Silent brain changes precede Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease quietly ravages the brain long before symptoms appear. Now scientists have new clues about the dominolike sequence of those changes — a potential window to one day intervene. A large study in China tracked middle-aged and older adults for 20 years, using regular brain scans, spinal taps and other tests. Compared to those who remained cognitively healthy, people ... READ MORE
Should you drink water with meals?
There has been some confusion about the importance of drinking water with meals and snacks. In fact, there have even been some concerns regarding water intake and potentially negative impacts on digestion. However, Michael F. Picco, a physician from the Mayo Clinic, notes, “There’s no concern that water will dilute digestive juices or interfere with digestion. In fact, drinking water ... READ MORE
Study aims to improve older adults’ sleep
If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you know how difficult it can be to feel alert the following day. How well we sleep at night affects how we think, feel and act during the day. Now researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have launched a new study for older adults with sleep problems such as insomnia — and no in-person visits are... READ MORE
Breaking down acute and chronic pancreatitis
Dear Mayo Clinic: I’m in my late 50s and was recently diagnosed with pancreatitis. My symptoms came on suddenly. My wife is concerned my symptoms may develop again, and she wants me to have testing to determine the cause. What are the testing and treatment options available for pancreatitis? A: Simply put, pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Located behind the stomach in... READ MORE
Can probiotics help with weight loss?
Dear Mayo Clinic: My friend insists that taking a probiotic supplement has helped her lose 50 pounds by keeping her gut bacteria in check. Will taking a probiotic in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise help me lose weight? A: It is true that the gut bacterial population in people who are obese differs from the population in people who are lean. Whether this difference... READ MORE
Watch out for new Medicare card scam
Dear Toni: I am concerned about a phone call I received yesterday from a representative with Medicare asking all types of personal questions and informing me that there was a new plastic Medicare card with a chip like a credit card. I told the caller what you said during your online Medicare webinar about not giving personal information over the phone. I’m concerned that I could... READ MORE
Nine reasons for shortness of breath
Experiencing shortness of breath, medically termed dyspnea, is common. It’s a sensation where you’re uncomfortably gasping for breath, feeling suffocated, yet it’s distinct from air hunger. This could be a fleeting issue, often tied to exercise or temporary ailments like bronchitis, but for some, it becomes a persistent whisper of a deeper problem, hinting at inefficient oxygen and... READ MORE
Medications that can interfere with sleep
Q: I am wondering if one of my medications is interfering with my sleep. Which types of drugs are more likely to do that? A: Medications that affect sleep can be prescription drugs or over-the-counter remedies. Here are some common culprits: Antidepressants. Antidepressants are typically prescribed to treat depression or anxiety, and they have varying side effects, even within the... READ MORE
Seven fruits that are good for your heart
Fruit (yes, fruit!) has the power to improve your heart health. That’s because it’s loaded with nutrients that can help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure — which are good for your overall heart health. Plus, research shows that people who eat four or more servings of whole fruit a day significantly lower their risk of developing high blood pressure. Fresh, frozen, canned,... READ MORE
People over 65 should get another Covid shot
Older U.S. adults should roll up their sleeves for another COVID-19 shot, even if they got a booster in the fall, U.S. health officials said in February. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Americans 65 and older should get another dose of the updated vaccine that became available in September — if at least four months has passed since their last shot. In making the... READ MORE
