Latest Senior Health News

22Oct
2020

Could Common Asthma Meds Weaken Bones?

Could Common Asthma Meds Weaken Bones?THURSDAY, Oct. 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- People who use common asthma controller medications are vulnerable to developing brittle bones and suffering fractures, a new study shows. The findings point the finger at anti-inflammatory corticosteroids -- whether taken by pill or inhaler. Corticosteroids are widely used to prevent asthma attacks, particularly in the form of inhalers. When asthma is more difficult to control, oral versions of the medications may be prescribed for a time. It has long been known that oral corticosteroids -- especially at high doses -- can lower bone density. And some evidence has suggested inhaled versions can do the same. No one, however, is saying people with asthma should abandon their controller medications. "Inhaled corticosteroids play a crucial...

Older Adults Turning to Pot for Common Health Problems

20 October 2020
Older Adults Turning to Pot for Common Health ProblemsTUESDAY, Oct. 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Marijuana is fast becoming a favorite medication among older Americans, a new study finds. Cannabis is being used to ease problems such as pain, sleep disturbances and psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression, researchers say. Among more than 550 patients surveyed, 15% had used cannabis within the past three years, and 50% of users said they used it regularly and mostly for medical purposes. "Pain, insomnia and anxiety were the most common reasons for cannabis use and, for the most part, patients reported that cannabis was helping to address these issues, especially with insomnia and pain," said researcher Christopher Kaufmann. He's an assistant professor in the Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology in the Department of...

Smog Tied to Raised Risk for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's...

20 October 2020
Smog Tied to Raised Risk for Parkinson`s, Alzheimer`s DiseaseTUESDAY, Oct. 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- As the air people breathe gets dirtier, their odds for serious neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's and other dementias rises, new research shows. The long-term study of more than 63 million older Americans can't prove cause and effect, but does show a strong association between air pollution and brain disorders. The researchers said the link was seen even at levels of fine particulate (PM2.5) pollution that are deemed safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Our study builds on the small but emerging evidence base indicating that long-term PM2.5 exposures are linked to an increased risk of neurological health deterioration, even at PM2.5 concentrations well below the current national standards,"...

1 in 3 Americans With Arthritis Say Pain, Symptoms Persist

20 October 2020
1 in 3 Americans With Arthritis Say Pain, Symptoms PersistTUESDAY, Oct. 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- About 30 million U.S. adults live with osteoarthritis and the pain and stiffness it causes, a new survey finds. And nearly one-third of these people said their symptoms are not well-managed, according to the Arthritis Foundation survey of almost 2,000 adults. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage cushioning the joints gradually wears down, leading to swelling, and limiting a person's abilities to do the activities they want and need to do every day. "Pain is debilitating. My back and hip pain are so bad that I have trouble getting out of bed," wrote one survey respondent. "Each step is excruciating, and I wonder how much longer I can deal with the pain." The results of the recently released survey are clear, according to a news release from the...

In Medieval Times, Plagues 'Sped Up' With Each New Outbreak

19 October 2020
In Medieval Times, Plagues `Sped Up` With Each New OutbreakMONDAY, Oct. 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Medieval plague outbreaks in England picked up frightening speed in the 17th century, Canadian researchers report. Their analysis of historical documents covering 300 years showed that outbreaks of the plague doubled every 11 days in London during the 1600s, compared to every 43 days in the 14th century. "It is an astounding difference in how fast plague epidemics grew," said lead author David Earn, an investigator with the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. No published death records were available for London before 1538. So statisticians, biologists and evolutionary geneticists analyzed personal wills, parish registers and data used to monitor burials in London to...
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