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High Blood Pressure May Predict Dementia
A recent study published in the journal Archives of Neurology found that high blood pressure may predict dementia in older adults who have impaired executive function - difficulty organizing thoughts and making decisions - but not for those with memory problems.
The study included 990 dementia-free participants, average age 83, who were followed for five years. During that time, dementia developed in 59.5 percent of those with and in 64.2 percent of those without high blood pressure. Similar rates were seen in participants with memory dysfunction alone and with both memory and executive dysfunction.
However, among those with executive dysfunction alone, the rate of dementia development was 57.7 percent among those with high blood pressure compared to 28 percent for those without high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension.
"We show herein that the presence of hypertension predicts progression to dementia in a subgroup of about one-third of subjects with cognitive impairment, no dementia," wrote the researchers at the University of Western Ontario in Canada. "Control of hypertension in this population could decrease by one-half the projected 50-percent five-year rate of progression to dementia."
The study author noted, the findings may prove important for elderly people with cognitive impairment but no dementia.
High Blood Pressure May Predict Dementia originally appeared on About.com Senior Health on Thursday, February 18th, 2010 at 10:46:41.
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Memory Loss May Predict Alzheimer's Disease
A study being reported in the September 12, 2006, issue of Neurology, finds that adults over the age of 60 who complain of severe memory problems may actually be losing brain tissue. Despite scoring well on standard memory tests, the adults in the study who complained of significant memory loss were found to have loss of grey matter of about 3% on MRI brain scans. Patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (early Alzheimer's ) show about 4% loss of brain tissue in the same areas of the brain - the areas where memory is stored.
Memory Loss May Predict Alzheimer's Disease originally appeared on About.com Senior Health on Wednesday, September 13th, 2006 at 02:24:51.
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Higher Income Seniors to Pay Higher Medicare Premiums
Beginning in 2007 Medicare beneficiaries who earn more money will pay higher premiums for their Medicare Part B coverage. A provision of the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act calls for a change in the formula for assessing Part B premiums. The Part B premium has been based on Medicare covering 75% of the premium costs and the beneficiary paying for 25%. With the changes, higher income beneficiaries will pay a higher percentage of premium costs. For those making more than $80,000 (single) or $160,00 for couples the percentage of the premium will increase to 28.3 % in 2007, 31.6% in 2008 and 35% in 2009. Those beneficiaries with even higher incomes will see large percentage increases.
Higher Income Seniors to Pay Higher Medicare Premiums originally appeared on About.com Senior Health on Monday, September 11th, 2006 at 03:07:13.
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COPD Patients Need Physical Activity
Spanish researchers have found that physical activity, even a small amount can improve the health of patients suffering from COPD. Those who engage in exercise and activity have fewer hospitalizations and have a lower risk of dying.
COPD is a group of diseases, very often caused by years of smoking that restricts the airway and makes breathing more difficult. Many patients are dependent on oxygen most of the day. This study found that even light activity like walking three days a week could help.
COPD Patients Need Physical Activity originally appeared on About.com Senior Health on Friday, September 8th, 2006 at 14:48:54.
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No Flu Shot Shortage This Year
There should be no repeat of the flu vaccine shortages of the last few years according to the CDC. Federal officials stated that at least 100 million doses would be available over the next few months, with at least 75 million available by October, the recommended period for having the flu shot. This gives the body time to build up immunity before the flu season officially starts in December and January. This should also mean that all those on the recommended list for receiving the shot should be able to get one.
No Flu Shot Shortage This Year originally appeared on About.com Senior Health on Wednesday, September 6th, 2006 at 23:51:02.
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Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today
Poll: Opposition To Health Reform Declines; Seniors View New Law More Negatively Than Adults Overall
The Washington Post: "Opposition to the landmark health care overhaul declined over the past month, to 35 percent from 41 percent, according to the latest results of a tracking poll, reported Thursday...
Republicans Take On Cost-Cutting Panel Backed By Budget Chief Orszag
Several Senate Republican leaders are now pushing a new, partial health-overhaul repeal bill that targets a Medicare cost-cutting panel, The Hill reports. The panel, the Independent Payment Advisory Board, would make cost-cutting recommendations whenever spending exceeds set benchmarks. Congress would have to adopt them, or come up with its own plan. "The Republican critics - Sens...
Funding For Electronic Medical Records Expected As Early As May, Already Stimulating Business
Modern Healthcare: Funding to help doctors and hospitals buy electronic medical records could begin to flow through the Medicare program as early as May 2011, a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services official said Wednesday. But, the final shape of the program remains unclear as CMS works to implement 800 pages of new regulations...
Aged Care Policies Must Include Medical Care, Australia
AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said today that the AMA was pleased to hear Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, announce this morning that the Coalition's aged care policy would be released 'in the next few days'. Dr Pesce said that aged care has so far been ignored in this election campaign. "The AMA looks forward to the Coalition starting a bidding war on aged care policy," Dr Pesce said...
States Continue Push For Extension Of Extra Medicaid Funds
News outlets report on state budget gaps and lobbying for extra Medicaid funds from the federal government. Bloomberg: "U.S. state governments project revenue will climb in the current fiscal year after they raised taxes and cut spending to close budget gaps of $84 billion, a report from the National Conference of State Legislatures found...
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