Urinary Incontinence : In Depth - Health Concer...
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For those already feeling the effects of AD, the primary need is for treatments to control their symptoms, including cognitive loss and problem behaviors.
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We expect people to act in certain ways. When their behavior is difficult, we expect them to change in response to care or attention. But people with Alzheimer's can't change.
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Many of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can cause safety concerns. Symptoms such as forgetfulness and confusion can lead to unsafe situations.
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Caring for a person with Alzheimer's means planning activities and looking after daily personal needs. Having a regular daily schedule can help. Your loved one will feel most secure with a familiar routine.
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Often it's hard to know which medical treatment choices you might face. Would you rather let someone you trust decide for you? A durable power of attorney for health care lets you name an agent to carry out your wishes. This happens only if you can't express your wishes yourself.
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Osteoarthritis results when a joint begins to wear out. One or more joints in the body may be affected. The tendency to develop this condition may run in your family. Or it may be caused by an injury you had years ago.
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Osteoarthritis can develop in any joint. But some joints are more likely to be affected.
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One of the most important things you should do if you show symptoms of osteoarthritis -- recurring pain, aching, stiffness or swelling in or around a joint --is to see your doctor as soon as possible. Osteoarthritis usually comes on slowly.
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Taking arthritis medication is important, but what you do for yourself, including exercising, doing relaxation exercises and managing your emotions and attitudes, is just as crucial to your ability to lead an active, productive life.
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Although there's no cure for arthritis, the symptoms can be treated effectively in many cases. Here's a look at some proven treatments.
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If you have arthritis, taking your medication and following your doctor's orders are essential. But self-care can be just as important in your daily and long-term management of the disease.
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Here's where you'll find some helpful ways you can cope with painful bouts of arthritis
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Exercise has important health benefits for everyone -- regardless of age and physical condition. But for people with arthritis, working out regularly, and within their limits, is critical.
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When the brain receives conflicting signals, or when there is a problem with blood flow, dizziness or fainting can occur.
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Have you ever sat on a stopped train and watched a moving train go by? When that happens, your eyes signal that you're moving. But your inner ear and body signal that you're still.
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Falls or accidents can lead to pain, broken bones, and fear of future falls. Protect yourself and others by preparing for episodes. Simple steps can help increase your safety at home and wherever you go.
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As you age, your risk for falling increases. More than one-third of people ages 65 and older and half of those ages 75 and older fall each year. And many falls in older adults result in fractures and other severe injuries.
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Many older people fall because of unsafe surroundings at home. Use these suggestions to safeguard against some likely household hazards.
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The best way to reduce your risk is to improve your overall level of fitness and flexibility.
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Bladder and bowel control are complex processes that involve the brain, spinal cord and muscles of the bladder, bowel and pelvis. Loss of bladder or bowel control can be caused by problems with any of these components.
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Several medical problems can cause incontinence, incuding the thinning and drying of women's skin in the vagina or urethra, especially after menopause; men's enlarged prostate glands; and weakened pelvic muscles.
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Embarrassment and the belief that incontinence is a normal part of aging prevents most women from getting help, experts say.
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Noninvasive breast cancer occurs when cancer cells are only in the ducts. Invasive breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells move out of the ducts or lobules into the surrounding breast tissue.
Metastasis occurs when cancer cells move into the lymph nodes or bloodstream and travel to another part of the body.
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Investigators report headway against breast cancer, the disease that worries women more than any other.
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Waiting for biopsy results is never easy. But you will know your results within days. You may get the results during a follow-up visit with your provider. Or your provider may call you with the results.
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Your health habits may play a role in helping to reduce your risk for this serious disease, and they're particularly important as you get older.
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A combination of factors causes depression. Some cases are triggered by a stressful experience, such as the death of a spouse or loss of a job. Some illnesses, such as cancer, also can cause depression, as can alcohol and drug abuse.
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In general, only about three percent of the elderly living independently in the community will experience depression. That figure increases to around 20 to 30 percent of persons in nursing homes or with chronic illnesses like emphysema, heart disease or diabetes.
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The mind and the body are intimately connected, and our overall health depends on both working well. This is most evident in depression: Research shows that people who suffer from clinical depression face a higher risk of contracting one of the stress-linked illnesses than the rest of the population.
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It is normal for men to experience changes in erectile function, such as taking longer to achieve an erection. When the problem becomes persistent, it can be a sign of a physical or emotional problem.
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Many men have ED sometime during their lives. It can be discouraging, but it can also be treated. Work with your doctor to find the best treatment for you.
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Evaluating ED begins with your patient history. Your doctor will ask about your physical health, sexual health, relationship, and emotional health. Your answers will be kept confidential, so answer as completely as you can.
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Be aware that men with certain health problems should not use some of these medications. And all medications may cause side effects.
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Special erectile aids are sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). These are prescribed by a doctor.
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Surgery for erectile dysfunction is not common, but it may be the best treatment in some cases.
