Seniors' Health: Arthritis, Alzheimer's, Medicare, Dementia

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Erectile dysfunction tied to long-term narcotic use in men
Erectile dysfunction tied to long-term narcotic use in men
If you're a man, the pain-killing medications known as opioids may do more than relieve pain -- they may also put a damper on your sex life.More >>
If you're a man, the pain-killing medications known as opioids may do more than relieve pain -- they may also put a damper on your sex life.More >>
Many seniors suffer mental decline in silence
Many seniors suffer mental decline in silence
About 13 percent of Americans 60 and older say they have increasing problems with thinking and memory and that they suffer growing confusion, a new report released Thursday shows.More >>
About 13 percent of Americans 60 and older say they have increasing problems with thinking and memory and that they suffer growing confusion, a new report released Thursday shows.More >>
Swimming pools may pose hazard for people with heart devices
Swimming pools may pose hazard for people with heart devices
With summer approaching, researchers caution that swimming pools may pose a risk to patients with irregular heartbeats who've received implantable defibrillators.More >>
With summer approaching, researchers caution that swimming pools may pose a risk to patients with irregular heartbeats who've received implantable defibrillators.More >>
Omega-3s no help against age-linked eye trouble
Omega-3s no help against age-linked eye trouble
Adding omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients to standard antioxidant vitamins doesn't give older people any added protection against a leading cause of blindness, a new study finds.More >>
Adding omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients to standard antioxidant vitamins doesn't give older people any added protection against a leading cause of blindness, a new study finds.More >>
Odds of dying in traffic accident increase with age
Odds of dying in traffic accident increase with age
Elderly pedestrians face a much higher risk of being killed in a traffic accident than the young do, a new government report finds.More >>
Elderly pedestrians face a much higher risk of being killed in a traffic accident than the young do, a new government report finds.More >>
Seriously stressed? Hair analysis tells all
Seriously stressed? Hair analysis tells all
Hair analysis can reveal if seniors have elevated stress hormone levels that may put them at increased risk for heart disease and stroke, a new study suggests.More >>
Hair analysis can reveal if seniors have elevated stress hormone levels that may put them at increased risk for heart disease and stroke, a new study suggests.More >>
Complications from kidney stone surgery rising
Complications from kidney stone surgery rising
As more patients undergo a minimally invasive procedure to remove kidney stones, the rate of complications from the surgery is also rising, according to a new study.More >>
As more patients undergo a minimally invasive procedure to remove kidney stones, the rate of complications from the surgery is also rising, according to a new study.More >>
Researchers test implanted brain stimulator for Alzheimer's
Researchers test implanted brain stimulator for Alzheimer's
Researchers are testing whether applying electrical stimulation directly to the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease might improve thinking, focus and alertness.More >>
Researchers are testing whether applying electrical stimulation directly to the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease might improve thinking, focus and alertness.More >>
Too few Americans pass last days in hospice care
Too few Americans pass last days in hospice care
Many people are still dying in hospitals, despite the fact that there has been a decrease in the number of patients who spend their final days in a setting that most would rather avoid, a new government report shows.More >>
Many people are still dying in hospitals, despite the fact that there has been a decrease in the number of patients who spend their final days in a setting that most would rather avoid, a new government report shows.More >>
New method may help pinpoint woman's final menstrual period
New method may help pinpoint woman's final menstrual period
A new formula to predict a woman's final menstrual period could help menopausal women fight bone loss and reduce their heart disease risk, a new study reports.More >>
A new formula to predict a woman's final menstrual period could help menopausal women fight bone loss and reduce their heart disease risk, a new study reports.More >>
Certain lifestyle factors linked to arthritis in study patients
Certain lifestyle factors linked to arthritis in study patients
Smoking, obesity and diabetes are all associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, a new study suggests.More >>
Smoking, obesity and diabetes are all associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, a new study suggests.More >>
Complications more common than thought for type of hip surgery
