New Alzheimer’s-like condition identified
Some people told they have Alzheimer’s may instead have a newly identified mimic of the disease — and scientists say even though neither is yet curable, it’s critical to get better at telling different kinds of dementia apart. Too often, the word dementia is used interchangeably with Alzheimer’s when there are multiple types of brain degeneration that can harm people’s memory... READ MORE
Easing pain from golfer’s or tennis elbow
Dear Mayo Clinic: A few months ago, I noticed minor pain in my elbow when I’d lift anything — even something light. Recently, the pain is worsening and moving down my inner forearm. My elbow hurts even when I’m not lifting. Turning my wrist or twisting my arm causes pain. What could be the reason for this? Are there things I can do at home to make it better, or do I need to see my... READ MORE
Brain zaps boost memory in people 60+
Zapping the brains of people over 60 with a mild electrical current improved a form of memory enough that they performed like people in their 20s, a new study found. Someday, people might visit clinics to boost that ability, which declines both in normal aging and in dementias like Alzheimer’s disease, said researcher Robert Reinhart of Boston University. The treatment is aimed at ... READ MORE
Facing cancer treatment? This can help
Before she could start breast cancer treatment, Nancy Simpson had to walk in a straight line, count backward from 20 and repeat a silly phrase. It was all part of a special kind of medical fitness test for older patients that’s starting to catch on among cancer doctors. Instead of assuming that patients are too frail for treatment or, alternatively, recommending harsh drugs tested only ... READ MORE
Volunteers have it made in the shade
This spring, “cool Baltimore neighborhoods” takes on a new meaning. In early April, volunteers of all ages joined the Baltimore Tree Trust to plant trees in selected areas of Baltimore City. Several more planting events are scheduled for May. The 20 neighborhoods in East Baltimore that make up the Harris Creek Watershed contain a number of the city’s “urban heat... READ MORE
Study seeks the right balance for patients
Falls are the most common danger for older adults. One in four people over age 65 falls each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some will be treated for their injuries, but some — 27,000 per year — will die. Can certain exercises prevent falls for older adults with metabolic syndrome? A study by the University of Maryland School of Medicine and... READ MORE
More seniors seek pot for age-related aches
The group arrives right on time at the gates of Laguna Woods Village, an upscale retirement community in the picturesque hills that frame this Southern California suburb a few miles from Disneyland. There they board a bus for a quick trip to a building that, save for the green Red Cross-style sign in the window, resembles a trendy coffee bar. The people, mostly in their 70s and 80s, pass ... READ MORE
Choosing the yogurt that’s best for you
There are so many kinds of yogurt in the dairy aisle these days, it can be tough to know which to choose. That’s a great problem to have. Many of the yogurts that have hit store shelves in the past decade offer nutritional benefits including higher protein levels, more calcium and additional choices for people who want to enjoy the benefits of yogurt, but with less added sugar — or... READ MORE
Many treatments for thumb arthritis pain
Dear Mayo Clinic: What can be done about thumb arthritis besides having surgery to relieve the pain? A: There are a number of therapies to consider before turning to surgery to treat thumb arthritis. Although these therapies may not always provide long-term relief, for most people with thumb arthritis, they can effectively lessen symptoms, and surgery may not be necessary. Surgery for ... READ MORE
Annual memory checks often forgotten
Few older people get their thinking and memory abilities regularly tested during check-ups, according to a new report from the Alzheimer’s Association. Medicare pays for an annual “wellness visit” that is supposed to include what’s called a cognitive assessment — a brief check for some early warning signs of dementia, so people who need a more thorough exam can get... READ MORE
