Senior Health

A new study suggests wearing a hearing aid helps slow down cognitive impairment in seniors with hearing loss. It is well known that hearing loss is tied to mental decline. Thus, preserving or maintaining hearing health can help maintain a strong mind. Researcher Dr. Anil Lalwani said, “We know that hearing aids can keep older ...click here to read more

Building muscle helps reduce the risk of early death from heart disease, so doctors should encourage their patients to partake in resistance and strength training as part of a healthy lifestyle. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,400 Americans with heart disease. The researchers found that patients with greater muscle mass and lower body fat ...click here to read more

A new study reports that seniors’ health can greatly benefit from owning a dog. Benefits associated with dog ownership include a lower body mass index, fewer visits to the doctor, an increase in exercise, and more active social life. Lead researcher Rebecca Johnson said, “Our study explored the associations between dog ownership and pet bonding ...click here to read more

Dementia, delirium, and stoicism hinder pain management in elderly. These factors make it difficult for patients to express how they are feeling, which can create a barrier for providing proper pain management. The findings come from a study of nurses working in long-term healthcare facilities in Ireland. The researchers found that the participants with dementia, ...click here to read more

Severe depression has been linked to dementia in seniors, with both major depression and worsening condition increasing a person’s risk of dementia. The study involved nearly 2,500 seniors in their 70s without any signs of dementia. Participants were monitored for five years for depression symptoms, and screened for six years for signs of dementia. Twenty-one ...click here to read more

Shingles raises short-term stroke and myocardial infarction risk in elderly. The findings published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that seniors over the age of 50 have a 50 percent higher risk of stroke up to 90 days after a shingles episode. One-third of the 95 percent of individuals with the chickenpox virus will develop ...click here to read more

Poor oral hygiene has been linked to poor mental health in seniors, but the findings just suggest an association and do not establish a cause-and-effect relationship. Researchers reviewed studies on oral health and cognitive decline published between 1993 and 2013. The researchers found that in some studies a higher number of cavities, the number of ...click here to read more

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia risk are lower in seniors who exercise as physical activity has been shown to protect brain’s gray matter. A new study found that seniors who exercise regularly have larger amounts of gray matter associated with better memory and cognition. Numerous studies have pointed to the benefits of exercise on the brain. ...click here to read more

Mental health and brain power can be restored with vigorous exercise in older adults. The findings were uncovered through the use of imaging scans by UC Davis Health System, revealing that vigorous exercise increases levels of two common neurotransmitters that are responsible for messaging and communication within the brain. The neurotransmitters are glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric ...click here to read more

Memory problems are quite common in seniors, but new findings suggest that seniors’ memory may improve through computer use. The findings reveal that using computer even once a week is enough to help ward off age-related memory decline and improve thinking. Computer users had a 42 percent lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), ...click here to read more

Senior drivers who take sleeping pills are at higher risk for vehicle crashes. The sleeping medication is known as zolpidem – commonly sold as Ambien. The researchers of the study evaluated five years worth of driving records of 2,000 Alabama residents over the age of 70. The researchers compared residents who took sleeping pills to ...click here to read more

The common phrase, “You’re only as old as you feel,” has been found to hold true, as research suggests those who feel old have a higher risk of hospitalization. Study author Yannick Stephan said, “Previous research has shown it can affect your well-being and other health-related factors and, now we know it, can predict your ...click here to read more

Depression among seniors increases their risk of heart disease, according to the latest findings. The researchers looked at over 7,300 seniors in France with no prior history of heart disease, stroke, or dementia. Assessments were conducted on the participants every two, four, and seven years after the study start date. Initially, 30 percent of women ...click here to read more

In older men, regular exercise has been found to reduce the risk of falls that lead to serious health complications and negatively impact their quality of life. Study author Dr. Thomas Gill said, “The physical activity program was more effective in reducing the rate of serious fall injuries in men than in women.” The study ...click here to read more