigators found that higher levels of physical activity were associated with a slower rate of decline in pulmonary function with aging, along with lower mortality rates.
Source: American Thoracic Society, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC255/333/24524/368184.html?d=dmtICNNews

New Theory On Aging

A new theory on aging seems to confirm what many of us already knew: grandmas and grandpas are the best.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC276/333/22002/368201.html?d=dmtICNNews

Rx for High Cost of Prescription Drugs

New Internet program helps seniors find big savings.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512894

Oldest American Dies at 113

Eating junk food during her life didn't affect the longevity of 113-year-old
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=1501271

Light Therapy May Boost Hormone Levels

But full impact of treatment is still unclear.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512866

Through Sickness and in Health

When one spouse cares for the other.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512754
 

Nerve Cell Receptor Linked to Bowel Disease

Duke researchers prevent colitis in rat experiments.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=513066
 

Vitamin Deficiency Screening for the Elderly

A new screening test may identify people at high risk for vitamin B-12 or folate deficiency.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=8006110

CDC Looks To Prod Americans To Exercise

Try to take 10,000 steps a day, Dr. Julie Gerberding advised the congressmen, a mostly graying bunch with a bit of paunch who curiously fingered the beeper-sized step-counters she'd brought them.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=20833&c=363102&p=~br,IHC|~st,333|~r,EMIHC272|~b,*|&d=dmtICNNews

Retinal Abnormalities And AMD Associated With Hypertension And Pulse Pressure

Retinal abnormalities in older people without diabetes are related to hypertension. Higher blood and pulse pressure are also associated with an increased incidence of macular abnormalities, including wet and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These are the major findings of two studies appearing in the April issue of Ophthalmology, the clinical journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Eye M.D. Association.
Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=28042&c=363301&p=~br,IHC|~st,333|~r,EMIHC272|~b,*|&d=dmtICNNews

The Science of Gray Hair

Whether dyed, rinsed or allowed to grow naturally, the arrival of gray hair can be a signature life event. Find out why it happens.
Source:  www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/23724/348513.html?d=dmtContent

Memory Loss Not Normal Part of Aging

In the past, memory loss and confusion were considered a normal part of aging. This information from the National Institute on Aging explains why this stereotype is no longer true.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/22033/309968.html?d=dmtContent

Deterring Dementia: Prevention Is The Focus In War On Memory Disease

With no cure in sight, scientists increasingly are focusing on measures that might prevent Alzheimer's and other dementias.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/359618.html

Aging

Check out our Seniors' area to learn about aging and how it affects your mind and body.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/22030.html

Age Discrimination

Age discrimination continues to damage our society, reducing both the incomes and the self-confidence of millions of Americans.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=22035&c=309850&p=~br,IHC|~st,22030|~r,EMIHC255|~b,*|&d=dmtContent

Older Adults And Depression

Depression is not a normal part of aging, but unfortunately, because many older adults and their caregivers believe it is, depression in the elderly often goes overlooked and untreated.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=22033&c=271016&p=~br,IHC|~st,22030|~r,EMIHC255|~b,*|&d=dmtContent

Strong Quadriceps May Not Help Knee Arthritis

Contrary to many experts' opinion that people with knee osteoarthritis should strengthen upper leg muscles, a new study found that upper leg strength may not protect against knee osteoarthritis and in fact may worsen arthritis in people with certain knee conditions.
Source: American College of Physicians, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=9247&c=363407&p=~br,IHC|~st,333|~r,EMIHC255|~b,*|&d=dmtICNNews

Sudden Death Not Surprising In Many Women

Most women who die from an abrupt loss of heart function (called sudden cardiac death) have no prior history of heart disease. However, 94 percent of these women have at least one cardiac risk factor such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or obesity, according to a report.
Source: American Heart Association, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=21142&c=363408&p=~br,IHC|~st,333|~r,EMIHC255|~b,*|&d=dmtICNNews

Five Studies Look At Risks Of Differing Particulate Matter, Including Exposures On 9/11

In the hours and days following the September 11 World Trade Center disaster, rescue and clean-up workers continually breathed in air dense with particulate matter (PM) from the explosion and resulting fires. Little monitoring data are available for the first few days when exposures were greatest. While October rains helped mitigate the amount of airborne PM, precise information on PM composition and exposure levels for the period September 11-13 is lacking.
Source: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=21142&c=363408&p=~br,IHC|~st,333|~r,EMIHC255|~b,*|&d=dmtICNNews

