|
E-Newsletter • October 2026 |
▼ ADVERTISEMENT
Editor's E-Note
There is an intersection between the various ways in which the brain and body deteriorate (hearing loss, vision loss, muscle loss) and the onset of diseases such as dementia. Reducing stress in meaningful ways affects the brain positively and has the potential to slow the progression/development of diseases such as dementia. Social isolation has long been associated with increased dementia risk. Researchers from Inonu University in Turkey, conducted a cross-sectional study that measured the life satisfaction of older adults with speech-related limitations and those with dental implants to improve speech. The group with dental implants had drastically improved quality of life/life satisfaction, underscoring the necessity of integrating various disciplines, speech therapy included, into care for older adults. Similarly, our exclusive this month explores how the decline in cognitive faculties impacts the development of dementia, with the authors recommending a more comprehensive approach to maintaining health for older adults including managing weight and blood pressure, as well as sleep and cholesterol.
In addition to reading our e-newsletter, be sure to visit Today’s Geriatric Medicine’s website at TodaysGeriatricMedicine.com, where you’ll find news and information that’s relevant and reliable. We welcome your feedback at TGMeditor@gvpub.com. Follow Today’s Geriatric Medicine on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, too.
— Josh Hildebrand |
|
|
|
|
Why Hearing Loss Deserves Earlier Attention in Dementia Prevention
Brent Tipping, a geriatrician at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Center (WDGMC), says that hearing loss more than doubles the odds of dementia, with visual impairment (both near and far) also elevating the risk.
In a study that Tipping coauthored, researchers examined hearing, vision, and dementia among 567 older adults in Agincourt, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Participants were drawn from the Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa. The study was published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia in 2025.
While the findings do not establish that hearing loss directly causes dementia or that treating it prevents the condition, the results point to the critical importance of hearing and vision interventions for overall brain health.
The Work Starts Before Old Age
Preventing diseases like dementia is a lifelong process, and there are numerous ways in which people can ensure that their cognitive faculties remain as sharp as possible as they age. These include managing blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and weight, as well as staying active and addressing excessive drinking.
Tipping also reviews sleeping medication when assessing patients who are confused or struggling to function during the day. The review can help identify whether a medicine is contributing to their difficulties.
|
Link Between Fall Risk and Blood Pressure Discovered
Masked high blood pressure, which is normal doctor’s office blood pressure, and high blood pressure at home, has been linked to a 70% higher risk of falls. Researchers are using this information to emphasize the importance of at-home blood pressure readings to supplement those done in doctor’s offices.
Clinical Trials for Chemotherapy-Free Breast Cancer Treatment Underway
Chemotherapy can be difficult for patients with varying medical conditions to handle. For older adults, this is especially true, which is why trials for chemotherapy-free breast cancer treatment are being conducted with promising preliminary results. The research is available in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Foot Adjustment While Walking Could Improve Knee Pain
Some older adults prefer a holistic approach to treating the physical ailments that come with age. New research uncovered that for arthritic knee pain, a simple change in the angle of one’s foot while walking could reduce pain substantially. The research is published in The Lancet Rheumatology.
Why Are Older Adults Drinking More?
While younger Americans are drinking less, older adults are drinking far more. Research published in the Annal of Internal Medicine found that compared to other groups, older adults are leading drinking percentages. Reasons for this trend range from health benefit misconceptions to more disposable income. |
Costco and SCAN Health Plan Expand Partnership to Launch Senior-Focused Medicare Products
Costco Wholesale and SCAN Health Plan have expanded their strategic partnership to develop a suite of senior-focused insurance products aimed at improving value, accessibility, and the overall Medicare experience for older adults. The expanded alliance represents Costco’s first comprehensive partnership with a Medicare plan.
Potential offerings, subject to regulatory review and approval, include a redesigned pharmacy experience, Medflex over-the-counter benefits, vision services, audiology, and additional products focused on older adults.
The companies plan to use their complementary capabilities to explore products that address several common health care expenses and services used by Medicare beneficiaries. |
| Advertising Opportunities |
Have a product or service you want to market to geriatric care professionals? Utilize the reach of Today's Geriatric Medicine to accomplish your marketing goals. Email our experienced account executives today at sales@gvpub.com or call 800-278-4400 for more information.
|
| © 2026 Today's Geriatric Medicine |
|
|
