Aging & Independence Archives

Be Aware of Pneumonia Symptoms and Vaccination’s Role in Prevention

Sep 25, 2024 · Rochelle Nataloni · Aging & Independence

Sometimes what seems like a bad cold is actually much more than that. For instance, pneumonia is a potentially fatal lung infection that can be mistaken for bronchitis, asthma, the flu, and— yes—even the common cold. More than 90 percent of pneumonia deaths occur in people ages 65 and older. … Read More

Ask the Experts: BMI in Older Age; Nasal Decongestant Dependence; Colonoscope Controls

Sep 25, 2024 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

I’ve read that people ages 65 and older have a higher life expectancy when their body mass index is in the overweight category. Can you please comment on this? Body mass index (BMI) is a ratio of weight to height that has long been used to assess whether people are … Read More

MGH Researchers Pioneering New Stroke, Parkinson’s Treatment Technologies

Aug 26, 2024 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers are harnessing advanced technology that could soon give doctors more options for treating two challenging conditions: Parkinson’s disease (PD) and stroke. Research published recently in Nature Communications involved the creation of an “atlas” of brain regions affected by PD and an algorithm that may help … Read More

Being Grateful May Just Help You Live a Longer, Healthier Life

Aug 26, 2024 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Have you always been someone who says “Thank you” and lets others know how much you appreciate them? Do you take time to acknowledge the things in your life for which you are grateful? If so, you may be headed for a longer, healthier, and happier life. Numerous studies of … Read More

Get Moving to Avoid Frailty

Aug 26, 2024 · Judith C. Thalhaimer, RD, LDN · Aging & Independence

We all lose muscle and strength as we age. Frailty is something more. It can take away your health, your vitality, and your independence. But it’s not inevitable. What It Is. While there is no single, universally accepted definition of frailty, it’s understood as a syndrome that impacts health, energy … Read More

Thyroid Disease Can Harm Body and Mind

Aug 26, 2024 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Did you know that one small gland in your body influences almost every aspect of your overall health? The gland in question is your thyroid, which regulates the function of your heart, brain, skin, and bowels, as well as your body’s internal thermostat. In older age, it is common for … Read More

New Alzheimer’s Drug Receives FDA Approval

Aug 26, 2024 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new drug to treat mild cognitive impairment (MCI, which has been defined as memory issues that may be a precursor for dementia) and early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The drug, donanemab (Kisunla®), is similar to lecanemab (Leqembi®), which was approved in … Read More

Newsbriefs: Physical activity; walking and back pain; traumatic brain injury risk; shingles vaccine

Aug 26, 2024 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Get Off the Couch to Stay Well If you want to stay well as you age, turn off the TV and get off the couch. That’s the message from researchers at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health who found that replacing even one hour of TV with physical activity … Read More

Ask the Experts: Addictive Properties of Alcohol; Tendinitis Treatment; Blood Thinners and Mechanical Heart Valves

Aug 26, 2024 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

I often read articles about how addictive nicotine is. Is alcohol as addictive as nicotine? Yes it is. As with smoking, consuming alcohol stimulates the release of endorphins: “feel-good” chemicals that generate sensations of pleasure and make us feel more relaxed. If you are under stress because of work, illness, … Read More

Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle and Your Mind May Benefit

Jul 24, 2024 · Rochelle Nataloni · Aging & Independence

Chronic inflammation is associated with brain-related health issues, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and cognitive decline. Studies show that persistent inflammation can damage brain cells, disrupt communication between them, and slow down the creation of new brain cells, leading to a decline in cognitive function. Choices you make in your lifestyle, … Read More

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