Posts
A Message from the President of the United States: Support the Alzheimer's Association
Friday, August 12, 2011
Inadequate Sleep Can Lead to Senior Health Problems
Friday, April 22, 2011
Q. My 80-year-old mother stays up half the night watching old movies or playing Solitaire. I can’t convince her that this isn’t good for her health. Sometimes I think she doesn’t have enough to do during the day, but I work full-time so I just can’t get over there regularly.
Here’s a sobering note: lack of sleep has been found to be a new risk factor for colon cancer. A study finds individuals who averaged less than six hours of sleep at night had an almost 50 percent increase in the risk of colorectal adenomas – a precursor to cancer tumors – compared with those sleeping at least seven hours per night. These untreated adenomas polyps can become malignant.This new research just adds to the list of risks associated with lack of sleep such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and even death.
Of the 1,240 patients studied – who were receiving routine colonoscopies – 338 were diagnosed with colorectal adenomas at their tests. The patients with adenomas were found in general to have reported sleeping less than six hours compared with those patients without adenomas (control) patients. The association between amount of sleep and adenomas remained even when adjusted for family history, smoking and waist-to-hip ratio (a measurement of obesity).
Researchers reported the magnitude of the increase in risk due to less hours of sleep as comparable to the risk associated with having a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with colon cancer, as well as with high, red meat intake.
Try to encourage your mother to visit her doctor. There could be health or medication-related reasons why she is having trouble sleeping. It sounds like the two of you also could benefit from a caregiving companion for Mom. A caregiver could provide companionship and activity options for your mother during the day that may help keep her so busy that she would be ready for bed at night. A professional caregiving service also provides a welcome respite for busy family caregivers like you.
Here’s a sobering note: lack of sleep has been found to be a new risk factor for colon cancer. A study finds individuals who averaged less than six hours of sleep at night had an almost 50 percent increase in the risk of colorectal adenomas – a precursor to cancer tumors – compared with those sleeping at least seven hours per night. These untreated adenomas polyps can become malignant.This new research just adds to the list of risks associated with lack of sleep such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and even death.
Of the 1,240 patients studied – who were receiving routine colonoscopies – 338 were diagnosed with colorectal adenomas at their tests. The patients with adenomas were found in general to have reported sleeping less than six hours compared with those patients without adenomas (control) patients. The association between amount of sleep and adenomas remained even when adjusted for family history, smoking and waist-to-hip ratio (a measurement of obesity).
Researchers reported the magnitude of the increase in risk due to less hours of sleep as comparable to the risk associated with having a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with colon cancer, as well as with high, red meat intake.
Try to encourage your mother to visit her doctor. There could be health or medication-related reasons why she is having trouble sleeping. It sounds like the two of you also could benefit from a caregiving companion for Mom. A caregiver could provide companionship and activity options for your mother during the day that may help keep her so busy that she would be ready for bed at night. A professional caregiving service also provides a welcome respite for busy family caregivers like you.
Lifestyle More Important Than Genetics, Study Reveals
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Q. As an active 75-year-old widower, I am worried about the role of genetics in my future. Neither of my parents lived passed 77 and I would like to enjoy a longer life on this earth with my family and friends. I try to lead a much healthier lifestyle than that of my parents. What can you tell me about the latest research?
There has been some conflicting data on this topic throughout the years, but the latest research is good news for seniors like you. A study from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, has concluded that lifestyle has the biggest impact when determining longevity.
The latest study, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, runs counter to what many people just assume – that those with parents who lived to be very old are more likely to live to a grand old age themselves.
“But that's just not true,” says professor emeritus Lars Wilhelmsen. “Our study shows that hereditary factors don't play a major role and that lifestyle has the biggest impact."
The study group consisted of men born in 1913 that have participated in health and longevity studies in Gothenburg for many years. Those in the 1913 Men Study who did not smoke, consumed moderate amounts of coffee and had a good socio-economic status at the age of 50 (measured in terms of housing costs), as well as good physical working capacity at the age of 54 and low cholesterol at 50 had the greatest chance of celebrating their 90th birthday. "The study clearly shows that we can influence several of the factors that decide how old we get," Wilhelmsen said.