Complications more common than thought for type of hip surgery
The complication rate for hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to repair damage to the inside of the joint, is higher than previously thought, a new study finds.More >>
The complication rate for hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to repair damage to the inside of the joint, is higher than previously thought, a new study finds.More >>
Hormone pills in menopause may carry gallstone side effects
Hormone pills in menopause may carry gallstone side effects
Taking estrogen pills increases a menopausal woman's risk of needing gallbladder surgery to treat complications of gallstones, according to a new study.More >>
Taking estrogen pills increases a menopausal woman's risk of needing gallbladder surgery to treat complications of gallstones, according to a new study.More >>
A third of US seniors die with dementia
A third of US seniors die with dementia
There's more troubling news for America's aging population: A new report finds that one in every three seniors now dies while suffering from Alzheimer's or another form of dementia.More >>
There's more troubling news for America's aging population: A new report finds that one in every three seniors now dies while suffering from Alzheimer's or another form of dementia.More >>
Joint replacement may reinvigorate sex life
Joint replacement may reinvigorate sex life
Although most people get a total hip or knee replacement to decrease pain and move around more easily, a team of orthopedic surgeons has discovered an unexpected benefit: people enjoy sex more after surgery.More >>
Although most people get a total hip or knee replacement to decrease pain and move around more easily, a team of orthopedic surgeons has discovered an unexpected benefit: people enjoy sex more after surgery.More >>
FDA wants to relax approval process for Alzheimer's drugs
FDA wants to relax approval process for Alzheimer's drugs
In an effort to quickly develop drugs that could prevent or slow Alzheimer's, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it plans to relax the approval process for experimental medications.More >>
In an effort to quickly develop drugs that could prevent or slow Alzheimer's, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it plans to relax the approval process for experimental medications for the memory-robbing disease.More >>
Gene therapy helped mice withstand osteoarthritis
Gene therapy helped mice withstand osteoarthritis
In a very early sign of medical progress on the osteoarthritis front, scientists report they've used injections of modified genes to reduce the risk that mice will develop the painful, debilitating condition.More >>
In a very early sign of medical progress on the osteoarthritis front, scientists report they've used injections of modified genes to reduce the risk that mice will develop the painful, debilitating condition.More >>
Five rheumatology procedures you might not need
Five rheumatology procedures you might not need
Before agreeing on specific tests, procedures or treatments, rheumatologists and patients need to be aware of the top five that should be questioned.
More >>
Before agreeing on specific tests, procedures or treatments, rheumatologists and patients need to be aware of the top five that should be questioned.More >>
Report details steps to boost patient safety
Report details steps to boost patient safety
Experts estimate that many tens of thousands of people in the United States die each year from medical errors, unproven treatments, bad diagnoses and preventable problems such as bedsores. More >>
Experts estimate that many tens of thousands of people in the United States die each year from medical errors, unproven treatments, bad diagnoses and preventable problems such as bedsores.More >>
Flu shot may not work as well for seniors
Flu shot may not work as well for seniors
Seniors seem to get a weaker boost to their immune system following a flu shot than young people do, a small study shows.More >>
Seniors seem to get a weaker boost to their immune system following a flu shot than young people do, a small study shows.More >>
A good mood may boost seniors' brain power
A good mood may boost seniors' brain power
When older people's mood improves, so does their brain power, new research suggests.More >>
When older people's mood improves, so does their brain power, new research suggests.More >>
Lighter sleep may dull memory skills in seniors
Lighter sleep may dull memory skills in seniors
It's no secret that your memory skills decline as you get older, making it harder for you to pick up new tasks or remember where you put your keys.More >>
It's no secret that your memory skills decline as you get older, making it harder for you to pick up new tasks or remember where you put your keys.More >>
48 states now report flu activity, elderly hit hard
48 states now report flu activity, elderly hit hard
Forty-eight states are now reporting widespread flu activity, up from 47 last week, and the virus is proving particularly dangerous for the elderly, U.S. health officials reported Friday.More >>
