HealthyLife Articles

Tag: aging

  • Memory Loss

    Brain & Nervous System

    With short-term memory loss, you can’t recall things learned in the past seconds to minutes. With long-term memory loss, you forget things learned in the distant past, such as in childhood. It is normal to have some memory loss as you age. It is common to forget where you put your eyeglasses or keys. You may have a hard time recalling the name of a person or place, and say, “It is on the tip of my tongue.” This memory loss is temporary and not severe. When it persists or interferes with your daily life, it can be a sign of a problem.

    Signs & Symptoms

    Signs and symptoms of serious memory loss, such as amnesia, depend on the cause. The memory loss can be partial or complete. It can occur for a short time or persist. It can also come on suddenly or slowly.

    Causes

    Other than the normal memory loss that comes with aging, causes include:

    *  Depression.

    *  Excess alcohol. Drug use.

    *  Side effects of some medicines.

    *  Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Dementias result in a decline of all areas of mental ability. This includes learning, problem solving, language, behaviors, and memory loss.

    *  Mild cognitive impairment. This is a medical illness. With this, people have abnormal memory for their age and education. They have a harder time learning new information or recalling things.

    *  Posttraumatic stress disorder.

    *  Seizures. Head trauma.

    *  Stroke.

    *  Brain infections or tumors.

    Treatment

    Memory loss that persists, is severe, or that interferes with daily life needs a medical diagnosis. When another problem is the cause and is treated with success, memory loss improves. For other causes, such as Alzheimer’s disease, there is no cure. The goal is to treat symptoms and provide safety and comfort.

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care / Prevention

    To Help Prevent Memory Loss

    *  Keep the brain active. Read, do puzzles, etc.

    *  Eat a balanced diet. Take vitamins and minerals, as advised by your doctor.

    *  Get regular exercise.

    *  Protect the head from injury.

    *  Follow tips under Prevention for Stroke (Brain Attack).

    *  Don’t smoke or use illegal drugs. Limit alcohol.

    *  Manage stress.

    *  Get regular eye exams. Get your hearing checked. If needed, wear eyeglasses and/or a hearing aid.

    To Help Remember Things

    *  Follow a routine for daily and weekly activities.

    *  Listen carefully. Link newly learned things to past memories.

    *  Repeat what you want to remember out loud. Write it down if you need to.

    *  Keep track of important things to do, phone numbers, etc. Use a calendar, planner, PDA, etc.

    *  Set up a system to remind you of daily medications to take, bills to pay, appointments to keep, etc.

    *  Put your keys, eyeglasses, etc. in the same place.

    Healthier at Home book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Debunking The Myth Of Senility

    Mature Health: Over Age 50

    Image of mature male with a family member holding his hand in comfort.

    Don’t think that you’re getting senile just because you forget someone’s name or can’t remember where you parked your car. Everyone forgets occasionally. The truth is, most people do not become senile. Senility (or senile dementia) is a state of confusion and forgetfulness triggered by mental decline. Almost 100 different conditions mimic the symptoms of senility. (Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. Poor nutrition, hormone disorders, and use of certain medications can also cause confusion and forgetfulness. Even then, senility is misdiagnosed up to 20 percent of the time. So don’t assume that you or anyone else is senile without a thorough medical exam.

    A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Age Successfully

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of older couple.

    Successful aging means more than good health. It means taking charge of your personal well-being so that you can continue to live a vibrant, independent life, regardless of your age, according to Dr. Terri Ginsberg of the Institute for Successful Aging at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

    “Successful aging isn’t difficult, but it does require a personal commitment to active living,” says Ginsberg. To help them age successfully, Ginsberg recommends that adults of all ages follow these “10 Resolutions for Healthy Aging:”

    1.Sleep at night.Avoid frequent daytime naps, late night snacks or watching television in bed.

    2.Eat lots of colors.Vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables on your plate mean a healthy diet that keeps your body moving.

    3.Get checked out.Catch up on any health screenings your doctor has recommended and don’t forget eye and dental check-ups.

    4.Worry less.It really is possible to “worry yourself sick.” Excessive worrying can lead to high blood pressure, digestive problems, chronic headaches and unhealthy weight gain.

    5.Stay in touch.Living alone doesn’t mean being alone. Reach out to friends, neighbors and relatives.

    6.Move more.Exercise improves heart health, and good heart health helps prevent a range of related disorders, including blood clots and depression.

    7.Read more.You can “exercise your brain” with newspapers, books, magazines or puzzles.

    8.Laugh and sing.Is there a better way to enjoy life? And both will help you to worry less.

    9.Take control.Be proactive about your own health. Ask your doctor questions about your health and for advice on positive lifestyle changes.

    10.Get involved.Local organizations of all types need volunteers. Helping others is the best tonic for feeling good about yourself.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Boomers Beware

    BE FIT

    Image of older women with exercise equipment.

    Boomers are now age 50 and older. And they are getting lots of injuries to backs, knees, hips, ligaments and tendons (the structures that attach muscles to bones).