Older Americans With Coexisting Respiratory Conditions Particularly Susceptible To Harmful Effects Of Air Pollution

Older individuals who died from such non-respiratory causes as cardiac disease were particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution if they also had coexisting respiratory conditions, according to study results in the second issue for April 2003 of the American Thoracic Society's peer-reviewed American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Source: American Thoracic Society, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=8896&c=363354&p=~br,IHC|~st,333|~r,EMIHC255|~b,*|&d=dmtICNNews

Depression and Drug Reactions in Elderly

Depression appears to play a part in adverse drug reactions among the elderly.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=8005489

Screening the Elderly for Depression

Screening elderly patients in an outpatient eye clinic may be an effective way to monitor them for dementia, depression and functional impairment.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=8005928

Seniors' Sleep Habits

Older people don't need less sleep
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512183

Institutional Abuse

Speak out about mistreatment.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512057

Tailor Things for the Elderly

Nursing home activities need to offer individual flexibility, expert says.
Source:  www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=511985

Morning Surge In Blood Pressure Linked To Strokes In Elderly

In older people with high blood pressure, a sharp increase in blood pressure in the morning increases the risk of stroke and is linked to brain lesions known as "silent" strokes, according to a study.
Source: American Heart Association, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8896/361834.html
 

To Keep Your Teeth, Brush And See The Dentist

People who take care of their teeth are much less likely to lose them.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8896/361866.html

Vitamin D Helps Seniors Avoid Fractures

Vitamin D supplements reduce fractures in men and women aged over 65 living in the general community, finds a study in this week's BMJ. Read the story and comments from a Harvard physician.
Source: British Medical Journal, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8896/361747.html

HHS To Launch Medicare Demonstrations To Improve Health Care Through Capitated Disease Management Demonstrations

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced that HHS is seeking proposals to improve the quality of care provided to certain Medicare beneficiaries.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8896/361737.html
 

New Bill Could Help Modernize Medicare

Chicago spinal surgeon Stephen Ondra tries to keep his elderly patients mobile, but he says outdated Medicare rules are preventing him from getting new technology for them.
Source:  www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8896/361622.html
 

Oldest American Man, 113, Dies In Florida

The oldest living American man died Monday from heart failure. He was 113.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8896/361568.html

A Population-Based Analysis Of Mortality Due To Pneumococcal Disease In California

Pneumococcal disease is an important cause of death from pneumococcal pneumonia. A vaccine is available that can protect against most of the common causes of death from this illness. Yet, according to the authors of this study, few population-based studies exist on the actual magnitude of the problem. Consequently, these investigators decided to evaluate the mortality from this illness, along with its California demographic correlates.
Source: American College of Preventive Medicine, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8896/361387.html

Many Elderly Undiagnosed For Depression

Old-age symptoms can mask signs of depression, making it difficult to diagnose and treat about 2 million older adults nationwide who suffer from depression, doctors say.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8896/361373.html

A Little Exercise Can Go a Long Way

As long as you feel the strain, your heart gains, new research says.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=511813

A Battle for the Ages

Anti-aging researchers, anti-aging docs clash over contributions.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=511680

Is It Hypothermia? Look For The "Umbles" -- Stumbles, Mumbles, Fumbles, And Grumbles

Older people who lower the thermostat to cut heating bills raise their risk of hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition in which the body's temperature drops for a prolonged period. Hypothermia is a particular problem for older people who lack proper nutrition, take certain medications, drink alcohol or who have conditions such as arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and Parkinson's disease.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/enews?360387

Scientists Study Why The Elderly Fall

The elderly man stepped onto an elevated track and began walking, sensors measuring his gait, muscle use and the force of each step. Suddenly he slipped -- and cameras filmed his limbs flailing as he fought to stay upright.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/360246.html

Carbon Monoxide May Aid Arteries

Tests on mice and rats indicate that the potentially deadly gas carbon monoxide -- inhaled at very low concentrations -- may help arteries damaged in angioplasty and transplants.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/360242.html

The Nonphysician Will See You Now

More Americans seek health care from multiple sources.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=511147

Winter Full of Risks for Seniors

Bad weather, flu season combine to make daily life dangerous for the elderly.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=508969

Long-Term Pill, Short-Term Memory

The pitfalls of once-daily medications.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=511103

Hip Protectors Prevent Fractures in Elderly

Convincing them to wear them is another matter, though.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=511210

Aging Boomers' Medical Costs May Be Less Than Thought

Death in old age doesn't include expensive procedures, study finds.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=511122

