Join a landmark Alzheimer’s prevention study
Sticky plaque gets the most attention, but now healthy seniors at risk of Alzheimer’s are letting scientists peek into their brains to see if another culprit is lurking.No one knows what actually causes Alzheimer’s, but the suspects are its two hallmarks — the gunky amyloid in those brain plaques, or tangles of a protein named tau that clog dying brain cells. New imaging... READ MORE
Alternative funds seek lower-risk returns
For most of us, investments fall into two simple categories: stocks or bonds.Some investors are adding an “other” category in their search for possibly safer or better returns. They’re pouring into what the industry calls alternative funds, which are generally bringing hedge-fund-like strategies to the masses. It’s still a niche corner of the market, but nearly $13... READ MORE
A review of useful freebies for retirees
Senior discounts abound, making life in retirement a little more affordable. In some cases, though, older adults can get more than just a lower price; some goods and services that appeal to retirees come free of charge.Here are eight great freebies many retirees can enjoy. Some are available only for those who’ve reached a certain age. Others are accessible to people of all ages, but... READ MORE
Cocoa improves thinking skills, memory
Chocolate is more than just a tempting treat. Certain compounds in chocolate, called cocoa flavanols, have been shown to boost health. But that doesn’t mean you should start loading up on the sweets.“Consuming cocoa flavanols in chocolate is tricky. You need to understand the risks and benefits first,” said Dr. Miguel Alonso-Alonso, a neuroscientist at Harvard-affiliated... READ MORE
Vitamin B3 may help prevent skin cancer
For the first time, a large study suggests that a vitamin might modestly lower the risk of the most common types of skin cancer in people with a history of these relatively harmless yet troublesome growths. In a study in Australia, people who took a specific type of vitamin B3 for a year had a 23 percent lower rate of new skin cancers compared to others who took dummy pills. In absolute... READ MORE
Canned foods at least as nutritious as fresh
Canned foods — fruits, vegetables and beans — are the ultimate convenience foods — nutritious, available year-round, and economical. Yet surveys show they’re misunderstood and not considered healthful choices.Historically, canning was developed to preserve summer’s bounty and extend food availability all year long to prevent seasonal starvation. The canning... READ MORE
Food-borne listeria illnesses can be deadly
Large food recalls have forced consumers to throw away hummus and ice cream that may be contaminated with the same potentially deadly bacteria — listeria.In April, tainted Blue Bell ice cream products were linked to eight listeria illnesses in Kansas and Texas. Three of those who contracted the illness died. Blue Bell has recalled more than two dozen of its products.Sabra Dipping Co.... READ MORE
Medicare drug spending raises questions
The most-used medicines in Medicare’s prescription drug program are generics, but the program spends the most on brand-name drugs, led by the heartburn treatment Nexium, according to an unprecedented recent release of government data.That contrast sheds light on prescribing practices and how they might be used to save money, specialists say.More than a million healthcare providers... READ MORE
New blood test may diagnose depression
The first blood test to diagnose major depression in adults has been developed by scientists at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. — a breakthrough approach that provides the first objective, scientific diagnosis for depression. The test identifies depression by measuring the levels of nine RNA blood markers. RNA molecules are the messengers that interpret the DNA genetic code... READ MORE
Pinpointing the cause of lower back pain
Lower back pain is among the most common complaints of older age. The lumbar or lower area of the spine can suffer from many different ailments.“You do most of your bending in the lower back, and that’s probably why the lower back tends to be affected more,” explained Dr. Jeffrey Katz, a Harvard Medical School professor and editor of the Harvard Special Health... READ MORE