    Regular exercise is critical for maintaining and improving bone and muscle strength. And yet if not done properly, exercise can result in pain and injury, sprains and strains. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers the following exercise safety advice for anyone older than 50:

    Warm up and stretch.Walking, bending, jumping jacks, and running in place before exercise gets and keeps the circulatory system moving and helps prevent injury. Stretching can be done before or after a workout.

    Exercise consistently.Don’t be a weekend warrior. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.

    Take lessons.Consider taking lessons for the sport you love. Whether you’re new to a sport or have been taking part in it a long-time, proper form and instruction reduce the chance of an overuse injury like tendonitis or stress fractures.

    Wear the proper equipment.Select the proper gear and shoes for your sport.

    Listen to your body.As you age, you may find that you are not as flexible as you once were, or that you cannot tolerate the same types of activities. If so, modify your exercise routine to accommodate your body’s needs. For example, if you’ve been a daily runner for many years, consider replacing a day or two of that activity with swimming, biking, or another sport that puts less impact on your joints.

    Use the 10% rule.When changing your activity level, increase it in increments of no more than 10% per week. Slowly build up each week until you reach your higher goal. This will prevent overuse injuries that may keep you from exercising or enjoying your favorite sport for some time.

    Develop and maintain a balanced fitness program.Include cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility. A balanced exercise program will provide a total body workout. This keeps you from getting bored and lessens your chances for injury.

    Take a break.Hard workouts can take a toll on your body and thus require strategies aimed at recovery. Learn to take a day off or cut back your training to allow your body to adapt and recover. Gentle stretching, light aerobic exercises, and proper nutrition and hydration are all helpful to the recovery process.

    Consult your doctor.If you develop or have had a sports or orthopedic injury like tendonitis, arthritis, stress fracture, or low back pain, consult an orthopedic surgeon who can help design or modify your fitness routine to promote wellness and minimize the chance of injury.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Busting Myths About Alzheimer’s

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of eldery man in wheelchair with daughter and granddaughter.

    More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and many myths still exist about it.

    MYTH: Alzheimer’s and dementia mean the same thing.

    FACT:Dementia is a group of symptoms that can be caused by Alzheimer’s and other diseases. Up to 80 percent of dementia cases are caused by Alzheimer’s disease. But, dementia can be caused by other conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease.

    MYTH: Everyone gets forgetful with age, so Alzheimer’s is no big deal.

    FACT:Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time. Eventually, someone with Alzheimer’s will be unable to have a conversation or do normal everyday tasks. The earlier Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can start. This may help delay the disease’s progression.

    MYTH: Alzheimer’s won’t hurt you physically. You can live with the memory loss and other symptoms.

    FACT:Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Some people may live up to 20 years after diagnosis, but there are no survivors.

    MYTH: Medicine can cure Alzheimer’s.

    FACT:Treatments can help slow down the disease, but there is no cure. Alzheimer’s will eventually progress, even with treatment. The treatments may help improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Research is underway to find ways to prevent the disease and hopefully cure it.

    Source: Alzheimer’s Association

    Look for early signs of Alzheimer’s

    Detecting Alzheimer’s early is important. Since everyone forgets things from time to time, it can be hard to know what’s normal forgetfulness and what’s something more serious. People in the early stages may still work, drive and do daily tasks. They may think they are fine, and deny they have any memory issues.

    Look for these signs as possible flags that could mean early Alzheimer’s and talk to a doctor if you notice them:

    *  Problems coming up with the right word for something

    *  Can’t remember names when introduced to new people

    *  Trouble performing tasks at work or home

    *  Forgetting something that was just read or told

    *  Losing a valuable or important item

    *  Having trouble planning or organizing

    Though these signs don’t mean a person has Alzheimer’s for sure, it’s best to see a doctor.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Exercise Benefits Outweigh The Struggle At Any Age

    BE FIT

    Image of older couple on a brisk walk.

    The more you age, the more you need exercise to stay independent and healthy, said Dr. Keith Veselik, director of primary care at Loyola University Health System. “Around age 35 is when our muscle mass and resting metabolism starts to decrease. When this happens our bodies require more, not less exercise to manage our caloric intake. When this starts to happen, we can eat the same things, do the same things and may gain 3 pounds a year. That’s 30 pounds in a decade,” he said.

    Dr. Veselik said the best workout program balances heart healthy exercise, strength training, and flexibility. He recommends an hour of cardiovascular exercise 4 days a week, 2 days of strength training for 30 minutes, and balance and flexibility exercises such as stretching, yoga or pilates, 1 to 2 times a week.

    In your 50s:

    *  Muscle and joint aches and pains start becoming more apparent, so get creative about how to keep up cardiovascular exercise that is easy on the joints but gets the heart rate up (hint: swimming, biking, or running on softer surfaces).

    *  Cardiovascular exercise also helps to fight many of the most common and deadly medical concerns, including heart disease, asthma, and COPD.

    *  Don’t go from doing nothing to running a marathon. Talk to your doctor, ask about risk factors, and together create a plan that’s right  for you.

    *  If back pain occurs, protect your back by building strong core muscles and make sure you are lifting heavy objects correctly.