Flu's Toll Higher Than Thought

Study finds huge increase in deaths, especially in elderly.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=511140

Tainted Polio Vaccine Not Linked to Rare Cancer Increase

Cancer increases seen in age group that was least likely exposed to vaccine.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=511067

Doctors Say Trendy Supplements Not Necessary If One Eats A Balanced Diet

In the war against aging, millions of older adults are looking to pharmacy and grocery store shelves to build up their defenses.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/enews?346953

Lilly Offers Prescription Card

Low-income seniors with no drug insurance will be able to get a month's supply of prescriptions like the depression-treating Prozac and the osteoporosis-fighting Evista for each.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/enews?346789

Study On Suicide Reveals Faith, Social Ties As 'Protective' For Older African Americans

The strong religious faith and social support of older African Americans may be key factors in why they die by suicide far less often than whites, researchers report in the July 1 American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, in an issue devoted to understanding the causes of suicide among seniors.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/351935.html

Drugs Restoring Eyesight In Seniors

To doctors' amazement, experimental new medicines are rescuing people from the brink of blindness so they can read and drive and sometimes even regain perfect vision.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/351977.html

Aneurysm Screening Saves Lives

Ultrasound detects potential time bomb in men over 65.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=510247

CDC: Not Enough Seniors Getting Flu Shot

Only two-thirds immunized against it, and fewer for pneumonia
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=510279

Life-Saving Properties Of Beta Blockers Extend To More Patients

Beta blocker drugs have now been shown to lengthen the lives of people at risk of sudden death due to irregular heart beats, according to a study published in the rapid access issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
Source: American Heart Association, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/357393.html

Drugmakers Restore Discounts to US Seniors

Two large pharmaceutical manufacturers said they would be restoring the original level of discounts provided through a drug card program for seniors and sending refunds to members who bought medications after those discounts were reduced. GlaxoSmithKline and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. decided to reinstate the larger discounts in light of the federal government's finding that the discounted prices offer to members of the "Together Rx" program won't trigger a Medicaid rule that could cost them big bucks.
Source: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_9995.html

Caregiving: A Man's Job

You'd never know it from the typical media report, but almost half of all people who care for an elderly, disabled, or chronically ill family member or friend are men. These men face a unique set of problems. You'll want to read this to get the full picture -- and then share it with a man you know who's caring for others.

Studies Show Elderly Can Tolerate Strong Cancer Drugs

Many elderly patients can tolerate powerful cancer drugs better than doctors think, according to new research.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/356933.html

Ouch! The Receptors Mediating Acidic Pain Sensation

When we feel pain in response to harmful stimuli it is the result of messages sent from pain sensors in the periphery of the body to the brain. These pain sensors - or nociceptors - often lie beneath the skin and detect and signal the presence of tissue-damaging stimuli or the existence of tissue damage. One particular nociceptor, vanilloid receptor-1 (VR1), relays sensory messages to the brain in response to thermal and painful chemical stimuli and is generally regarded as the major pain sensor.
Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/357019.html

Two Drug Companies Scale Back Discounts

Two pharmaceutical companies have cut back on discounts offered to the uninsured elderly because they fear the government will force them to offer similar prices to Medicaid, the federal insurance program for the poor.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/356295.html

Hearing Study Reveals Surprises

Naturally, the last thing older folks in Beaver Dam want to hear is that they are going deaf. So 3,753 of them have agreed to regular testing and probing to help people everywhere learn some simple and unexpected things that may ward it off. Gradual hearing impairment, long shrugged off as just another inescapable indignity of aging, is at last getting some serious study, and the results from Beaver Dam suggest something can be done about it after all. Like having a drink, perhaps, or even just going for a walk.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/356301.html

Cholesterol Fighting Drugs May Also Have Protective Effects Against Multiple Sclerosis

A group of cholesterol-lowering drugs may also effectively interfere with the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). These drugs, known as statins, greatly reduce hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and heart disease, mainly by their cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-lowering properties. A study published in the October 8 issue of Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, indicates that statins may also have therapeutic potential for a variety of immunity related disorders such as MS, rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes and graft-rejection in organ transplantation.
Source: American Academy of Neurology, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/356338.html

Polishing The Crystal Ball: Risk Prediction Methods Need Update

Calculating the risk that a heart attack patient will die or have another heart attack is physicians' attempt at peering into a crystal ball, but their view is clouded.
Source: American Heart Association, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/356340.html

 

