Metabolic Syndrome Ups Risk of Health Problems

Researchers in Sweden who monitored male study participants from age 50 until reaching age 70 have determined that having metabolic syndrome makes them three times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke, and five times more likely to develop diabetes.  Additionally, those with metabolic syndrome are almost twice as likely to be hospitalized for heart failure. Characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and abnormal blood lipids, metabolic syndrome is caused by obesity, lack of physical activity, and genetics.  For more information on this study, visit http://heart.bmjjournals.com.

Shingles Vaccine Approved in U.S. & Europe

Merck Pharmaceutical’s Zostavax vaccine was approved in both the U.S. and Europe to prevent shingles in adults ages 60 and older.  Shingles derives from the same virus that causes chicken pox, and anyone who has ever had chicken pox is susceptible to shingles.  Approximately one million Americans get shingles each year.  Merck’s data suggest the vaccine offers protection for at least four years.  A single dose of Zostavax is projected to cost approximately $150, and side effects include pain from the injection, itching, and headache.  For more information about Zostavax, visit http://www.zostavax.com.

Anxiety Affects More Older Adults

New research presented at the American Psychiatric Association’s annual meeting found that generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common mental disorder among older adults.  Researchers say there are little known ways to treat the disorder, which is more common than depression.  Study presenter Eric J. Lenze, MD, of the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, remarked, “Due to the lack of evidence, doctors often think that this disorder is rare in the elderly or that it is a normal part of aging, so they don't diagnose or treat anxiety in their older patients, when, in fact, anxiety is quite common in the elderly and can have a serious impact on quality of life.”  For more information about Dr. Lenze’s study, visit http://newsbureau.upmc.com/Medsurg3/ElderlyAnxiety.htm.

Free Radicals Probable Cause of Parkinson's

Cell-damaging, oxygen-free radicals are the probable culprit for causing Parkinson’s disease (PD), researchers at the University of Virginia concluded.  The team examined the extent of damage caused by free radicals to a particular brain protein complex.  They found a higher prevalence of damage in those with PD when compared to brain cells of someone the same age who did not have PD.  The protein damage occurs, they posit, because oxygen-free radicals halt electron transfer in the portion of the brain responsible for physical movement. To read the story, visit http://www.virginia.edu.

Once-Daily Pill Approved for Parkinson's

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Azilect, a once-daily oral treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD).  The drug was approved as a stand-alone treatment for those with early PD and as additional therapy in moderate to advanced stages of the disease. The pill improves symptoms by blocking the breakdown of dopamine to improve movement and coordination. For more information, visit http://health.dailynewscentral.com/content/view/000498/55/.

Improving Lives of Those With Parkinson's

In the first three-year study to assess the efficacy of multidisciplinary therapeutic interventions for Parkinson’s disease (PD), researchers found that the majority of patients (more than 75%) improved motor function scores following treatment.  Using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, researchers measured PD progression at baseline and at one to three years follow-up.  The interventions included neurology; physiatry; nursing; psychology; medication changes; rehabilitation therapies; functional diagnostic testing; support group; home exercise instruction; and disease and wellness education.  To read more about this study, visit http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=43208&nfid=nl.

Caring for Aging Parents Guides Available

Developed by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AXA Equitable, Aging Parents and Common Sense: A Practical Guide for You and Your Parents and Aging Parents and Common Sense: A Directory of Resources for You and Your Parents suggest ideas for adults who are or will be providing support to and care for aging family members.  The guides are downloadable at http://www.caregiving.org.

Internet-Based Support Helps Family Caregivers

A new study confirmed the effectiveness of an Internet-based support group for family caregivers.  Participants were provided computers and training and used a website with links to information, e-mail, and online-facilitated support groups.  Compared to caregivers who did not receive the Internet intervention, the computer group experienced less stress.  For more information, visit http://gerontologist.gerontologyjournals.org.

Survey Investigates Impact of Caregiving

A recent Investigating Caregivers’ Attitudes and Needs (ICAN) online survey reported on how caregiving for people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) impacted their lives.  Of the 539 participants, 97% reported AD as a life-changing event for the family of the patient, and 94% desired more available treatment options.  While 76% of respondents said they were stronger than once thought, they hoped for more help from family and friends.  A large majority of caregivers said they’ve become more compassionate and felt closer to the patient since caring for them.   For more information, visit http://www.harrisinteractive.com.

Poor Balance, Walking Problems Lead to Alzheimer's

Researchers have identified what may be the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease (AD): problems with walking and balance.  The study included 2,288 older adults and found that these symptoms were associated with an increased risk of developing dementia.  Another later sign they identified was a weak hand grip. University of Washington researchers suggested exercise as a way to stave off progression of the disease because it increases blood flow to the brain.  For more information, visit http://archinte.ama-assn.org.

