UTIs in the elderly are more common than in younger adults. UTIs in elderly women are more common than in men, but both men and women are at higher risk. UTIs in the elderly can cause confusion and changes in behavior. UTIs in the elderly can also be more serious … Read More
For women 50 and older, the chances of experiencing a bone fracture are astonishingly high at 50 percent. And while any fracture is serious when it occurs late in life, a broken hip is particularly serious and occurs in 7% of women after menopause. There is no doubt that breaking … Read More
Whenever I went to see my grandmother in her nursing home and my visit coincided with a guest musician playing in the activity room, she insisted that we go. She loved these events, and I loved them too. It was cheering to see the room light up as residents came … Read More
Delirium is a medical syndrome—not a disease—in which there is a rapid onset of confusion, altered consciousness, and behavioral changes. Unlike dementia, which shares some of these symptoms, the onset of delirium is usually within hours or days (as opposed to months or years). Delirium is considered a medical emergency. … Read More
Every year, millions of Americans are hit by cold, flu, and other respiratory infections. While the common cold will rarely cause serious complications, the flu and other infections—such as Legionnaire’s, pneumococcus, and mycoplasma—can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications, especially in the young, the elderly, and the chronically sick. … Read More
The human immune system works miracles every day. If a bacteria or virus sneaks in, the immune system can recognize it and dispatch special hunter-killer cells (and other cells to get rid of the bodies!). Over a lifetime, the immune system helps defend us against cancer. Cold and flu season? … Read More
Bedsores—also known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers—are a big risk for people who spend an extended time either prone or in a wheelchair due to illness, frailty, injury, surgery, or disability. Lying or sitting in in one position places pressure on certain areas of the body. This pressure reduces … Read More
MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is like an out-of-control freight train. It can be stopped, but not with the methods normally used to stop a freight train, and it may do a lot of damage along the way. MRSA is a staph infection that cannot be cured with the usual antibiotics. … Read More
“All hospice care is palliative, but not all palliative care includes hospice,” says the Hospice Foundation. No wonder palliative care vs. hospice presents such a quandary for those dealing with a serious illness. As confusing as that definition is, however, it’s spot on. When you do a side-by-side comparison of … Read More
Once again the holidays are upon us, which means it's time for festive partying with friends and family, sharing gifts and laughter—and, for some, worsening signs of depression—loneliness, grief, hopelessness, or overwhelming sadness. Fortunately, experts have found that you don't have to let all of the pressures of this holiday … Read More
