Alzheimer's Disease Archive

Palliative care is a medical specialty meant to help people during many different stages of health. Many people who might benefit from palliative care do not receive it; if more people understand it, more people can take advantage of it.

Proton-pump inhibitors are a commonly prescribed anti-acid medication, but new guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association recommend that they should be taken at the lowest dose and shortest duration for the condition being treated.

A 2022 study found that survivors of severe COVID-19 infections can develop cognitive problems, such as brain fog or trouble finding words, equivalent to the loss of 10 IQ points or 20 years of aging.

Healthy older adults may have a higher risk for dementia if they follow high-inflammatory diets that include greater amounts of simple sugars, cholesterol, saturated fat, and fried foods.

Older adults known as super-agers have cognitive function similar to that of young people. Experts believe this is because their brains shrink at a much slower rate, which may be the result of genetics or lifestyle habits or both. While people can't alter their genes, it could be possible to slow their natural brain decline by adopting some super-ager habits, like being physically active, pursuing mentally challenging hobbies, eating a diet rich in inflammation-fighting foods, and engaging with social groups.

In March 2022, the American Psychiatric Association added "prolonged grief disorder" to its official list of diagnoses. The diagnosis applies to bereaved adults who continue to experience intense grief more than a year after the death of a loved one. Someone with prolonged grief has a daily yearning for the loved one or is preoccupied with thoughts of the loved one to the point that it interferes with daily life. The diagnosis also requires additional symptoms, such as difficulty re-engaging in life or emotional numbness. The condition can be treated, and healing is possible.

A large study published online June 23, 2022, by JAMA Network Open found that poor handgrip strength in midlife was associated with cognitive decline a decade later.

People with orthostatic hypotension experience a drop in blood pressure when they stand, which increases the risk for falls. Ways to manage the condition include keeping up blood volume by taking in at least 3 liters of fluid and 4 to 6 grams of salt per day; taking medication to alleviate lightheadedness; avoiding hot environments; getting up slowly from a sitting or standing position; and sleeping with the bed on a slant. Someone who feels lightheaded upon standing should sit down immediately. If that's not possible, it may help to tense the muscles.

Medically unexplained symptoms, which are not easily deciphered account for many visits to primary care doctors and specialists. Individuals seeking answers should work with closely with their primary care doctors.  Strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help people manage stressors that affect physical health.

A cold-stimulus headaches, or "brain freeze," happens after a person eats or drinks something very cold. It causes a sharp pain that centers on the forehead and usually lasts several seconds. Taking smaller bites and chewing slowly can ward off this reaction.