Nursing Homes Kill Thousands

A review of government documents and court records indicates hundreds of elderly patients in nursing homes are dying from neglect, according to a newspaper report.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/356648.html

Nutrition And Exercise Boost Effectiveness Of Flu Shot In Older People

Current influenza vaccines are 50 to 60 percent effective in preventing illness in older people. Two recent studies suggest that the flu vaccine might be even more effective in older adults when supplemented with calories, vitamins, minerals, and exercise.
Source: Gerontological Society of America, http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/356023.html

Kidney Disease Linked To Lower Heart Attack Survival

A study of Medicare and other government records of 130,099 elderly heart attack patients found that those with kidney disease were at much higher risk for death than other elderly heart attack patients during the month following hospitalization.
Source: American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/356018.html

Healthy Living: Get Moving! Add Daily Exercise To Fitness Mix, Experts Say

An estimated 25 percent of Americans don't exercise at all, and another 60 percent don't do enough to make a difference to their health, federal reports show. Getting people to move -- anyhow, anywhere -- is emphasized by health officials who've spent more than two frustrating decades sounding alarms about the country's burgeoning waistlines.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/356643.html

MRI Can Predict Risk Of Heart Attacks

For the first time, researchers have shown that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can predict the risk of heart attacks or cardiac deaths in coronary heart disease patients, according to a report in the rapid access issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
Source: American Heart Association, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/356634.html

Forgetfulness Is No Laughing Matter

Find yourself joking about losing your keys or forgetting where you parked the car? Those little slips may be no laughing matter. A new study suggests that if you think you're losing your memory, you probably will.

Researchers found people over 50 who are aware that they're becoming more forgetful and absent-minded with age were more likely to show a decline in brain function years later.

"We found that several subjective measures, including perceived change in memory ability and frequency of using memory aids -- such as lists and reminders -- predicted a decline in brain function two years later," says researcher Gary Small, MD, director of the Center on Aging at the University of California, Los Angeles, in a news release.

The study was to be presented at the First Annual Dementia Congress in Chicago this weekend.

Researchers studied 39 adults over the age of 50 who had mild age-related memory complaints and tested them on memory performance. They also asked them how well they thought their memory worked. Each of the participants had a brain scan with positron emission tomography (PET) to measure brain activity at the start of the study and two years later.

The study found people who were aware of their memory loss had a significantly greater decline in activity in one of the key memory centers of the brain (the hippocampus) compared to those who had only minimal memory complaints. Previous research has suggested that decreased brain function in this region can predict future memory decline; it also confirms a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Small says self-awareness of memory decline predicted the level of brain activity decline in all patients, regardless of their genetic risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

"The findings suggest that self-awareness of memory ability may be an important factor to consider in assessing mild objective memory losses," says Small.

Researchers say learning more about these mild memory lapses may provide clues about how Alzheimer's develops in its early stages and help identify patients for early treatment to prevent further brain damage.
Source: my.webmd.com/content/article/1626.51727

Is Male Menopause A Myth?

Juan Ponce de Leon never found the mythical Fountain of Youth, but he must have found something in the New World. He died in 1521 at age 61 - 20 years longer than the average life span in those days - and then only after an Indian arrow found him.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/355446.html

Dilemma On Prostate Cancer Treatment Splits Experts

You're a man, 65 years old, and you've been having trouble urinating. Your doctor tells you that you have a cancer in your prostate that is making the gland press on the tube that carries urine. The good news is that the cancer seems confined to your prostate; there is no evidence that it has spread.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/355449.html

Health Benefits Eroding For Workers

Future retirees should expect to cover substantially more, if not all of the costs of their health care not covered by Medicare as employers increasingly reduce retirement medical benefits.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/enews?355377

Operating On A Beating Heart Shows Benefit In Elderly

Bypass surgery on a beating heart may be the best option for patients over age 80, leading to fewer strokes and higher 30-day survival rates, according to a study in the special surgery issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
Source: American Heart Association, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/355428.html

Flu Vaccine a Must for the Elderly

Says universal program would drastically cut deaths, hospitalizations
Source: www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=408&id=508498

Exercise Can Prevent Falls In Older People

A weekly exercise programme focusing on balance can prevent falls among older people living at home, finds a study in the British Medical Journal.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/344/352701.html

Senator: Drug Companies Oppose Lower Prices

Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., accused pharmaceutical companies and their political allies of trying to defeat legislation that would give older Americans a Medicare prescription drug benefit.
Source: http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/21291/352754.html

Geriatric Day Care Great For Patients, But What About Caregivers?

