News from Alert-1

Innovative MEDCottages could revolutionize senior care

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Many seniors place a premium on staying in place as they age and value living on their own. However, if they fall ill it can throw a wrench in their plans for independent living and could necessitate a move to a nursing home. More Info

Aging experts highlight importance of hearing tests

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Hearing loss is one of the most significant senior health issues facing older adults in the United States today, but the condition often does not get the attention and treatment it deserves. More Info

Georgetown research could hold key to senior health

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center are getting ready to launch a study they hope will hold the keys to improving senior citizen living. More Info

Vitamin K2 shows promise for Parkinson's treatment

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Scientists have made great strides recently in uncovering the genetic causes of Parkinson's disease, and one group of researchers in particular believes they may have discovered a way to reverse the effects caused by one of the defects. More Info

Caregivers turn to support groups to avoid burnout

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Along with taking a toll on the patient themselves, Alzheimer's disease can also have a number of ill effects on family members. More Info

Drug holds promise in treating rheumatoid arthritis

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A federal panel recently voted in favor of a revolutionary new drug that could alter the way older adults with rheumatoid arthritis live. More Info

Depression may increase Alzheimer's risk

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Depression may be one of the most overlooked senior health conditions, but results of a recent study may encourage more people to pay closer attention. More Info

One in seven Alzheimer's patients lives alone

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

New statistics from the Alzheimer's Association may make people rethink how they view living with the cognitive disease. More Info

Purposeful life may stave off Alzheimer's

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Whether it be not discovering the right career or simply not feeling fulfilled, many people struggle to find a purpose in life. More Info

Baltimore seniors hit the hardwood

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Staying active is an important part of independent living for many seniors, but one group in Maryland has taken things to a new level. More Info

Study finds high survival rates for elderly diabetes patients

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Results of a recent study should be encouraging for older diabetes patients. More Info

Texas seniors use dance program to stay healthy

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Seniors living in San Antonio, Texas, have turned to dancing as a way to stay healthy. More Info

Upgrades around the house can help seniors age in place

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Aging in place has become a priority for many older adults. In fact, a recent AARP study found around 86 percent of baby boomers expect to stay in their home as they get older. More Info

Diet rich in omega-3 could reduce Alzheimer's risk

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease is one of the most important health concerns facing older adults, and scientists from the Columbia University Medical Center believe they found something that can help. More Info

Taking the keys away can be a tough decision

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Whether it's finding a retirement home or an emergency alert system for seniors, there are often a lot of difficult decisions to make when a loved one gets older. More Info

Sandwich generation struggle to care for family and themselves

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Many adults are caring for their aging parents as well as supporting their adult children, and this leaves little room for saving for their own retirement. More Info

Study finds one-third of people with arthritis also suffer from anxiety, depression

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Currently, more than 50 million Americans suffer from different forms of arthritis, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More Info

Researchers determine appropriate vitamin D levels for seniors

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A healthy diet can reduce the risk of many different illnesses for older adults, and vitamin levels are a big part of that. More Info

Learn the warning signs of stroke during American Stroke Month

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The American Heart Association designated May as American Stroke Month, and seniors and their family caregivers should take this time to familiarize themselves with the risk factors and warning signs of stroke. More Info

Eating berries could ward off cognitive impairment

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A recent study conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School has found that eating more berries like strawberries and blueberries may ward off cognitive impairments as people age. More Info

Study finds new link to diabetes

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A recent study conducted by scientists from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies aimed to find new methods for treating diabetes. More Info

Cell changes in the brain may contribute to poor sleeping among the elderly

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Most people's sleeping habits tend to change with age. It's common for elders to fall asleep early at night and wake up earlier in the morning. More Info

Resistance training may keep early dementia symptoms at bay

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Dementia is a serious medical condition that affects nearly 24 million people worldwide with this number projected to jump to as high as 84 million by the year 2040, according to Disabled World. More Info

High normal blood pressure may pose less risk of heart disease in people over 60

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

High blood pressure is a common risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). More Info

