Aging & Independence Archives

Research Round Up: March 2022

Feb 18, 2022 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Lower Meds for Vegan Seniors. Consuming a vegan diet could lessen the number of prescribed medications needed by seniors, researchers say. The study included more than 300 participants aged 60 and older, taking five or more prescribed medications. Those on a vegan diet reduced the number of pills prescribed by … Read More

There’s No Set Timeline for Alzheimer’s Disease Progression

Jan 20, 2022 · Dawn Bialy · Aging & Independence

For many chronic diseases, evaluating the stage of the disease is part of the diagnostic process, and it is a main factor in treatment decisions. But Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects each patient differently, so it can be difficult to pin down the various stages. “There is no standard set of … Read More

MGH Research Explores High-Tech Solutions to Stroke Prevention, Mental Health Treatment

Jan 20, 2022 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) are making strides to help make blood clots easier to find before they pose a stroke risk and using technology to improve how the brain shifts thought patterns and behaviors—functions that are often impaired in people with certain mental illnesses. In one study, a … Read More

Boost Your Bladder Control

Jan 20, 2022 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Do you find that you often don’t make it to the bathroom on time, or that you “leak” a little when you sneeze, cough, or laugh? You’re not alone—urinary incontinence is a common problem for older adults, with women particularly vulnerable. “The percentage of women with significant symptoms increases with … Read More

Thyroid Diseases Can Produce a Wide Variety of Symptoms

Dec 21, 2021 · Dawn Bialy · Aging & Independence

Thyroid disorders aren’t a top health concern for most women, but they are very common: One in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime. And untreated thyroid abnormalities can put you at higher risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and nerve damage, so it is important to have … Read More

Staying Well in Cold Weather

Dec 21, 2021 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

If you live in a region where the winters are brutal, it’s vital to take steps to protect yourself against the cold. Falling temperatures can be particularly hazardous for older adults because they raise the risk of hypothermia, particularly if the mercury drops below zero multiple days in a row. … Read More

Newbriefs: Blood pressure monitoring; Equestrian; Aspirin; Weight loss surgery

Dec 21, 2021 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Older Adults Skipping Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Recent findings from the National Healthy Aging Poll suggest that many older adults with high blood pressure don’t regularly check their blood pressure at home or in other places outside the health-care system. Even among people who said their health providers encouraged them … Read More

Stay Safe While Staying Warm

Dec 21, 2021 · Rosanne Leipzig, MD, PhD · Aging & Independence

In this month’s issue we’re looking at the impact cold weather can have on older adults. It’s vital that your home is adequately heated during the winter, since you are at risk of developing hypothermia if the ambient temperature falls below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, particularly if you aren’t mobile. But … Read More

Maintain Your Motivation to Exercise

Dec 17, 2021 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

It’s an exciting new year, and you boldly declare that you are totally determined to do it this time: make exercise a regular part of your life. If you’re like most people, you start out strong, but by the time February rolls around, that determination fades. Other priorities take precedence; … Read More

Caregivers Ride an Emotional Rollercoaster When a Loved One Has Dementia

Dec 17, 2021 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

[caption id="attachment_139914" align="alignleft" width="190"] Caregiving for a parent or spouse with dementia can be agonizing, frustrating, fulfilling, and much more. While it’s important for the individual in cognitive decline to receive appropriate help, the caregiver must also recognize the need for emotional support, too.[/caption] A diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment … Read More

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