Latest KFF Health News Stories
Stalked By The Fear That Dementia Is Stalking You
For those worried they have an elevated risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, testing is an option. But words to the wise: It’s hardly foolproof and could even backfire by heightening your fear of memory loss.
Finding Connections And Comfort At The Local Cafe
For Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers, social and emotional isolation is a threat. But hundreds of “Memory Cafes” around the country offer them a chance to be with others who understand, and to receive social and cognitive stimulation in the process.
Diagnosed With Dementia, She Documented Her Wishes. They Said No.
Across the U.S., people with early dementia are signing new advance directives to confirm their end-of-life wishes while they still have the ability to do so. But doctors say the documents may offer a false sense of security.
Extending ‘Healthspan’: Brain Scientists Tap Into The Secrets Of Living Well Longer
New thinking about aging spins on how to stay free of chronic illnesses and cognitive decline later in life.
As His Wife’s Caregiver, A Doctor Discovers What’s Missing At Health Care’s Core
Harvard psychiatrist Arthur Kleinman shed his “veil of ignorance” during 11 years serving as the primary family caregiver for his wife, who had a rare form of early Alzheimer’s disease. In a new book, “The Soul of Care,” he offers suggestions for transforming health care ― just as caregiving transformed him.
La delicada tarea de quitarle el teléfono inteligente a un adulto mayor
Según el Centro de Investigación Pew, el 73% de los adultos mayores de 65 años usaron Internet en 2019, en comparación con el 43% en 2010.
The Delicate Issue Of Taking Away A Senior’s Smartphone
Knowing when — and how — to limit a loved one’s access to digital devices is akin to taking their car keys.
La charla que tienen que tener los adultos mayores con sus médicos antes de una cirugía
Muchas veces los médicos no hablan con sus pacientes y familiares sobre los riesgos potenciales y las complicaciones que se pueden presentar durante o después de una intervención.
The Talk Seniors Need To Have With Doctors Before Surgery
Surgeons are rethinking the old notions of “informed consent.” With older patients especially, a push is on to talk candidly about what a surgery will do, its risks and how it will affect their quality of life.
Creator Of Brain Exam That Trump Aced Demands New Training For Testers
Geriatricians are outraged over a new requirement to pay for training in order to administer the MoCA test, a widely used tool to screen for cognitive problems. The test’s creator said he was worried about accuracy and liability.
Medicamentos comunes pueden generar síntomas similares a los de la demencia
Se estima que 1 de cada 4 adultos mayores toma medicamentos anticolinérgicos, una amplia gama de drogas utilizadas para tratar alergias, insomnio, incontinencia urinaria, mareos, asma y Parkinson, entre otros.
Common Medications Can Masquerade As Dementia In Seniors
A wide variety of medications used to treat allergies, insomnia, leaky bladders, diarrhea, dizziness, motion sickness, asthma, Parkinson’s disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and psychiatric disorders can interfere with cognition in older patients.
How To Find And Use New Federal Ratings For Rehab Services At Nursing Homes
For the first time, the federal government is measuring the quality of rehab services in nursing homes for the millions of older adults who need post-hospitalization care.
Researchers Seek Sage Advice Of Elders On Aging Issues
The Bureau of Sages, a group of frail, older adults, gives feedback to researchers about what matters to older adults.
Assisted Living’s Breakneck Growth Leaves Safety Of Dementia Patients Behind
An analysis of inspection records in California, Florida and Texas shows significant numbers of violations related to assisted living residents with dementia.
Dementia And Guns: When Should Doctors Broach The Topic?
As the number of Americans with dementia rises, health professionals grapple with how to talk to patients about gun safety at home.
The Storm Within: Protecting Loved Ones With Dementia During Florence
For families living with dementia, natural disasters can be particularly terrifying, heightening confusion, disorientation, anxiety and paranoia.
La última sorpresa de la vida: adultos mayores que deben cuidar de sus padres
Con tratamientos médicos que prolongan cada vez más la vida, un nuevo escenario genera preguntas: adultos mayores de 60 o 70 años que deben atender a sus padres nonagenarios.
A Late-Life Surprise: Taking Care Of Frail, Aging Parents
More and more older adults, age 60 and older, care for their elderly parents and face physical, emotional and financial stress.
Cómo aprender a vivir bien con demencia
Dos expertas ofrecen estrategias y cambios simples para poder transitar esta etapa de la vida del ser querido protegiéndolo y ayudando a todo el entorno familiar.