This is good news that you can share with your friends. It’s important to see your doctor regularly to ensure that your blood pressure and cholesterol remain at healthy levels. Companionship or help around the house also could have a positive impact on you as well. Contact Home Instead Senior Care® to learn how a CAREGiverSM could assist you.
There has been some conflicting data on this topic throughout the years, but the latest research is good news for seniors like you. A study from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, has concluded that lifestyle has the biggest impact when determining longevity.
The latest study, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, runs counter to what many people just assume – that those with parents who lived to be very old are more likely to live to a grand old age themselves.
“But that's just not true,” says professor emeritus Lars Wilhelmsen. “Our study shows that hereditary factors don't play a major role and that lifestyle has the biggest impact."
The study group consisted of men born in 1913 that have participated in health and longevity studies in Gothenburg for many years. Those in the 1913 Men Study who did not smoke, consumed moderate amounts of coffee and had a good socio-economic status at the age of 50 (measured in terms of housing costs), as well as good physical working capacity at the age of 54 and low cholesterol at 50 had the greatest chance of celebrating their 90th birthday. "The study clearly shows that we can influence several of the factors that decide how old we get," Wilhelmsen said.
This is good news that you can share with your friends. It’s important to see your doctor regularly to ensure that your blood pressure and cholesterol remain at healthy levels. Companionship or help around the house also could have a positive impact on you as well. Contact Home Instead Senior Care® to learn how a CAREGiverSM could assist you.
For more about the study, visit http://www.rush.edu/webapps/MEDREL/servlet/NewsRelease?id=1471.
Research Says Socially Active Seniors Avoid Disability
Monday, March 21, 2011
Q. I can’t convince my 82-year-old dad that he will feel better and stay healthier if he remains socially active. Since Mom died he doesn’t seem to want to do anything.
Tell your dad about the latest news, which reveals that those who are socially active are at least one and one-half times as likely to avoid disability. According to research, published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences and conducted at Rush University Medical Center, higher levels of social activity are associated with a decreased risk of becoming disabled.
"Social activity has long been recognized as an essential component of healthy aging, but now we have strong evidence that it is also related to better everyday functioning and less disability in old age," said lead researcher Bryan James, Ph.D., from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center.
"The findings are exciting because social activity is potentially a risk factor that can be modified to help older adults avoid the burdens of disability," he noted.
The study included 954 older adults with a mean age of 82 who are participating in the Rush Memory and Aging Project, an ongoing longitudinal study of common chronic conditions of aging. At the start of the investigation, none of the participants had any form of disability. They each underwent yearly evaluations that included a medical history and neurological and neuropsychological tests.
Results showed that a person who reported a high level of social activity was about twice as likely to remain free of a disability involving activities of daily living than a person with a low level of social activity, and about 1.5 times as likely to remain free of disability involving instrumental activities of daily living or mobility.
Your father could be suffering from depression since the passing of your mom. Why not encourage him to visit his doctor to make sure his health checks are up-to-date. Then suggest that he reconnect with his friends or make new ones at a senior center or faith-based organization.
Perhaps he could use a little help as well. A CAREGiver from Home Instead Senior Care® could help on two fronts: first, a CAREGiver could provide companionship and someone to accompany him to events or activities. A CAREGiver also could assist your father in reconnecting with old friends or help facilitate his social schedule.
Tell your dad about the latest news, which reveals that those who are socially active are at least one and one-half times as likely to avoid disability. According to research, published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences and conducted at Rush University Medical Center, higher levels of social activity are associated with a decreased risk of becoming disabled.
"Social activity has long been recognized as an essential component of healthy aging, but now we have strong evidence that it is also related to better everyday functioning and less disability in old age," said lead researcher Bryan James, Ph.D., from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center.
"The findings are exciting because social activity is potentially a risk factor that can be modified to help older adults avoid the burdens of disability," he noted.
The study included 954 older adults with a mean age of 82 who are participating in the Rush Memory and Aging Project, an ongoing longitudinal study of common chronic conditions of aging. At the start of the investigation, none of the participants had any form of disability. They each underwent yearly evaluations that included a medical history and neurological and neuropsychological tests.
Results showed that a person who reported a high level of social activity was about twice as likely to remain free of a disability involving activities of daily living than a person with a low level of social activity, and about 1.5 times as likely to remain free of disability involving instrumental activities of daily living or mobility.
