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Alzheimer's Disease Archive

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How much sleep keeps cognitive decline at bay?

Sleeping six hours or less is associated with impaired cognition, mostly in memory, as well as an increase in the protein that can form brain plaque. Sleeping nine hours or more is also linked to cognitive problems, especially in decision making.

Taking control

Uncertainty and feeling less in control, which has occurred for many during the pandemic, can heighten stress. The human brain has more difficulty assessing risk when elements outside its control are introduced. To make the situation more manageable, pare down, simplify what you can to avoid unnecessary decision making, prioritize your mental health, and don’t get stuck in gathering and analyzing information.

Exposure to traffic noise linked to higher dementia risk

A decade or more of high exposure to traffic noise may increase dementia risk.

Vaccination still recommended after a shingles infection

The CDC recommends people ages 50 and older get the Shingrix vaccine to protect against shingles. But those who haven’t been vaccinated and get shingles for the first time should still receive the shot to reduce their risk of future attacks.

What’s new in diabetes drugs

Two classes of diabetes drugs—GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors—have received much attention lately. They not only lower blood sugar, they also help with weight reduction and may lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. The drugs can be taken as daily oral tablets or in some cases weekly injections, both of which are preferable over daily insulin shots.

Take a breather

Most breathing follows a smooth, steady rhythm, but sometimes normal breathing turns erratic. For example, when people are stressed or panicked, breathing gets shallow, making it feel as if it is hard to take in air. When the fight-or-flight response kicks in to confront perceived danger (real or imagined), breathing pace quickens to prepare the heart and muscles for a quick getaway. One way to manage these types of stressful breathing when they occur is to practice breathing exercises designed to help bring in more oxygen and slow the breathing rhythm.

Tough to swallow

Losing the ability to properly swallow should not be attributed to older age. If older adults have persistent trouble swallowing, like the sensation something is stuck in their throat, or if it’s painful to swallow, it could be a sign of an underlying problem and should be checked out. Treatment depends on the source of the swallowing problem, but might include medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery.

Gifts that promote relaxation and resilience

An array of products that encourage people to relax can be good holiday gifts for friends and loved ones who need to reduce their stress levels. Suggestions include a year’s subscription to a meditation app; yoga props such as a mat, blocks, and straps; devices that enable self-massage of the upper body; and products that may foster sound sleep, such as a weighted blanket, a noise machine, and scented bath salts.

Sore throat soothers

Most sore throats are caused by non-life-threatening conditions or certain behaviors. But sometimes a sore throat may be an indication of COVID-19. One should call the doctor if experiencing difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, a high fever, or a cough that produces blood. Ways to relieve sore throat pain include staying hydrated, using over-the-counter painkillers, drinking warm liquids, using cough drops, using a spray or lozenge that contains an oral anesthetic to numb the throat, and treating an underlying condition causing sore throat pain.

Helpful gadgets for a fuzzy memory

Many gadgets help support memory. Some—such as calendars, voice recorders, and talking motion-activated sensors—provide basic reminders that can be used to help someone remember appointments, lists, and more. Other tools, such as key hooks and mini shelves, support memory by establishing a reliable storage spot for everyday objects such as keys and eyeglasses. Automatic pill dispensers and pill alarms can help people manage a medication regimen. Wireless trackers can help people find objects when they’re misplaced. Smartphones have many memory-support tools, such as calendars, notepads, voice recorders, and alarms.

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