Senior Health Connection
To Lower Your Alzheimer’s Risk—Go Fish!
Persons with diets rich in fish have a significantly lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, according to a report in the Archives of Neurology.The key appears to be an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid called “DHA” that is linked to the reduction of dementia risk and appears to be important for the proper functioning of the central nervous system. If you have a high level of DHA, a fatty acid found in fish, it could reduce the risk of dementia by about half, the research shows.
It is known that omega-3 fatty acids protect the heart and the circulatory system. So, just as fish is good for your heart, it appears to be good for your brain as well. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon are high in DHA.
Over-the-Counter Remedies for Seniors
Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies are convenient. You don’t need a prescription, and relief is as close as the nearest drugstore. It’s easy to forget that OTC remedies are drugs that can cause side effects and interact with other medications. It’s important to read the dosage instructions, health risks, and warnings on the packaging.Keep in mind that, as an older adult, you may be taking prescribed medications that could interact with OTC medicines and herbal (supplemental) products. “If you have questions about how your medications could interact with over-the-counter medicines, always talk to your doctor or pharmacist,” says Matt Johnson, Director of ChelseaCare Pharmacy at Chelsea Community Hospital. “It’s best to be educated before taking any medicines to avoid potentially dangerous side effects.” Here are a few OTC remedies and some of their side effects:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may relieve pain and fever, but taking large doses for a long time can lead to kidney damage. Taking too much can cause liver damage, especially if you drink alcoholic beverages.
- Antacids can interact with many drugs and cause problems for people with heart or kidney conditions or high blood pressure. Brands with aluminum may cause constipation or weaken bones. Magnesium-based antacids may cause diarrhea.
- Aspirin can interfere with blood clotting and may worsen or trigger asthma. If you take a prescription blood thinner, such as warfarin (Coumadin), use aspirin only if your doctor says you can.
- Some cold or allergy remedies have antihistamines, which may leave you drowsy and sluggish, making driving dangerous. Decongestants can cause nervousness and insomnia and may raise your blood pressure.
- Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) helps relieve pain. But ask your doctor before using it if you have any kidney or liver problems, stomach problems, heart failure, high blood pressure, or if you take any blood thinners.
Remember to read the label and check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any OTC remedy.
Source: National Institute on Aging, www.niapublications.org/engagepages/medicine.asp.
The Cold Facts for Seniors
We’re less likey to catch colds as we age. The reason, says Don Martin, MD, of Dexter Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, is twofold:- Immunity. Your immune system weakens slightly with age, but you also slowly build up resistance to some of the 200 known cold viruses. However, while you may be less likely to catch a cold as a senior, Martin warns, you’re at risk of becoming sicker and developing more complications if you do get one.
- Hygiene. Hand-washing, Martin says, is the most important thing you can do to reduce your chances of catching a cold or other infection. You can pick up a cold virus from a doorknob or table surface; you don’t have to have direct contact with an infected person. Many seniors practice good hand-washing, which lessens the chances of getting sick.
