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Geriatrics Stories and Local Doctors
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Five More Predictors of Long Life
It's amazing the range of common attitudes and conditions in people's lives that seem to consistently contribute to their living for a long time. Here are five more of them:
A circle of close friends. Research has shown that chronic stress has a weakening effect on the immune system and ages cells faster, reducing longevity by four to eight years. "Good interpersonal relationships act as a buffer against stress," says Micah Sadigh, an associate professor of psychology at Cedar Crest College, in Allentown, Pa. (Read more about Five More Predictors of Long Life)
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Eat Differently as You Age
As people get older, their metabolism begins to change. And this means their intake of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals must change, too, or their health might suffer.
"All the nutritional things that we need to be concerned about as younger adults are even more important as we get older," says Alice Lichtenstein, professor of nutrition at Tufts University in Medford, Mass. (Read more about Eat Differently as You Age)
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Tai Chi Increases Seniors' Immunity
A Chinese form of martial art that's also a meditation and exercise discipline shows a remarkable ability to boost immunity in older people, according to recent research. This is on top of studies that have already demonstrated that the martial art, known as tai chi, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep patterns and reduces stress.
The 2,500-year-old discipline is often practiced in groups, and is well known from images of citizens performing it together in parks all over China. Its slow, rhythmic movements are designed to promote mental calm, peace and serenity - and the research seems to back that up. It also improves balance, flexibility, strength and coordination, and so is especially beneficial for those who are overweight or arthritic. (Read more about Tai Chi Increases Seniors' Immunity)
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Understanding Changes in Overeating As We Age
Key appetite control cells in the human brain degenerate over time, causing increased hunger and potentially weight-gain as we grow older, according to a Monash University scientist. Dr. Zane Andrews has found that appetite-suppressing cells are damaged by free radicals after eating and said the degeneration is more significant following meals rich in carbohydrates and sugars. Dr. Andrews claims, "The more carbs and sugars you eat, the more your appetite-control cells are damaged, and potentially you consume more." (Read more about Understanding Changes in Overeating As We Age)
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ALS AND VETS
He was the picture of health…a poster boy for the strength of the U.S. military. But Michael Donnolly can’t talk to us today. Michael’s father Tom says sadly, “Michael is now totally immobile, he is nourished by a feeding tube and his respiration is supported by a ventilating machine.” (Read more about ALS AND VETS)
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ALZHEIMER’S AND EXERCISE
There is a growing body of evidence that shows that people can delay and even prevent the onset of dementia by living a healthier lifestyle when young, and that includes exercising.
We don’t completely understand what triggers Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in general. For decades doctors have been preaching we should pump, run, and row our way to good health. But hitting the pavement and the gym for your brain? That’s exactly what a growing number of scientists are advising their patients. (Read more about ALZHEIMER’S AND EXERCISE)
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Hundreds of Strokes Found to Be Avoidable
A University of Manchester study has found that hundreds of strokes could be prevented each year if patients suffering from "mini-strokes", or transient ischaemic attacks (TIA), were assessed sooner by specialist clinicians. Researchers found that almost two thirds of patients attending what are termed 'rapid access' TIA clinics took more than the recommended seven days to be seen by a professional. A transient ischaemic attack is a temporary weakening of one side of the face and corresponding arm which drastically increases a person's chances of suffering from a major stroke within days of the symptoms. Some studies have put the risk as high as a one in for probability. (Read more about Hundreds of Strokes Found to Be Avoidable)
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Women With Depression At Risk For Osteoporosis
A study from the National Institute of Mental Health has found that women who suffer from depression are more likely to enter menopause with an increased risk of bone fractures. Researchers report that 17% of women with depression had decreased bone mass in the femoral neck, compared to 2% of women who did not have depression. Additionally, low bone mass in the lumbar spine was found in 20% of depressed women, compared to 9% who were not depressed. The researchers theorized that women with depression have overactive immune systems that produce a chemical known as IL-6. This chemical is associated with bone loss as well as promoting inflammation. During adolescence, bone mass reaches its peak and begins to decline through the rest of life, thinning at a faster rate after a woman undergoes menopause. (Read more about Women With Depression At Risk For Osteoporosis)
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Restless Legs Linked to Heart Disease and Stroke
A study published in the latest issue of Neurology found that people with restless leg syndrome (RLS) have double the risk of heart disease and stroke. The study included nearly 3,500 community based participants of average age 68 years from the Sleep Heart Health Study. The researchers used information provided by participants through detailed questionnaires to establish who had RLS and who had received a diagnosis for symptoms of angina, myocardial infarction, stroke or heart failure to help determine the presence of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular disease including reports of stroke or heart failure. (Read more about Restless Legs Linked to Heart Disease and Stroke)
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Aspirin Has Little Benefit for Many With Heart Disease
Close to 20 percent of patients taking aspirin to lower the risk of suffering a second cerebrovascular event do not have an anti platelet response from aspirin, the effect expected to be protective. The University of Buffalo conducted a strictly controlled study over 29 months with 653 patients to confirm the 20 percent rate of aspirin resistance. Lead researcher, Francis Gengo, states, "Millions of people use low-dose aspirin for prevention of a second stroke, second heart attack, or second episode of peripheral artery disease. In those indications, it's crystal clear that aspirin reduces the risk of a second heart attack or stroke in most patients. But we have known for years that in some stroke and heart attack patients, aspirin has no preventative effect." (Read more about Aspirin Has Little Benefit for Many With Heart Disease)
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