A German study has found that geriatric day care has positive effects on patients, with an improved feeling of well-being and stabilization of dementia symptoms. However, the study found that providing day care for elderly adults has little or no effect on their caregivers.
Source: The Gerontological Society of America, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/341/351869.html

Nutrition Status Affects Cognitive Impairment In The Elderly

Old age is often associated with cognitive impairment that can range in severity from mild memory loss to severely debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer disease. By current estimates, more than one million of the elderly in Europe and about 750,000 elderly in the United States and Canada become cognitively impaired each year, and often require expensive long-term care.
Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/325/8015/349200.html

Macular Degeneration Difficult; Vitamins Offer Some Hope

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD is a disease that comes with advanced age, and about 165,000 people are diagnosed with it each year.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/325/8015/348038.html

Dry Mouth Affects Eating Habits And Teeth

Older people who have dry mouth develop other oral-health problems and don't eat as well, according to two recent studies from the University of Iowa.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/325/8015/347660.html

Males 65 And Older At Higher Risk For Bacterial Pneumonia

In a study of all Medicare recipients aged 65 and older who were hospitalized for bacterial pneumonia (community-acquired pneumonia) during 1997, researchers found that men had a higher incidence of the disease, their cases tended to be more complex, and their chances of death from the disease were higher than for women.
Source: American Thoracic Society, www.intelihealth.com/enews?347315

HHS Report Promotes Benefits Of Physical Activity For Older Americans

HHS released a new report finding that frail health often associated with aging is in large part due to physical inactivity, but that it's never too late to benefit from becoming physically active. The report also provides strategies that individuals, clinicians and communities can follow to foster greater activity among older Americans.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/9247/351650.html

Cost of elders' drugs rising sharply

The prices of the 50 most prescribed drugs for older Americans rose, on average, at almost triple the overall rate of inflation last year, a study says.

The report used data from Pennsylvania's state-run prescription drug program for the elderly, those 65 and older, to develop the list of the 50 top-selling drugs. Price histories were obtained from a database published by Medi-Span/Facts and Comparisons.

The study found that 10 of the 50 most-prescribed drugs for seniors are generics. The average annual price for those drugs was $375. Nine of those drugs did not increase in price at all.

The other 40 most prescribed drugs are brand-name medications with an average annual price of $1,106. Only three of the brand-name drugs did not increase in price last year.
Source: www.healthlinkusa.com/getpage.asp?http://www.sunspot.net/news/health/bal-te.drugs25jun25.story?coll=bal-health-headlines

Epilepsy Mistreated In The Elderly

Subtle symptoms can be a classic sign of epilepsy in the elderly, confusing because it's not the stereotypical convulsive seizure.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/347696.html

High Protein Diet Along With Calcium And Vitamin D Increases Bone Mineral Density

Previous studies have suggested different effects of high or low protein diets on urinary loss of calcium and bone health. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Dawson-Hughes and Harris explored the associations between dietary protein intake and change in bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk in a group of elderly subjects.
Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/347663.html

114-Year-Old Japanese Woman With Taste For Sake Becomes Oldest Living Human

Slugging back shots of stiff Japanese sake apparently never hurt 114-year-old Kamato Hongo any - she is now the world's oldest living person, according to Guinness World Records.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/347446.html

Mixed Review For Geriatric Treatment

Frail, elderly patients do better and feel better with specialized geriatric care than they do with regular treatment, but they do not live any longer, according to the biggest such study yet.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/347511.html

Chemotherapy Trial Proves The Worth Of Including Elderly Patients In Clinical Trials

Doctors should be encouraged to include many more elderly people in clinical trials than they do at present, Dr. Olavo Feher told the 3rd European Breast Cancer Conference in Barcelona today.
Source: Federation of European Cancer Societies, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/347476.html

The Pope's Message To Doctors

Pope John Paul II told a group of doctors that resorting to extreme measures to try to keep alive the terminally ill at all costs does not respect the patient. Read the story and comments from a Harvard physician.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/347656.html

Past Socio-Economic Factors Influence Present Quality Of Life For The Old

The odds of poor quality of life in old age increase by 50 - 70 per cent for people who live in rented housing compared to those who own their home, says new, independent research from the Economic & Social Research Council's 'Growing Older' Programme. This finding is backed up by evidence that social and economic status in middle age as well as in old age continues to be a factor in the quality of life experienced by over 75 year olds. The researchers say this evidence is sufficient 'to warrant concern' over the extent of inequality.
Source: Economic and Social Research Council, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8896/346060.html