Forty-eight states are now reporting widespread flu activity, up from 47 last week, and the virus is proving particularly dangerous for the elderly, U.S. health officials reported Friday.More >>
Marriage might lengthen life
Marriage might lengthen life
Here's yet another reason to get hitched and stay hitched: New research suggests that being single during midlife appears to raise the risk for premature death.More >>
Here's yet another reason to get hitched and stay hitched: New research suggests that being single during midlife appears to raise the risk for premature death.More >>
Poor vision can isolate seniors
Poor vision can isolate seniors
Fear of falling leads about half of seniors with poor vision to limit their social activities, which puts them at risk for social isolation and disability, a new study shows.More >>
Fear of falling leads about half of seniors with poor vision to limit their social activities, which puts them at risk for social isolation and disability, a new study shows.More >>
Study reveals why elderly often vulnerable to scams
Study reveals why elderly often vulnerable to scams
Older adults are less able to spot people with untrustworthy faces, which may help explain why they're more likely to be victims of fraud, according to new research.More >>
Older adults are less able to spot people with untrustworthy faces, which may help explain why they're more likely to be victims of fraud, according to new research.More >>
Why aging eyes struggle to discern fine print
Why aging eyes struggle to discern fine print
The way people read changes as they age and helps explain why seniors have trouble reading fine print, a new study says.More >>
The way people read changes as they age and helps explain why seniors have trouble reading fine print, a new study says.More >>
Former President George H.W. Bush hospitalized with bronchitis
Former President George H.W. Bush hospitalized with bronchitis
Former President George Herbert Walker Bush, who has been struggling with bronchitis and a lingering cough, was in a Houston hospital Thursday.More >>
Former President George Herbert Walker Bush, who has been struggling with bronchitis and a lingering cough, was in a Houston hospital Thursday.More >>
Boomers zero in on health at age 50 and 65
Boomers zero in on health at age 50 and 65
Baby boomers' interest in health issues peaks at about age 50, wanes after that, and then peaks again near age 65, according to a new study.More >>
Baby boomers' interest in health issues peaks at about age 50, wanes after that, and then peaks again near age 65, according to a new study.More >>
Family's questions about Alzheimer's patients can put nurses in a bind
Family's questions about Alzheimer's patients can put nurses in a bind
Many nurses and other health workers at Alzheimer's care facilities feel unprepared to tell patients' family members the truth about their loved one's condition, a new study finds.More >>
Many nurses and other health workers at Alzheimer's care facilities feel unprepared to tell patients' family members the truth about their loved one's condition, a new study finds.More >>
Hypnosis may ease hot flashes in postmenopausal women
Hypnosis may ease hot flashes in postmenopausal women
Hypnosis may help reduce hot flashes in postmenopausal women, cutting down their frequency as much as 74 percent, researchers say.More >>
Hypnosis may help reduce hot flashes in postmenopausal women, cutting down their frequency as much as 74 percent, researchers say.More >>
Stroke risk rises in seniors with COPD
Stroke risk rises in seniors with COPD
Older people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at greater risk for plaque formation in the carotid artery, the large artery in the neck that carries blood to the brain, according to a new study.More >>
Older people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at greater risk for plaque formation in the carotid artery, the large artery in the neck that carries blood to the brain, according to a new study.More >>
Frailty linked to dementia in oldest adults
Frailty linked to dementia in oldest adults
People aged 90 and older who have difficulty with walking and other physical skills are more likely to have dementia, a new study finds.More >>
People aged 90 and older who have difficulty with walking and other physical skills are more likely to have dementia, a new study finds.More >>
Hormone replacement therapy: Safe or not?
Hormone replacement therapy: Safe or not?
Is hormone replacement therapy safe or not?More >>
Is hormone replacement therapy safe or not?More >>
New research suggests HRT may lower heart risks
New research suggests HRT may lower heart risks
New research suggests that women who take hormone replacement therapy in the early stages of menopause may have a reduced risk of heart attack, heart failure or dying.More >>
New research suggests that women who take hormone replacement therapy in the early stages of menopause may have a reduced risk of heart attack, heart failure or dying.More >>
Botox injections: Option for urge incontinence?
Botox injections: Option for urge incontinence?
