Reaching out to older Muslims
Nargis Rehman worries about her father, who is ill and lives alone. Over 50 herself, she has limited energy after work to help him, and has had a difficult time finding someone to drive him to the mosque for prayers. “He sits in the house and can’t travel; has no money. He’s very ill. Nobody comes to visit. He’s lonely. I have to work, and when I get home, I’m just... READ MORE
An eye scan may detect early Alzheimer’s
Results from two studies show that a new, non-invasive imaging device can see signs of Alzheimer’s disease in a matter of seconds. The researchers show that the small blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye are altered in patients with Alzheimer’s. Even patients who have a family history of Alzheimer’s but have no symptoms show these telltale signs. Researchers also... READ MORE
Can a high-fat diet improve cognition?
Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer’s Treatment Center is currently recruiting adults over the age of 60 who have been diagnosed with mild memory impairment (especially those with early Alzheimer’s disease) for a research study of dietary treatments for the condition. Alzheimer’s disease is known to be associated with insulin resistance, or abnormal glucose metabolism. Abnormalities ... READ MORE
Can you spot early Alzheimer’s disease?
Q: I heard November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and I want to learn more about the disease. How do I know if I have it, and is there anything I can do to keep myself from getting it? A: Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that affects the brain and can cause a decline in memory and other mental functions. It is the most common form of dementia. It is considered a... READ MORE
Financial help for Virginia caregivers
Virginia families who care for a loved one with disabilities or chronic conditions can apply for up to $400 reimbursement for respite care under a limited voucher program from the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Respite care refers to services (such as home care and adult day care) or facilities (such as assisted living residences) that offer caregivers... READ MORE
Is medical cannabis for you?
Baltimore Beacon Two years ago, Scott Deiter ruptured several discs in his neck. Four neck surgeries later, “between the residual pain from the surgeries and daily migraines, I really couldn’t function because of the pain,” he said. He felt opioid pain medication impaired him too much to work, so Deiter turned to medical marijuana “in desperation.” But he found relief... READ MORE
Cayenne can stop bleeding in seconds
You read all kinds of things on Dr. Google, eh? I know I do while I’m researching what I’m going to write for you. I read some interesting articles last year which I made a mental note of. One was about cayenne pepper and how it could stop bleeding. I stored this fascinating detail in the back of my mind, should I ever cut myself again in the kitchen (which tends to happen more... READ MORE
How to avoid unwanted X-rated lunches
Dear Solutions: I’ve become very friendly with a woman who moved into town recently. She’s divorced. Not too long ago she met a man, and she’s been going out with him a lot and having a lot of sexual experiences. She asks me to have lunch with her very often, and constantly discusses her sexual activity with her boyfriend in detail. We’re both seniors,... READ MORE
Studies aim to prevent Alzheimer’s disease
It may be too late to stop Alzheimer’s in people who already have some mental decline. But what if a treatment could target the very earliest brain changes while memory and thinking skills are still intact, in hope of preventing the disease? Two big studies are going all out to try. Clinics throughout the United States and some other countries are signing up participants — the only... READ MORE
Two warm, filling soups good for cold days
Soup season is back. These two soups, lentil and minestrone, are satisfying — and vegetarian. Small red lentils are one of our favorite legumes. They do not hold their shape when cooked, but break down into a creamy, thick puree, perfect for a hearty, satisfying soup. Lentils are popular in quick-cooking soups because of their short cooking time and the fact that they don’t... READ MORE