Improper Medicare Payments Rate Declines Again In 2001

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today reported that the rate of improper Medicare payments continued to decline last year. The improper payment rate, which estimates the portion of Medicare fee-for-service payments that do not comply with Medicare laws and regulations, was 6.3 percent in fiscal year 2001, compared with 6.8 percent in fiscal year 2000.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8896/346190.html

Medicare To Assist Chronically Ill

Medicare beneficiaries who are chronically ill with diseases like coronary heart disease and diabetes will soon be able to take part in a project that gives them some prescription drug coverage and coordinates their care.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8896/346164.html

Obesity Threatens Americans Over 50

Americans over 50 are living longer, smoking less and developing fewer disabilities than their predecessors, but increasing obesity could cancel the health gains, an AARP report says.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/350266.html

HHS Launches Effort To Support Ombudsmen's Efforts To Use Nursing Home Quality Data To Assist Families

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced a new initiative to tap the expertise of volunteer ombudsmen to help consumers use new comparative quality information about nursing homes and to further promote quality care in nursing homes.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/350290.html

Supportive Spouse, Family, Friends Contribute To 'Successful Aging'

Friends, family and positive experiences accumulate over a lifetime to help counteract the normal wear and tear of life, according to a new study in the May/June issue of Psychosomatic Medicine.
Source: Center for the Advancement of Health, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/350418.html

More Exercise, Less Smoking May Extend, Enhance Life Even At Advanced Age

Adults over the age of 72 who exercise more and smoke less than their counterparts are most likely to enjoy long, healthy and happy lives, new research reveals.
Source: Center for the Advancement of Health, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/350478.html
 

State-Specific Mortality From Stroke And Distribution Of Place Of Death

In the United States, stroke is the third leading cause of death and one of the major causes of serious, long-term disability among adults. There are over 167,000 stroke deaths each year.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/350415.html

Baby Boomers Care For Parents At A Distance

As more baby boomers move into the role of caregivers for their parents, specialists on aging predict that long-distance care for elders will replace child care as the single most important family issue for that generation. An estimated 7 million to 10 million adult children are caring for their parents from a long distance, according to the National Council on the Aging.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/350449.html

Exercise Said Best For Blood Pressure

Fifty-four studies' combined data put the weight of evidence behind the benefit of aerobic exercise to control blood pressure.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/7165/344/348953.html

Walking Aids Older People's Arterial Elasticity, Helping Heart

With advancing age, large arteries like the aorta and carotid lose their elasticity, making it harder for them to expand and relax with each heart beat. Increase in the stiffness of these arteries can contribute to high blood pressure and enlarging of the heart, both risk factors for heart disease. Impaired elasticity in the carotid artery also can be a factor in postural hypotension, when blood pressure drops precipitously as a person changes body position.
Source: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/349003.html

High Protein Diets Cause Dehydration, Even In Trained Athletes

A diet high in protein silently caused dehydration in endurance athletes, individuals whose training gave them a greater capacity to adapt to dehydration than the average person.
Source: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/7165/344/349002.html

A Popular Japanese Plum, Now Available In The US, May Help Prevent The Onset Of Cardiac Disease

Americans believe that 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away.' In Japan, a similar saying holds true for the umeboshi, the Japanese plum. Recently, umeboshi plums started to become widely available in specialty stores throughout the United States. Could the Japanese plum replace the benefits of the all-American apple someday? Perhaps.
Source: American Physiological Society, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/325/8015/349016.html

Nutrition Status Affects Cognitive Impairment In The Elderly

Old age is often associated with cognitive impairment that can range in severity from mild memory loss to severely debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer disease. By current estimates, more than one million of the elderly in Europe and about 750,000 elderly in the United States and Canada become cognitively impaired each year, and often require expensive long-term care.
Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8014/349200.html

Gene Scientists Find Clues To Why We Age

Gray hair, brittle bones, infertility and ultimately death apparently result from the fact that our genes are constantly being injured and cannot repair themselves fast enough, Dutch scientists say.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/348552.html

For The Elderly, Dry Mouth Affects Eating Habits And Teeth

Older people who have dry mouth develop other oral-health problems and don't eat as well, according to two recent studies from the University of Iowa.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/22030/8896/347660.html

Among Childless Elderly, Unmarried Men are more at Risk of Loneliness and Depression than Unmarried Women

In one study, the lack of biological children per se did not significantly increase the incidence of loneliness and depression at advanced ages. Marital status, rather than parental status, is a more salient factor influencing loneliness and depression in old age.