Caregiver Stress Effects Alzheimer's Symptoms

An overstressed caregiver not only puts his or her own health at risk, but new research revealed how startling the effects can be for the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patient cared for.  Hallucinations, wandering, and paranoia in AD patients are more likely to occur if their caregivers are younger, less educated, heavily burdened, or depressed.  The findings pointed to the crucial need for caregivers to request help when caregiving becomes overwhelming.  To read the full story, visit http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=1634724&dopt=Citation.

Blood Pressure & Preventing Dementia

Center for the Advancement of Health (May 2006)

Results from a study examining whether lowered blood pressure prevents cognitive- or dementia-related disorders yielded no convincing findings.  Researchers analyzed hypertension data from 12,091 patients undergoing cognitive testing.  Although one blood pressure medication did appear to reduce dementia symptoms, when combined with all the data, there were no discernible significant differences.  The full report is at http://www.hbns.org.

Jargon-Free Booklets on Alzheimer's Available

Two free booklets are available from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to help those with limited literacy skills learn about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and memory loss.  Rather than using medical and technical jargon, the booklets help readers understand AD better through stories, photos, and plain language. To order copies or for more information, call (800) 438-4380.

Negligent Nursing Homes Go Unpunished

According to a new report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) neglected to terminate Medicare contracts with 30 poorly performing nursing homes that compromised patients’ safety or have long-standing problems. CMS stated they are working with the nursing homes to improve their performance.For more information, call (877) 267-2323.

Flu Checklist Now Available

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released a checklist for long-term care centers to improve their preparedness for a potential flu pandemic.  The checklist identifies key areas for influenza planning and allows centers to self-assess the strengths and weaknesses of their current planning efforts.  To receive more information, visit http://www.pandemicflu.gov.

Print Instructions: On your tool bar, click "File" and select "Page Setup."  Under "Orientation" select "Landscape"; then click "ok." Print as you normally do.

Lifestyle, Depression & Nursing Home Care

Two new studies point to lifestyle behaviors and depression as precursors to nursing home admission. In community-dwelling, middle-aged, and older adults, the first study identified smoking, inactivity, obesity, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus to be associated with a higher prevalence of admission.  The second study tracked the self-reported functional status, chronic health conditions, and mood of Medicare enrollees ages 65 and older over a three and one-half year period, during which 13% of participants were admitted to a nursing home.  The top three predictors of admission for this study were diabetes, heart failure, and depression.  To read more, visit http://archinte.ama-assn.org.

Enrolling in Medicare Part D

In an attempt to establish universal drug coverage for Medicare beneficiaries, the federal government ushered the largest change to Medicare in its short history: Medicare Part D.  This change required eligible Medicare beneficiaries to select a new prescription benefit.  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administered this process, and after experiencing many substantial problems, it was able to enroll successfully 31 million of the 42 million eligible beneficiaries.  To read two perspectives on the advantages and disadvantages of the Part D transition, visit  http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/354/22/2312?query=TOC.

The Internet & Home-Buying Boomers

A new survey of home-buying habits of Baby Boomers found that nearly half of adults ages 50 and older turn to the Internet when selling or buying their home.  Of those home sellers who went online, 61% located a real estate agent, 92% researched comparable prices, and 20% investigated neighborhoods where they might move.  More than 1,000 homebuyers responded to the ERA Real Estate Survey, sponsored by the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council.  For more information, visit http://www.seniorsrealestate.com/sarec/.

Happiest Days Occur in Older Years

University of Michigan (June 2006)

"Older people tend to 'mis-remember' how happy they were when they were young."

A study conducted by the University of Michigan and the Department of Veterans Affairs found many people fall victim to a common – and mistaken – belief: The happiest days of people’s lives occur when they're young.  The study finds both young and older adults believe younger people are happier, but in fact, research proves the opposite.  More than 540 adults were surveyed and the data show older people tend to “mis-remember” how happy they were when they were young, just as young people “mis-predict” how happy (or unhappy) they will be as they age.  To read more, visit http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060612-050036-5976r.

Health Clubs: Hidden Marketing Tap?

According to the most recent Profiles of Success report by the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), 23% of all health club members are 55 years of age and older. The newly published IHRSA/American Sports Data Health Club Trend report cited that between 1987 and 2001 there was an increase in 55-plus memberships by 380%, making it the fastest-growing segment of all groups joining health and fitness centers. John McCarthy, executive director of IHRSA, recently said that the 55-plus market "is a monster market...but what we're seeing now is only the tip of the iceberg. When more and more Baby Boomers hit 55 and over, this market will explode." The bottom line is that the 55-plus or seniors market is a large opportunity, but this isn’t news to anyone who has been in the health and fitness industry for the past decade. To read more, visit http://fitnessbusiness-pro.com/mag/fitness_casey_conrads_marketing_17/index.html.