Arthritis pain continues after weight loss
Dear Mayo Clinic: Nine months ago, I lost a significant amount of weight after being told doing so should help with pain from osteoarthritis. I now have a healthy body mass index, but my joints still hurt. Why is that? What else can I do to lessen my symptoms? Answer: By losing weight, you have definitely improved your overall health, and you’ve decreased the risk that your arthritis ... READ MORE
Why dog lovers have better heart health
Are you a “dog person”? You know, one of those people who talks about their dogs all the time, shares photo after photo online (or, worse, in person), and considers their dog as a semi-human member of the family? (In the interest of full disclosure, I am a dog person.) If you are, here’s a medical news story that may confirm what you’ve suspected all along. And if you aren’t a... READ MORE
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
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