Compared to women, men, on the whole, have much smaller social support networks outside of the immediate family, a circumstance that may be worsened by childlessness combined with being unmarried. However, stepparents' psychological well-being is similar to that of biological parents. This suggests that biological ties between parents and children may be less important than family ties.

Thresearch group consisted of married, divorced, widowed and never married persons who furnished complete demographic and health information. Among the elderly, higher levels of education, better physical health and more economic resources help considerably to reduce the odds of loneliness and depression.
Source: The Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences. www.pop.psu.edu/searchable/press/feb2602.htm

Who Needs Long-Term Care Insurance?

As America's population ages, more people are taking advantage of long-term care insurance, which covers part of the cost of long-term care. Although many people don't investigate long-term care insurance until later in life, the best time to purchase a policy is actually during middle age, because the cost of LTC insurance increases with age.

Unfortunately, it's difficult to decide if you need long-term care insurance and even harder to decide which policy is the right one. If you're looking into long-term care insurance, there are three major areas to consider.

1) Does LTC insurance make sense for my financial situation? LTC insurance works best for people who have saved a good deal of money and don't want their financial stability threatened by nursing home costs. It's also a good option for those concerned about leaving money to a remaining spouse or children.

2) Can you afford this type of insurance? LTC insurance generally isn't a good option for people with modest incomes or limited assets. If your assets will be spent down after nine to 12 months (at $2,000-$3,000 per month) in a nursing home, then LTC insurance probably isn't the right choice.

3) Can you meet the eligibility requirements? Most individuals between 50-79 years old are eligible for LTC insurance, but some policies have restrictions on pre-existing conditions, including age or previous medical ailments.

If you or a loved one decides to purchase long-term care insurance, it's worth investigating multiple policies and state regulations. Find an expert in financial or insurance matters to advise you. Such assistance can be found through the local Area Agency on Aging.

Types of Policies

There are many different types of LTC policies, including:

Each of these types of policies has three basic options:

Some policies include home health care coverage. While this allows more choices for receiving care, it also increases monthly premiums.

When deciding about LTC insurance, it's important to gather as much information as you can. Make a list of questions. Visit a licensed insurance or financial professional. Be sure to have your questions answered by a professional who isn't promoting the policy before purchasing LTC insurance.
Source: ©2001 FamilyCare America, Inc., www.FamilyCareAmerica.com

10 Managed Care Tips for Caregivers

If you provide care for an elderly, ill, or disabled loved one, you've probably had to deal with his or her insurance company. Filling out the paperwork can be a time consuming and confusing process-especially if the company denies a claim. Luckily, help is available in many states through the office of the managed care ombudsman. These consumer advocates can help you understand your rights under different managed care plans and guide you through the appeals process.

The following tips were provided by The Office of The Managed Care Ombudsman, the Bureau of Insurance, Commonwealth of Virginia. Check with the appropriate office in your loved one's state for information regarding specific regulations.

1) It's worth the time and effort to read and understand the documents provided by your loved one's insurance company. This includes evidence of coverage, as well as other documents such as member handbooks, provider directories, newsletters, and other material.

2) Understand as much as you can about the plan before your loved one uses it. It's particularly important to know the primary care provider, the plan's policy regarding referrals to specialists, co-payment requirements, and access to emergency care. Be prepared. The plan will probably not cover all of your loved one's medical expenses, and he or she may have to pay part of the cost.

3) Ask questions about anything that isn't clear.

4) If you need assistance, contact the plan's representatives, your loved one's insurance agent, his or her employer, or the office of the managed care ombudsman.

5) If a problem arises, you should first contact your loved one's managed care plan. The evidence of coverage contains a telephone number and mailing address. Be sure to record the day you call, the name of the person you speak with, the title of the person you speak with, and a summary of the conversation.

6) If your loved one or his or her physician has difficulty obtaining approval for medical care-or experiences difficulty with a claim-know what your loved one's rights are according his or her particular plan.

7) Follow the instructions provided by the plan to appeal any decision. Familiarize yourself with the levels of appeals and grievance procedures that are available through the plan's internal process.

8) Carefully document-in writing-the facts that support your case. Keep your letters business-like and clearly state why you believe you are correct. Include copies of documents from your loved one's physician that support the appeal.