Your father could be suffering from depression since the passing of your mom. Why not encourage him to visit his doctor to make sure his health checks are up-to-date. Then suggest that he reconnect with his friends or make new ones at a senior center or faith-based organization.
Perhaps he could use a little help as well. A CAREGiver from Home Instead Senior Care® could help on two fronts: first, a CAREGiver could provide companionship and someone to accompany him to events or activities. A CAREGiver also could assist your father in reconnecting with old friends or help facilitate his social schedule.
Diabetes and Depression: Double the Trouble
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Q. My 85-year-old mother has been depressed since my father died. She’s also diabetic. What problems should I be looking out for and how can I help her?
Here’s an interesting fact from a recent study: About 20 to 25 percent of patients with diabetes also have depression – nearly twice as many as those without diabetes.
What’s more, older women suffering with diabetes and depression have a significantly increased risk of death from heart disease, as well as an increased death risk from all causes, over a six-year period, according to a report in a recent issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
A study of 78,282 older women in the Nurses Health Study – aged 54 to 79 – was conducted in 2000 by An Pan, Ph.D., of the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, and her colleagues.
The women were classified as having depression if they reported being diagnosed with the condition, were treated with antidepressant medications or scored high on an index measuring depressive symptoms. Reports of type 2 diabetes were confirmed using a supplementary questionnaire.
During six years of follow-up, 4,654 of the women died, including 979 who died from cardiovascular disease.
Compared with women who did not have either condition, the results were:
● Those with depression had a 44 percent increased risk of death,
● Those with diabetes had a 35 percent increased risk of death and
● Those with both conditions had approximately twice the risk of death.
When considering only deaths from cardiovascular disease:
● Women with diabetes had a 67 percent increased risk,
● Women with depression had a 37 percent increased risk and
● Women with both had a 2.7-fold increased risk.
Be sure your mother is under a doctor’s care. If she lives alone and you can’t be with her all the time, consider hiring a caregiver companion to assist her. A companion could remind her to take her medications, help her around the house and generally brighten her day.
Here’s an interesting fact from a recent study: About 20 to 25 percent of patients with diabetes also have depression – nearly twice as many as those without diabetes.
What’s more, older women suffering with diabetes and depression have a significantly increased risk of death from heart disease, as well as an increased death risk from all causes, over a six-year period, according to a report in a recent issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
A study of 78,282 older women in the Nurses Health Study – aged 54 to 79 – was conducted in 2000 by An Pan, Ph.D., of the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, and her colleagues.
The women were classified as having depression if they reported being diagnosed with the condition, were treated with antidepressant medications or scored high on an index measuring depressive symptoms. Reports of type 2 diabetes were confirmed using a supplementary questionnaire.
During six years of follow-up, 4,654 of the women died, including 979 who died from cardiovascular disease.
Compared with women who did not have either condition, the results were:
● Those with depression had a 44 percent increased risk of death,
● Those with diabetes had a 35 percent increased risk of death and
● Those with both conditions had approximately twice the risk of death.
When considering only deaths from cardiovascular disease:
● Women with diabetes had a 67 percent increased risk,
● Women with depression had a 37 percent increased risk and
● Women with both had a 2.7-fold increased risk.
Be sure your mother is under a doctor’s care. If she lives alone and you can’t be with her all the time, consider hiring a caregiver companion to assist her. A companion could remind her to take her medications, help her around the house and generally brighten her day.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Drops by a Third
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Q. My husband has been suffering from macular degeneration for the past five years. Is there any positive news on the horizon about this disease? What are ways that he can cope with this dreaded condition?
There is some good news just out. The percentage of people with age-related macular degeneration has dropped by a third in the past 15 years, possibly because of a decrease in smoking – a known cause of the disease.
The overall prevalence of AMD among adults age 40 and older was an estimated 6.5 percent, which represented a decrease from the 9.4 percent reported in a 1988 to 1994 survey. The estimated prevalence of late (more advanced) AMD was 0.8 percent.
Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 and older. It is a disease that destroys sharp, central vision, which is needed to see objects clearly and to complete such important tasks as reading and driving.
“Despite new medical and surgical interventions, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains an important cause of vision loss in the United States,” the authors write as background information in the article.
“The decreasing prevalence of AMD may reflect recent change in the frequency of smoking and other exposures such as diet, physical activity and blood pressure associated with AMD,” according to the study.