Botulinum toxin, the anti-wrinkle treatment known as Botox, can also help women with urge incontinence reduce their leaking episodes, according to a new study.More >>
Botulinum toxin, the anti-wrinkle treatment known as Botox, can also help women with urge incontinence reduce their leaking episodes, according to a new study.More >>
Aspirin may help preserve brain function in older women with heart disease
Aspirin may help preserve brain function in older women with heart disease
The same daily, low-dose aspirin that many women take to lower their risk for heart attack may have spillover benefits on their risk for developing mental decline, suggests new research from Sweden.More >>
The same daily, low-dose aspirin that many women take to lower their risk for heart attack may have spillover benefits on their risk for developing mental decline, suggests new research from Sweden.More >>
Aging population poses long-term challenges to U.S. economy
Aging population poses long-term challenges to U.S. economy
The well-noted aging of the American population will continue long after the Baby Boomer generation crests, posing continuing economic challenges for the country for decades to come.More >>
The well-noted aging of the American population will continue long after the Baby Boomer generation crests, posing continuing economic challenges for the country for decades to come.More >>
Medicare gaps leave many with big bill at end of life
Medicare gaps leave many with big bill at end of life
Many U.S. seniors have trouble saving enough money to handle health care costs beyond what Medicare covers, a new study suggests.More >>
Many U.S. seniors have trouble saving enough money to handle health care costs beyond what Medicare covers, a new study suggests.More >>
4 eating habits may help older women maintain weight loss
4 eating habits may help older women maintain weight loss
Older women who want to keep off weight -- no small feat for many after menopause -- might consider four specific eating behaviors, according to new research.More >>
Older women who want to keep off weight -- no small feat for many after menopause -- might consider four specific eating behaviors, according to new research.More >>
Research pinpoints brain's 'gullibility' center
Research pinpoints brain's 'gullibility' center
Whether it's an email from an unknown gentleman on another continent pleading for money or a financial scammer selling a promising penny stock, the young and old tend to be more easily duped.More >>
Whether it's an email from an unknown gentleman on another continent pleading for money or a financial scammer selling a promising penny stock, the young and old tend to be more easily duped than middle-aged people.More >>
More friends, greater well-being at midlife?
More friends, greater well-being at midlife?
Having a wide circle of friends helps middle-aged men and women have a greater sense of well-being, according to new research.More >>
Having a wide circle of friends helps middle-aged men and women have a greater sense of well-being, according to new research.More >>
Test all baby boomers for hepatitis C
Test all baby boomers for hepatitis C
Every American born between 1945 and 1965 should be tested for the liver-destroying virus hepatitis C, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Thursday.More >>
Every American born between 1945 and 1965 should be tested for the liver-destroying virus hepatitis C, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Thursday.More >>
Parents can adapt, thrive after 'empty nest'
Parents can adapt, thrive after 'empty nest'
When their last or only child leaves for college, parents may have a difficult time adapting to the "empty nest" and their newfound freedom.More >>
When their last or only child leaves for college, parents may have a difficult time adapting to the "empty nest" and their newfound freedom.More >>
Balance, strength training reduce falls for elderly
Balance, strength training reduce falls for elderly
Older people who engage in balance and strength training can significantly reduce their risk of falling, a new study suggests.More >>
Older people who engage in balance and strength training can significantly reduce their risk of falling, a new study suggests.More >>
More Americans have at least 2 chronic health issues: CDC
More Americans have at least 2 chronic health issues: CDC
The number of Americans aged 45 and older with two or more chronic conditions has grown over the past decade, new research estimates, with seniors especially vulnerable.More >>
The number of Americans aged 45 and older with two or more chronic conditions has grown over the past decade, new research estimates, with seniors especially vulnerable.More >>
Home elder care: Buyer, beware
Home elder care: Buyer, beware
Many home aides who care for the elderly in the United States have no training and don't undergo stringent background checks or drug tests, a new study finds.More >>
Many home aides who care for the elderly in the United States have no training and don't undergo stringent background checks or drug tests, a new study finds.More >>
Aging boomers' mental health woes will swamp health system
Aging boomers' mental health woes will swamp health system
The United States faces an unprecedented number of aging baby boomers with mental health or substance use issues, a number so great it could overwhelm the existing health care system, a new report warned Tuesday.More >>
The United States faces an unprecedented number of aging baby boomers with mental health or substance use issues, a number so great it could overwhelm the existing health care system, a new report warned Tuesday.More >>
Nutrient drink might boost memory in early Alzheimer's
Nutrient drink might boost memory in early Alzheimer's