9) Follow the time lines and meet the deadlines set up by the plan. Be sure to keep a copy of any letters you send.

10) At any point in the process, feel free to contact your local office of the managed care ombudsman for assistance.
Source: ©2001 FamilyCare America, Inc., www.FamilyCareAmerica.com

Alzheimer's Early Treatment can Make a Difference

Most people believe that after a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, there is nothing to do but wait for the inevitable loss of mental function. But new drugs offer relief for many symptoms of Alzheimer's, and might even delay some types of mental decline.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/drdean/DeanFullTextTopics.cfm?ID=47011&src=n46

Many people may be deficient in vitamin B-12

A deficiency of vitamin B-12 is often thought to be a problem that only occurs in the elderly. But the vitamin deficiency--which can cause anemia, dementia and severe nerve damage--may be more common than once believed, researchers suggest.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=47165&src=n46

Shingles vaccine trial under way

A clinical trial is under way for a vaccine against shingles, a painful and often debilitating condition involving the nerves and skin caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, varicella zoster.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=47050&src=n46

Changing diet can help autoimmune disease

Getting rid of bread, cutting down on fats and adding fish oil to your diet could help control diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or multiple sclerosis, where the body's immune system fights its own tissues researchers suggest.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=46296&src=n56

Tai chi for arthritis

Forty-three million Americans have arthritis. The ancient Chinese tradition of tai chi is an exercise that is offering arthritis sufferers a safe alternative for relieving pain and increasing mobility.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/drdean/DeanFullTextTopics.cfm?ID=46263&src=n56

Effective new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis?

"The intravenous injection takes two hours and the cost is unbelievable but the relief is worth it. Thank goodness Medicare covers 80 percent, but it is still pricey."
Source: www.healthcentral.com/peoplespharmacy/PharmFullText.cfm?ID=46279&src=n56

Don't scoff at gin-soaked raisins?

"I read with much interest the letter about the doctor who disapproves of the raisin remedy for arthritis. I've been on this remedy for more than eight years, and it's really helped me -- and kept me off strong medication!"
Source: www.healthcentral.com/peoplespharmacy/PharmFullText.cfm?ID=46475&src=n56

Home remedies work for old knee injury?

"After reading your book on herbs and home remedies, I've been using Boswellia, turmeric and glucosamine -- and the serious pain in my knee is now under control. Would it help even more to add the gin-soaked raisin remedy?"
Source: www.healthcentral.com/peoplespharmacy/PharmFullText.cfm?ID=46281&src=n56

Dementia May Change Musical Tastes

Dementia--an illness that causes the loss of memory and reasoning--may in some cases bring with it gains, such as a new appreciation of pop music, Italian researchers suggest.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=46640&src=n46

Keeping yourself safe from drug dangers

Drugs are disappearing from pharmacy shelves and the FDA Commissioner predicts that more drugs will be recalled. Why? For one thing, breakthroughs that used to be marketed in Europe first are now often introduced in the U.S., which means the American public may be the first in the world exposed to complications.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/peoplespharmacy/PharmFullText.cfm?ID=46466&src=n46

Diabetes and High Blood Pressure Tied to Mental Decline

People with diabetes and high blood pressure are more likely to suffer a decline in mental ability as they age, a study says. Researchers said the findings indicate that getting diabetes and hypertension under control before age 60 might reduce mental impairment later in life.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=46838&src=n46

Medicare HMOs drop nearly one million members

Nearly 120 health maintenance organizations (HMOs) pulled out of the Medicare program Monday, officially dropping 934,000 older and disabled Americans who were receiving healthcare services from the health plans just last week.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=46550&src=n46

Seniors donate time, brains to Alzheimer's research

Needed: a few good brains. Or Brains, to be exact -- Biologically Resilient Adults in Neurological Studies. Volunteers in the University of Kentucky's BRAIN program could help researcher!s gain much-needed insight into the cause and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=46407&src=n46

Seniors' health costs projected to skyrocket

The amount of money seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries pay out-of-pocket for health care is expected to rise drastically over the next 25 years, according to a report released Tuesday by the Urban Institute think tank.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=46544&src=n46

Homelike design make extended care facilities more livable

A Southwestern decorating theme would seem natural for a health care complex in Sun City, Ariz. But one-on-one interviews with the people who were going to live there showed that they had other ideas.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?ID=46409&src=n46

Home care improves satisfaction and quality of life

Although it costs more than traditional healthcare, home care improves the satisfaction and quality of life for both patients and their caregivers, researchers report.