Health

Not too long ago, research came out that caused concern among many: PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors), the medications (such as Nexium or Prilosec) used for heartburn, stomach ulcers, GERD and other gastrointestinal ailments, seemed to be linked to higher incidence of dementia among long term users. That’s worrisome, as so many of…

While flu vaccinations are a highly recommended, if underutilized, public health measure, they’re especially important for seniors and particularly those seniors who reside in residential care facilities. Flu can be a serious and even fatal illness in older people. Now researchers from Brown University have found that upping the usual…

It can happen in a flash- one moment you’re walking and the next, you’re down on the ground and feeling intense pain. It’s no fun to fall, and the consequences can be serious if not devastating for those of us who are older or more frail. In fact, new research…

For many of us, the day is not complete without a stab at the daily crossword puzzle- and it turns out that this habit of doing a daily puzzle may sharpen your brain for the long term. New research out of England examined the crossword puzzle habits of over 17,000…

As was noted in last week’s agebuzz, the drive to encourage people to fill out advance directives has had limited success. Sitting down to contemplate medical care choices for the end of your life, and then writing down explicit instructions, is clearly too high a hurdle for many people. But…

Keeping in touch with friends often requires effort and attention, especially if distance or divergent interests threaten to separate you. What happens, then, when a friend is diagnosed with dementia? Is it possible, and preferable, to continue the friendship, especially as your friend’s cognitive abilities decline? According to new research…