NYC parks to offer free senior exercise classes

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

New York City's Department of City Planning is expecting to see a 44 percent increase in residents age 65 and older by the year 2030. More Info

Video games may help seniors stay active at home

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Many people enjoy playing video games for the thrill of winning, but they may not be aware that the games may carry health benefits. More Info

Study finds genes associated with aging

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A recent study conducted by researchers from King's College London has identified a group of genes that may be responsible for some of the side effects associated with old age. More Info

Being physically active boasts new benefits

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Working out can help seniors increase their muscle strength and balance, reducing their chances of falling. More Info

Gum disease may be linked to joint deterioration

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Each year, more than 800,000 knee and hip replacement surgeries are performed in the U.S. alone, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. More Info

Study finds escalators account for most falls at airports

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Falling continues to be one of the main causes of hospital visits among seniors, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reporting one in three seniors are predicted to fall annually. More Info

Study finds many seniors are single

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

New information released by researchers from Bowling Green State University's National Center for Family and Marriage Research, has found that more boomers will be aging in place - alone. More Info

Eating tree nuts may ward off type 2 diabetes, stroke

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Many people enjoy snacking on tree nuts like almonds, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts, and a new study has found eating more of these nuts may be beneficial to health. More Info

Be fall-free at home

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Falling is a fear among many in the senior population as just one stumble could land a person in the hospital or cause an elder adult to lose their independence altogether. More Info

EKG test may predict heart problems in seniors

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Electrocardiogram (EKG) tests are used to measure heart electrical activity and allow doctors to check for increased thickness of heart muscle as well as identify signs of decreased oxygen delivery to the heart, according to HeartSite.com. More Info

Heat waves pose serious threats for seniors

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Most people embrace the warmer weather as a relief from the cold winters, but a new study finds that even slight temperature increases in the summer could pose serious threats for the elderly. More Info

More hospitals creating Geriatric ERs

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Falls are the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma among seniors, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More Info

Stroke victims may recover faster as out-patients

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Strokes are the number one cause of serious, long-term adult disability in the U.S. and the third leading cause of death after cancer and heart disease, according to StrokeAwareness.org. More Info

Diabetes and heart failure patients may benefit from high glucose levels

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Keeping glucose levels low among diabetes patients is typically seen as essential in maintaining health. More Info

Parkinson's Awareness Month stresses importance of treatment to control illness

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, and many organizations and individuals are stepping forward to stress the importance of managing the illness through healthy lifestyle choices. More Info

Tai chi keeps seniors healthy

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Exercising has long been found to help elders remain healthy and independent for longer. More Info

Study finds "breakthrough" for AMD

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the deterioration of the eye's macula and is common among seniors as part of the body's natural aging process, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. More Info

Study finds connection between emotional distress and physical limitaions

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As adults age, exercising can help them preserve their mobility longer, and it also staves off psychological distress, according to a recent study. More Info

Study shows single boomers may experience more difficulties than married peers

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Last year, the first of the Baby Boomer generation turned 65 and began retiring, and a recent study shows that single boomers may face more age-related challenges. More Info

Family caregivers may be challenged in new role

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caring for an aging relative can be a daunting task, and many may be unprepared for the responsibility of looking after an elderly loved one. More Info

Tips for maintaining a healthy heart

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among American adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More Info

Osteoporosis drug can increase risk of eye problems

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Osteoporosis, an illness that gradually weakens the bones, affects about one in five women over the age of 50, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). More Info

Scientists may have identified strategy to reverse age-related memory loss

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Many studies have shown that memory loss is a natural part of aging, but new research finds it may not necessarily be a permanent change. More Info

Infection can increase the risk of blood clot formation

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Blood clots can pose a serious threat to an individual's health, and a recent study found that infections can increase the risk of developing clots for older adults. More Info

Randy Jackson to promote healthy lifestyles for those with diabetes

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Diabetes is a growing problem in America, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 26 million Americans have the disease. More Info

Scientists find hearts can heal if given a break

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Heart failure, which occurs when the heart loses the ability to pump enough blood through the body, may be brought on by heart attacks, cardiovascular disease or other illnesses, according to the National Institutes of Health. More Info