A daily drink combining several nutrients appears to help people with early Alzheimer's disease improve their memory, a new study suggests.More >>
A daily drink combining several nutrients appears to help people with early Alzheimer's disease improve their memory, a new study suggests.More >>
Higher doses of Vitamin D prevent fractures in older women
Higher doses of Vitamin D prevent fractures in older women
In the latest study to look at the effect of vitamin D on fracture risk, Swiss researchers found that taking more than 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily could reduce the risk of hip fractures.More >>
In the latest study to look at the effect of vitamin D on fracture risk, Swiss researchers found that taking more than 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily could reduce the risk of hip fractures in older women.More >>
'Virtual' colonoscopy safe, effective for Medicare patients
'Virtual' colonoscopy safe, effective for Medicare patients
A new study of seniors provides support for using "virtual" colonoscopy -- which is not currently covered by Medicare -- as a screening tool for colon cancer.More >>
A new study of seniors provides support for using "virtual" colonoscopy -- which is not currently covered by Medicare -- as a screening tool for colon cancer.More >>
One-fifth of nursing home residents fall in first month
One-fifth of nursing home residents fall in first month
A new study finds that one in five newly admitted nursing home patients has a fall within one month, and that higher levels of staffing with certified nursing assistants reduces the risk of patient falls.More >>
A new study finds that one in five newly admitted nursing home patients has a fall within one month, and that higher levels of staffing with certified nursing assistants reduces the risk of patient falls.More >>
Hospitalization may be 'tipping point' for Alzheimer's decline
Hospitalization may be 'tipping point' for Alzheimer's decline
For people with Alzheimer's disease, a stay in the hospital could lead to accelerated mental decline and increase the risk of going into a nursing home or dying, according to a new study.More >>
For people with Alzheimer's disease, a stay in the hospital could lead to accelerated mental decline and increase the risk of going into a nursing home or dying, according to a new study.More >>
Timed traffic crosswalks too fast for many elderly
Timed traffic crosswalks too fast for many elderly
Most older people can't walk fast enough to cross a street in the time allotted by many automated crosswalks, according to a new British study.More >>
Most older people can't walk fast enough to cross a street in the time allotted by many automated crosswalks, according to a new British study.More >>
Omega-3 supplements may not aid aging brain
Omega-3 supplements may not aid aging brain
Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil capsules, doesn't seem to help older people maintain their brain health, researchers report.More >>
Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil capsules, doesn't seem to help older people maintain their brain health, researchers report.More >>
Fewer Medicare patients being 'admitted' to hospitals
Fewer Medicare patients being 'admitted' to hospitals
Federal government pressure has led to an increasing number of Medicare patients being held for observation instead of being admitted to hospitals, a new study suggests.More >>
Federal government pressure has led to an increasing number of Medicare patients being held for observation instead of being admitted to hospitals, a new study suggests.More >>
More vitamin D might help older people stay active
More vitamin D might help older people stay active
Too little vitamin D has been linked to a host of health problems, including obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.More >>
Too little vitamin D has been linked to a host of health problems, including obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.More >>
Exercise helps older adults stay fit
Exercise helps older adults stay fit
People tend to exercise less as they grow older, but keeping physically active is essential for remaining healthy and independent, an expert says.More >>
People tend to exercise less as they grow older, but keeping physically active is essential for remaining healthy and independent, an expert says.More >>
Study offers ways to decrease use of restraints at nursing homes
Study offers ways to decrease use of restraints at nursing homes
The use of physical restraints in nursing homes can be reduced through a multi-pronged approach that includes more training and supportive materials for staff.More >>
The use of physical restraints in nursing homes can be reduced through a multi-pronged approach that includes more training and supportive materials for staff, residents and relatives, according to a new German study.More >>
Colonoscopy may detect curable cancer in elderly
Colonoscopy may detect curable cancer in elderly
Colonoscopies helped doctors detect a high rate of curable cancer in elderly people who had the screening for the first time, a new study indicates.More >>
Colonoscopies helped doctors detect a high rate of curable cancer in elderly people who had the screening for the first time, a new study indicates.More >>
Melanoma a big threat to older men
Melanoma a big threat to older men
Older men have an increased risk of developing melanoma, but most are careless about sun protection.More >>
Older men have an increased risk of developing melanoma, but most are careless about sun protection and do not know how to properly check themselves for signs of skin cancer, a new survey reveals.More >>

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