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.

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.

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.

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.

A new study finds that older women who are taking hormone therapy that included progestin may suffer hearing damage. This small study of postmenopausal women found that those women had poorer speech understanding than did the women not on progestin. Progestin is found in some birth control pills; though no studies of hearing in that age group, using those medications has been done. [p]The study is somewhat controversial, as it only included a small number of women in the study. While hearing loss can occur as you age, you should not just assume it is normal. Talk with your doctor and have your hearing evaluated by a professional. Treatment may be available.

Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure in which a thin wire is implanted deep within the brain to deliver an electrical current. The current helps to block abnormal brain activity that causes the tremors and other symptoms that are the hallmark of Parkinsons Disease. While it is not a cure, it is effective in improving quality of life for people with this disease. Other than the dangers of the surgical procedure itself, it seems to carry fewer side effects than the medications that have traditionally been used for Parkinson’s. A new study being reported in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms these findings. Deep brain stimulation has generally only been available to those with the most severe symptoms of advanced Parkinson’s.

A study published in the American Journal of Medicine finds that seniors who drink fruit or vegetable juices at lease three times a week lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease by 76 percent. The researchers credit the high levels of polyphenols in juices as being responsible for these findings. The antioxidant action of polyphenols (found mainly in the skins of fruits and vegetables) is well noted in other studies.

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic found that a daily aspirin or other NSAID drug helps prevent the occurrence of urinary symptoms caused by enlargement of the prostate known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition that affects many men over the age of 50 causes symptoms that can include urgency with weak flow, frequency and dribbling and frequent waking at night to urinate.
NSAID medications are taken by many senior men to help prevent a second heart attack and for relief from arthritis pain.

The nursing shortage is not just a U.S. phenomenon it seems. A report from Britain finds that understaffed hospitals leave nurses with too little time to feed their elderly patients. Many seniors are unable to eat and drink without assistance due to physical or mental disability. Seniors are also at higher risk of malnourishment. Malnourishment can lead to other health problems including pressure sores and may lengthen hospital stays.

A new study had found that people described as having a Type A personality, are at no higher risk of heart disease than the general population. Type A personality is described as hard-driven, workaholics who are just a step away from dropping dead of a heart attack. This new study looked at many factors that could influence health including genetic background, lifestyle choices such as smoking and personality. The found that personality did not affect health status.