Aging Well E-Newsletter

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Late-Life Binge Drinking May Increase Risk of Cognitive Decline

The Future of Skin

The High Value of Vitamin D

Brain Stimulation to Improve Speech
After Stroke

Too Little Mental Health Care for Seniors

Rapid Rise in Boomer Addicts Reported

Cash Helps Docs Go
to Electronic Records

Can House Calls Cut Health Costs?

Tech & Tools

Too Little Mental Health Care
for Seniors
As baby boomers age, the need for mental health care and associated professionals is likely to increase substantially, according to an article in USA Today.

Rapid Rise in Boomer Addicts Reported
Over the past decade, the number of baby boomers reporting illicit drug use and seeking help with rehabilitation has risen dramatically, according to an article in the Orlando Sentinel.

Cash Helps Docs Go
to Electronic Records
Although switching to electronic medical records can present a significant challenge, it can prove effective in streamlining practice management, according to an article in The Columbus Dispatch.

Can House Calls Cut
Health Costs?
With the pressure to improve the care of chronically ill homebound older adults, innovative home care programs can help to reduce healthcare costs, according to an article in The Boston Globe.

It’s often thought that binge drinking is a problem unique among college students, but US statistics on alcohol use and abuse indicate otherwise. More than 38 million US adults binge drink four times per month on average, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Defined for women as consuming four or more drinks, and for men as five or more drinks on one occasion, binge drinking has become a cause for concern related to older adults. Educational programs related to binge drinking may go a long way toward preventing the problem among this population segment.

And new research presents added incentive to motivate older adults to avoid this ill-advised imbibing. New studies highlighted at last month’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Vancouver suggest that moderate alcohol use in late life, heavier use earlier in life, and binge drinking in late life increase the risk of cognitive decline. That association alone should provide sufficient incentive for patients to moderate their alcohol consumption. Be sure to make them aware of the connection between binge drinking and the increased risk of cognitive impairment.

In addition to reading our e-newsletter, be sure to visit Aging Well’s website at www.AgingWellmag.com, where you’ll find news and information that’s relevant and reliable. We welcome your feedback at AWeditor@gvpub.com. Follow Aging Well on Facebook, too.

— Barbara Worthington, editor

Late-Life Binge Drinking May Increase
Risk of Cognitive Decline

Light to moderate alcohol consumption has generally been considered to have some health benefits, including possibly reducing the risk of cognitive decline. However, two studies reported at last month’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Vancouver suggest that moderate alcohol use in late life, heavier use earlier in life, and binge drinking in late life increase the risk of cognitive decline.

“The many dangers of misuse of alcohol and some of its possible benefits have been widely reported, and there needs to be further clarification by the scientific community,” said William Thies, PhD, the Alzheimer's Association chief medical and scientific officer. “Certainly no one should start drinking in order to reduce Alzheimer’s risk, as these two new reports attest.

“We need to know more about what factors actually raise and lower risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease,” he continued. “To do that, we need longer-term studies in larger and more diverse populations, and we need more research funding to make that happen. We have learned incredible amounts about heart disease and stroke risk from long-term research like the Framingham Study; we have solidly proven lifestyle risk factors that people can act on every day. Alzheimer’s now needs its version of that research.”

Full Story »

The Future of Skin
Biosynthetic skin substitutes offer a promising solution for older adults’ wound care. Read more »

The High Value of Vitamin D
Much has been published about vitamin D in the last few years, with epidemiologic studies suggesting a beneficial effect on hypertension, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and even mortality among older adults. Read more »

Brain Stimulation to Improve Speech After Stroke
Nearly 4 million people are living with the after-effects of stroke or brain attack. A small percentage of these patients will recover completely with minimal care, but many will require extensive rehabilitation to regain the cognitive functions that were lost during the stroke. Read more »

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Prelude SkinPrep System
The transdermal monitoring system helps people with diabetes obtain the most accurate monitoring and readings of blood sugar levels. It exfoliates a small area of the skin to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells for placement of a rechargeable biosensor that provides real-time, continuous readings. The noninvasive biosensor monitors glucose levels every minute directly through the skin. The needle-free system transmits minute-by-minute readings via wireless technology to a remote monitor such as a smartphone, computer, or tablet. Reaching glucose levels outside the target range triggers an alert by audible alarm and visual graphics. Learn more »

Tenura Silicone Anti-Slip and Grip Products
These silicone products, including placemats and coasters, are made from a nontoxic and chemically inert rubber. They can be used as fall prevention mats to reduce the risk of slipping, to stabilize objects, to open tight lids, and as bottle or jar openers. The products contain no phthalates, lead, nickel, or other toxic chemicals. Because they’re heat resistant, they can be safely cleaned in a dishwasher or autoclave without warping or degrading. Their heat resistance also makes them ideal for wrapping around pan handles for a secure grip. Learn more »

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