The Aging Brain
The Washington Post has an interesting graphic in the newspaper today on the effects of aging on the brain. Highlighting recent research that shows the synapses are what deteriorate as we age – and not the brain’s cells, as previously thought – the Post explains how memories are formed, where decisions are made, and why the prefrontal cortex is so susceptible to the effects of aging. The Post also suggests some new therapies to aid in the regeneration of brain function, including estrogen replacement therapies for women, increased interaction with others, and making sure older people sleep better. For more tips to keep your brain healthy, check out the Alliance for Aging Research’s Brain Health Corner.
Americans are living longer than ever – and that’s something to be thankful for. As Time points out, our oldest population is getting older as well.
Forget the Finger Wagging: It’s Aging, Stupid
It was reported on the NBC Today Show that type 2 diabetes is on the rise worldwide – the number of adults suffering from the disease has doubled since 1980, and will double again by 2030. Why the uptick? Anchor Natalie Morales attributed the increase to “weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle.” There’s only one problem: It’s not true.
Is Alzheimer’s disease contagious?
Is Alzheimer’s disease contagious? Dozens of headlines ran earlier this month suggesting Alzheimer’s patients potential to infect others, but before quarantining forgetful friends and family, I advise further reading.
A Doctor Who Prefers ‘The Dark Side’
It seems Dr. Carl Elliott has let his instincts as a provocateur get the better of his perspective as a physician and healer. Promoting his book "White Coat, Black Hat: Adventures on the Dark Side of Medicine,” Dr. Elliott, a frequent contributor to The New Yorker and Atlantic Monthly, finds it deplorable that physicians who use drugs to relieve human misery have any actual contact with companies that research, develop and sell those medicines.
Not a Part of Normal Aging
Even though it’s a serious condition that typically leads to death after the onset of serious symptoms (such as angina and syncope), aortic stenosis (AS) is under-diagnosed—and even more scary—under-treated.
Results from a new study show that a home-based occupational and physical therapy program extended the lives of those who received the therapy compared to those who did not.
If you are one of the 5 million Americans that have heart failure, a new study published in JAMA provides evidence that exercise may help you feel better. Researchers found that moderate exercise is not only safe, but beneficial for heart failure patients.