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Nearly 30 million Americans have some form of hearing loss, including one of every three people ages 65 to 75. Yet just a fraction of us seek help. Here's why.
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As you age, some hearing loss is normal. You lose more than the ability to hear how loud a sound is. You also lose the ability to hear certain types of sounds. For example, you might not be able to hear some of the high-pitched sounds of a child's voice.
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Most people over age 65 have some hearing loss, and by age 80, almost everyone does. Because hearing loss usually occurs slowly over the years, you may not realize your hearing ability has gotten worse.
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During the process of choosing a hearing aid, your hearing will be carefully tested by an audiologist. The test results, called an audiogram, will show whether your ears are healthy, what type of hearing loss you have, and exactly what you can and cannot hear.
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If your doctor recommends a hearing aid, these suggestions can help you determine which kind will suit you best.
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Many people have found that a properly selected and fitted hearing aid helps them hear much better. Hearing professionals caution that although a hearing aid can help you overcome your hearing loss, it does not provide the normal hearing you may remember.
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Your audiologist or hearing aid specialist will work with you to make the best all-around choice. This choice should reflect your needs, preferences, and budget.
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A hearing aid is an aid to better hearing, not a cure for hearing loss. People often have unrealistic hopes about their hearing aid and are disappointed when it fails to provide perfect hearing. Getting the most out of your new hearing aid means acquiring new skills.
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Why is there such a difference in treating and diagnosing heart disease in men and women? Says one specialist: "I think there's a belief held by many men and women, physicians and laymen alike, that heart attacks are solely a man's problem."
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Your heart is a vital organ that keeps your body functioning. Unfortunately, many people don't treat it that way. They may not realize that their daily habits and lifestyle can overwork and damage their heart. So, take care of your heart and yourself. Start by making the following lifestyle changes.
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Atherosclerosis can be devastating, causing strokes, heart attacks and death. The good news is that you can take steps to protect yourself from this disease.
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Heart disease is a killer, but you can do plenty to reduce your risk and prolong your life. Research shows that making lifestyle changes can decrease your risk of cardiovascular heart disease and help you control it if you already have it.
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Surveys show fewer than one in 10 women perceive heart disease as their greatest health threat. But it's the nation's number one killer, and women are its prime target.
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Millions of people diagnosed with heart disease enjoy active, satisfying lives. Instead of looking on their diagnoses as sentences to be invalids, they have used them as catalysts to make positive changes in their lives.
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Strokes occur when something interferes with the normal flow of blood to the central nervous system. Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer.
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Strokes don't have to be disabling or deadly. Knowing the warning signs of a stroke and acting quickly may help you or your loved one escape the damaging effects of a "brain attack."
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A ministroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a brief episode of stroke symptoms caused by temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. Most people suffer TIAs without realizing it.
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Strokes often result in long-term health problems, and sometimes death. But there are steps you can take to help prevent them.
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If you walk or do other similar physical activity for an hour per day, you can cut your risk for stroke by nearly 50 percent.
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Each day that your blood pressure is too high, your chances of having a stroke are increased.
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A stroke can cause problems with speech, vision, memory, balance or coordination. It can leave part of the body weakened or paralyzed, among other physical problems.
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Millions of us struggle with pain and loss of motion because of joint damage caused by arthritis. If other treatments fail to offer relief, you may wonder about turning in your worn-out joints for new ones.
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The knee is a hingelike joint, formed where the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap meet. It is supported by muscles and ligaments and lined with cushioning cartilage. Over time, cartilage can wear away and the knee becomes stiff and painful.
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During total knee replacement surgery, your damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint (called a prosthesis). This surgery almost always reduces joint pain and improves your quality of life.
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You and your healthcare team will assess how well you can care for yourself at home. You may need friends, family, or a home health aide to help with chores and errands.
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If hip pain limits your ability to walk, work, or perform simple activities, you may want to talk to your doctor about a hip replacement.
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The hip joint is one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints. A healthy hip joint allows you to walk, squat, and turn without pain. But when a hip joint is damaged, it is likely to hurt when you move.
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Unpredictable, frustrating and, at times, embarrassing memory lapses can be common. So if frequent bouts of forgetfulness are causing you stress and worry, take note: there is most likely a simple explanation.
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Most experts agree that there is no solid proof that memory-enhancing supplements work. These products may not even contain much of their "active herbal ingredients."
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Aging can make it harder to remember some things. But by focusing on your potential and continuing to exercise your mind, you may be able to boost your memory power. Here are some strategies.
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Many factors can cause symptoms that mimic Alzheimer's disease. These symptoms are known as reversible dementias. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, they can be cured with proper treatment. Here are factors that may lead to reversible dementias.
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Many older adults are healthy, active, and alert. But sometimes older people become confused and forgetful. They can also seem anxious, depressed, or withdrawn. These changes may be the result of a primary dementia.
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What looks like dementia may actually be confusion or forgetfulness caused by some other agent, such as a drug interaction.