    In your 60s:

    *  Balance and strength should be a major focus. Many people are scared of breaking a hip, which can limit independence.

    *  Bones aren’t as strong and both men and women become more prone to osteoporosis.

    *  Add balance and leg strengthening exercises to increase flexibility, as well as balance to help prevent accidental falls. Weight-bearing exercise is crucial to bone health and keeping bone density strong.

    *  If arthritis develops at this age, exercise can help you cope. Swimming or aquatic classes are especially good.

    *  Walking is a great form of exercise. Just make sure you get your heart rate up.

    In your 70s and beyond:

    To combat seniors’ biggest worry, dementia, know that exercise is the only thing that is proven to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. And many of the major risk factors for dementia – high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can be countered with exercise.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Stay In The Game

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of older man wearing knee pads while holding a helmet.

    Although many athletes understand the importance of keeping their muscles and bones healthy, it’s also important for them to take care of their skin. Sports equipment, especially protective helmets and pads, creates a warm, moist and dark environment for the germs that can cause skin infections to grow.

    “Athletes are at an increased risk of skin infection, which can have serious consequences and may take them-and their teammates-out of the game for days, weeks or months,” said dermatologist Jeffrey V. Benabio. “If athletes notice anything on their skin that itches, burns or may be infected, they should see a board-certified dermatologist or sports medicine doctor.”

    To help prevent skin infections, Dr. Benabio recommends that coaches, athletes, and athletic trainers follow these tips:

    *  Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed. A cut or scrape weakens the skin’s defense and allows germs that cause infections to enter.

    *  Prevent blisters to reduce infections. Apply a pad, gel or spray to areas that routinely blister. To help prevent blisters on the feet, ankles and hands, consider using specialized gloves and socks or wearing two pairs of socks. Athletes should also make sure that their footwear fits properly.

    *  Wear moisture-wicking clothes. This helps keep the athlete’s skin dry and prevents germs from growing.

    *  Wear sandals in the locker room. Wearing sandals or other shoes helps reduce infections on the feet.

    *  Shower after every practice and game. In addition, athletes should use an antimicrobial soap and wash their entire body.

    *  Do not share personal care items. Athletes should always use a clean towel after showering and use their own towels, soaps, razors and other personal care items.

    *  Wash clothes and towels after each use. Sports bags should also be washed, as germs that cause infections can remain in the bags and grow.

    *  Disinfect equipment, including protective gear, daily. For proper disinfection, follow the manufacturers’ instructions.

    *  Perform regular skin checks. Athletes should check their skin daily, especially those in high-risk sports, such as wrestling. Look for any changes, such as cuts, sores, redness, swelling and pus, and report any changes to an athletic trainer or doctor.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • What Our Aging Parents Fear Most

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of eldery man in wheel chair cooking at his stove.

    Seniors fear moving into a nursing home and losing their independence more than death, according to a new research study, Aging in Place in America, commissioned by Clarity and  The EAR Foundation.

    The study looked at the attitudes and anxieties of the nation’s elderly. The children of seniors also fear for their parents, with particular concern about their emotional and physical well-being should they have to enter a nursing home.

    One of the most significant findings of the study is that, when asked what they fear most, seniors rated loss of independence (26%) and moving out of their homes into a nursing home (13%) as their greatest fears. These two possibilities are a much higher concern than death, which was the greatest fear for only 3% of seniors surveyed.

    Other key findings include these:

    *  Most seniors want to age in place. That means they want to grow older without having to move from their homes. More than half are concerned about their ability to do so.

    *  Seniors cited three primary concerns that could jeopardize their ability to live independently: health problems, memory problems and inability to drive or get around.

    *  Many seniors said they are open to or would like to use new technologies that enable independence. More than half would consider the use of technology in their homes-specifically, sensors-to monitor their health and safety.

    *  Most Baby Boomers fear their parents will be mistreated in a nursing home and fear they will be sad. Almost two-thirds of Boomers provide some kind of help or support for their aging parents.

    “These findings tell us that, above all else, older Americans value their ability to live independently,” said Peter Bell, president of National Aging in Place Council. “As a society, we must find ways to help our parents and grandparents live their latter years at home.”

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Why Memories Change

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of older man looking out a window thinking.

    Memory is like the old telephone game, according to researchers at Northwestern University School of Medicine. You remember when kids took turns whispering a message into the ear of the next person in line? By the time the last person spoke it out loud, the message had radically changed. It’s been altered with each retelling.

    Every time you remember an event from the past, your brain networks change in ways that can alter the later recall of the event. Thus, the next time you remember it, you might recall not the original event but what you remembered the previous time. The Northwestern study is the first to show this.

    “A memory is not simply an image produced by time traveling back to the original event-it can be an image that is somewhat distorted because of the prior times you remembered it,” said Donna Bridge, lead author of the study published in the Journal of Neuroscience. “Your memory of an event can grow less precise even to the point of being totally false with each retrieval.”

    The reason for the distortion, Bridge said, is the fact that human memories are always adapting. Take note, lawyers and eyewitnesses.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine