Alzheimer's Disease Archive

Diabetes is a condition in which both high and low glucose levels are harmful to the body. In older individuals with multiple risk factors for hypoglycemia, the goal should be the best blood sugar control that can be achieved without putting the individual at risk for dangerously low blood sugar.

Online gambling is a popular and growing business, but for millions of Americans, what begins as occasional fun can lead to devastating problems. Trouble with gambling often builds gradually and severe gambling problems share risk factors with substance-related disorders.

A 2023 analysis of nearly 300 randomized trials found that several types of exercise were effective in lowering resting blood pressure. Exercise types included aerobic exercise, high-intensity interval training, dynamic resistance training, isometric exercise training, and combined training (aerobic exercise plus one of the other types of exercise). People who are over age 50 and have not been exercising much should check with a doctor before beginning a regular exercise program, since some types of exercise may not be right for them.

Tactical breathing used by military and law enforcement personnel can help people manage anxiety and stay mentally sharp during stressful situations. It can also help calm a racing mind or soothe pain.

While the bone-weakening disease osteoporosis most often strikes women, about 6% of men ages 65 and older have it. Preventing osteoporosis and treating it if it occurs focuses on stopping or at least slowing bone loss. The main ways to do this are maintaining proper calcium and vitamin D levels and engaging in weight-bearing activities and exercises that help build muscle and improve balance. Raising low testosterone levels or taking a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates also may help.

People who devote time to helping others are often happier than those who don't. Serving others also helps brain health by increasing social connections, which can protect against loneliness and depression, and improving executive function skills like planning, attention, and remembering tasks. Common ways to help others include volunteering, mentoring, random acts of kindness, and seeing life from another person's perspective.

Who should get COVID vaccine boosters and when will remain in flux for at least another year. This summer, the FDA instructed the vaccine makers to have the next COVID vaccine target the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant. The CDC will be issuing specific recommendations by October, but infectious disease experts expect the newer vaccine to provide the most benefit for people over 65 and those younger with chronic conditions.