While this news may not be of direct benefit to your husband, it does bode well for future seniors who can alter their lifestyle in an effort to help prevent this disease.
There is some good news just out. The percentage of people with age-related macular degeneration has dropped by a third in the past 15 years, possibly because of a decrease in smoking – a known cause of the disease.
The overall prevalence of AMD among adults age 40 and older was an estimated 6.5 percent, which represented a decrease from the 9.4 percent reported in a 1988 to 1994 survey. The estimated prevalence of late (more advanced) AMD was 0.8 percent.
Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 and older. It is a disease that destroys sharp, central vision, which is needed to see objects clearly and to complete such important tasks as reading and driving.
“Despite new medical and surgical interventions, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains an important cause of vision loss in the United States,” the authors write as background information in the article.
“The decreasing prevalence of AMD may reflect recent change in the frequency of smoking and other exposures such as diet, physical activity and blood pressure associated with AMD,” according to the study.
While this news may not be of direct benefit to your husband, it does bode well for future seniors who can alter their lifestyle in an effort to help prevent this disease.
Heart Association Lowers Sodium Intake Guidelines
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Q. My 82-year-old mother’s doctor is constantly harping on her to lower her salt intake. I’m never sure of how much is too much sodium and salt.
The American Heart Association (AHA) has recently weighed in on this important matter, issuing a call to action for the public, health professionals, the food industry and the government to intensify efforts to reduce the amount of sodium (salt) Americans consume daily to 1,500 milligrams.
This was already the level recommended by most health groups for senior citizens – those most in danger of high blood pressure.
The AHA noted that elevated blood pressure (hypertension) is a major public health problem – approximately 90 percent of all Americans will develop hypertension over their lifetime.
In the advisory, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, the association sets out the science behind the American Heart Association’s recommendation for the general population, which is to consume no more than 1,500 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day because of the harmful effects of sodium – elevated blood pressure and increased risk of stroke, heart attacks and kidney disease.
Sodium consumption is currently more than two times higher than the recommended upper limit of 1,500 mg daily, with 77 percent of that consumption coming from packaged, processed and restaurant foods.
“Even a modest decline in intake – say 400 mg per day – would produce benefits that are substantial and warrant implementation,” say the advisory authors.
According to the advisory:
• As sodium intake rises, so does blood pressure and the risk of negative health outcomes.
• Independent of its effects on blood pressure, excess sodium intake adversely affects the heart, kidneys and blood vessels.
• The potential public health benefits of sodium reduction are enormous and extend to all Americans.
• Scientific evidence on the adverse effects of excess sodium is strong and compelling.
It’s important to check the sodium level in packaging, particularly of processed foods, to ensure that you are staying within the recommended daily allowance. Consult with your doctor or a nutritionist if your mother has questions.
The American Heart Association (AHA) has recently weighed in on this important matter, issuing a call to action for the public, health professionals, the food industry and the government to intensify efforts to reduce the amount of sodium (salt) Americans consume daily to 1,500 milligrams.
This was already the level recommended by most health groups for senior citizens – those most in danger of high blood pressure.
The AHA noted that elevated blood pressure (hypertension) is a major public health problem – approximately 90 percent of all Americans will develop hypertension over their lifetime.
In the advisory, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, the association sets out the science behind the American Heart Association’s recommendation for the general population, which is to consume no more than 1,500 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day because of the harmful effects of sodium – elevated blood pressure and increased risk of stroke, heart attacks and kidney disease.
Sodium consumption is currently more than two times higher than the recommended upper limit of 1,500 mg daily, with 77 percent of that consumption coming from packaged, processed and restaurant foods.
“Even a modest decline in intake – say 400 mg per day – would produce benefits that are substantial and warrant implementation,” say the advisory authors.
According to the advisory:
• As sodium intake rises, so does blood pressure and the risk of negative health outcomes.
• Independent of its effects on blood pressure, excess sodium intake adversely affects the heart, kidneys and blood vessels.
• The potential public health benefits of sodium reduction are enormous and extend to all Americans.
• Scientific evidence on the adverse effects of excess sodium is strong and compelling.
It’s important to check the sodium level in packaging, particularly of processed foods, to ensure that you are staying within the recommended daily allowance. Consult with your doctor or a nutritionist if your mother has questions.
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