Senior Health News: News, Information and Reviews
Carol Eustice, our Guide to Arthritis, reports : There has been talk of taking these drugs off the market for years. Since 1978, the FDA has received two requests to remove propoxyphene from the market. But, until this point, the FDA had concluded that the benefits of propoxyphene for pain relief at recommended doses outweighed the risks. Why the change? A study has now shown that, even at recommended doses, propoxyphene can affect the electrical activity of the heart -- increasing the risk for serious abnormal heart rhythms that can lead to serious side effects, including death. If you have chronic pain conditions that are treated with Darvon, Darvocet, or other forms of propoxyphene, talk to your doctor about switching to different...
Testosterone levels often drop as men age, but no one's sure whether that actually causes problems. A new study suggests that cancer may contribute to this decline. However, there are some big concerns about how that study was conducted. Read all about it on the Men's Health Guidesite. Age, Testosterone, and... Cancer? originally appeared on About.com Senior Health on Tuesday, October 26th, 2010 at 16:01:31. Permalink Comment Email this
A recent study published in the journal Archives of Neurology found that high blood pressure may predict dementia in older adults who have impaired executive function - difficulty organizing thoughts and making decisions - but not for those with memory problems. The study included 990 dementia-free participants, average age 83, who were followed for five years. During that time, dementia developed in 59.5 percent of those with and in 64.2 percent of those without high blood pressure . Similar rates were seen in participants with memory dysfunction alone and with both memory and executive dysfunction. However, among those with executive dysfunction alone, the rate of dementia development was 57.7 percent among those with high blood pressure...
A study being reported in the September 12, 2006, issue of Neurology, finds that adults over the age of 60 who complain of severe memory problems may actually be losing brain tissue. Despite scoring well on standard memory tests, the adults in the study who complained of significant memory loss were found to have loss of grey matter of about 3% on MRI brain scans. Patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment ( early Alzheimer's ) show about 4% loss of brain tissue in the same areas of the brain - the areas where memory is stored. Memory Loss May Predict Alzheimer's Disease originally appeared on About.com Senior Health on Wednesday, September 13th, 2006 at 02:24:51. Permalink Comment Email this
Beginning in 2007 Medicare beneficiaries who earn more money will pay higher premiums for their Medicare Part B coverage. A provision of the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act calls for a change in the formula for assessing Part B premiums. The Part B premium has been based on Medicare covering 75% of the premium costs and the beneficiary paying for 25%. With the changes, higher income beneficiaries will pay a higher percentage of premium costs. For those making more than $80,000 (single) or $160,00 for couples the percentage of the premium will increase to 28.3 % in 2007, 31.6% in 2008 and 35% in 2009. Those beneficiaries with even higher incomes will see large percentage increases. Higher Income Seniors to Pay Higher Medicare Premiums...
Spanish researchers have found that physical activity, even a small amount can improve the health of patients suffering from COPD . Those who engage in exercise and activity have fewer hospitalizations and have a lower risk of dying. COPD is a group of diseases, very often caused by years of smoking that restricts the airway and makes breathing more difficult. Many patients are dependent on oxygen most of the day. This study found that even light activity like walking three days a week could help. COPD Patients Need Physical Activity originally appeared on About.com Senior Health on Friday, September 8th, 2006 at 14:48:54. Permalink Comment Email this
There should be no repeat of the flu vaccine shortages of the last few years according to the CDC . Federal officials stated that at least 100 million doses would be available over the next few months, with at least 75 million available by October, the recommended period for having the flu shot. This gives the body time to build up immunity before the flu season officially starts in December and January. This should also mean that all those on the recommended list for receiving the shot should be able to get one. No Flu Shot Shortage This Year originally appeared on About.com Senior Health on Wednesday, September 6th, 2006 at 23:51:02. Permalink Comment Email this
A new study finds that older women who are taking hormone therapy that included progestin may suffer hearing damage. This small study of postmenopausal women found that those women had poorer speech understanding than did the women not on progestin . Progestin is found in some birth control pills; though no studies of hearing in that age group, using those medications has been done. [p]The study is somewhat controversial, as it only included a small number of women in the study. While hearing loss can occur as you age, you should not just assume it is normal. Talk with your doctor and have your hearing evaluated by a professional. Treatment may be available. Hormone Therapy and Hearing Loss originally appeared on About.com Senior Health on...
Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure in which a thin wire is implanted deep within the brain to deliver an electrical current. The current helps to block abnormal brain activity that causes the tremors and other symptoms that are the hallmark of Parkinsons Disease . While it is not a cure, it is effective in improving quality of life for people with this disease. Other than the dangers of the surgical procedure itself, it seems to carry fewer side effects than the medications that have traditionally been used for Parkinson�s. A new study being reported in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms these findings. Deep brain stimulation has generally only been available to those with the most severe symptoms of advanced...
A study published in the American Journal of Medicine finds that seniors who drink fruit or vegetable juices at lease three times a week lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease by 76 percent. The researchers credit the high levels of polyphenols in juices as being responsible for these findings. The antioxidant action of polyphenols (found mainly in the skins of fruits and vegetables) is well noted in other studies. Fruit Juice May Prevent Alzheimer's Disease originally appeared on About.com Senior Health on Friday, September 1st, 2006 at 23:19:41. Permalink Comment Email this