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Osteoporosis thins and weakens a person's bones, making them more porous (less dense) and fragile, and thus more likely to break. Although a fracture is often the first outward sign of osteoporosis, a bone mineral density test can help diagnose it before that happens.
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Take care of your bones with proper diet and exercise, as well as with the right vitamin and mineral supplements.
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To help prevent osteoporosis, you should make sure to include certain exercises in your regular workout routine.
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Many people are unaware they have osteoporosis until they have advanced symptoms, which may include a broken hip or wrist, low back pain, or a hunched back.
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Parkinson's disease is caused by a problem with a small area of your brain. This part of the brain helps control your movement and balance. For reasons that are not yet clear, cells in this part of the brain stop working.
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Parkinson's disease symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may have many severe symptoms, while others have only a few mild ones. Symptoms change over time—different symptoms may occur at different stages, and symptoms may get worse as the disease progresses.
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Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications for you, depending on many factors. These include your age, the stage of the disease, and the severity of your symptoms. Consult this chart, which shows the types of medication and how they help.
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If your symptoms of Parkinson's disease are severe and medications don't help, surgery may be suggested. Surgery is not a cure. It may help relieve some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, mainly tremor and rigidity.
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Here are exercises that can help strengthen your muscles and keep them loose and flexible. Ask your doctor whether they're right for you. Your doctor or physical therapist may also suggest other exercises.
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Parkinson's disease can make daily life harder. But certain adjustments and devices can help you stay independent and active. The following tips suggest ways to handle problems with some daily activities.
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Parkinson's disease affects muscle control, coordination, and balance, making it harder to get around. Here are some tips to help make these types of movement easier for you.
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Parkinson's disease can cause changes that make you feel tired, cranky, or depressed. Your health care team may be able to help you or refer you to someone who can. Friends, family, and community groups can also offer support.
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Actor Michael Fox has Parkinson's disease, a chronic and progressive illness in which certain nerve cells, or neurons, die or become impaired. Early symptoms are subtle and occur gradually. More than 1 million Americans have Parkinson's, and many wind up unable to walk, talk or care for themselves.
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When problems occur in the prostate, the bladder and urethra are often affected as well. Urinary symptoms can result.
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Cancer occurs when cells in the body begin changing and multiplying out of control. These cells can form lumps of tissue called tumors. Cancer that starts in the prostate is called prostate cancer. Cancer can grow and spread beyond the prostate, threatening health and life.
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If you are a man, you are at risk for prostate cancer. The risk for prostate cancer increases with age. Your risk is also higher if you are African-American or have a family history of prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that men over age 50 get tested for prostate cancer once a year.
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The best weapon against prostate cancer is catching it early.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It affects about 230,000 men each year. It is the number two killer, with 29,200 deaths annually. It makes up more than 30 percent of all new cancer cases in men.
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PSA, an ingredient of semen, is made by the prostate. Some PSA naturally leaks from the prostate into the bloodstream. The PSA test measures the amount of PSA in the blood. As a man ages, more PSA leaks into the blood.
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If the results of your exam and tests lead your doctor to suspect prostate cancer, a core needle biopsy will be done. A thin needle is used to remove small samples of prostate tissue. These samples are checked for cancer.
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If your health care provider has told you that you have prostate cancer, you may soon face a difficult choice of treatment options.
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Cancer that has spread beyond the prostate can often be treated. Hormone therapy can slow the growth and spread of the cancer. Chemotherapy may help relieve symptoms and control the cancer. Cancer pain can be managed with medications.
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Do you know the difference between normal changes in vision that occur with age and abnormal changes caused by age-related eye disease? Here are some answers.
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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the top cause of legal blindness for people over 50 in the western world. AMD afflicts 25 million to 30 million people worldwide.
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A clear lens in the eye focuses light. This lets the eye see images sharply. With age, the lens slowly becomes cloudy. The cloudy lens is a cataract. A cataract scatters light and makes it hard for the eye to focus.
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A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, a clear, soft structure behind the pupil that works much like a camera lens. The top cause of cataracts is aging. In fact, more people over 70 have cataracts than not.
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Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause blindness. It usually begins when pressure builds up in the eye. If caught early, it can usually be controlled. But it often has no symptoms, so you need regular eye exams.
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Treatment can prevent or limit vision loss from glaucoma. The goal of treatment is to control glaucoma by lowering eye pressure. Medicines and procedures may also help.
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Presbyopia is the loss of close-up focusing. With age, the lens in the eye hardens and cannot change its shape as easily. It then can't focus clearly on close objects. This makes them look blurry.
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As your eyes age, their lenses become less flexible, and they slowly lose their ability to focus. It's an ongoing, lifelong process called presbyopia, which you begin to notice between ages 40 and 45.
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The retina is the inside lining of the eye. It turns light into nerve signals. These signals are then sent to the brain where they become the images you see. The retina may be torn or detached due to aging, an eye injury, or other problems. Tears and detachments are painless.
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Depending on your retinal damage, your doctor may use one or more procedures to treat the problem. Some treatments can be done in your eye doctor's office. Others require surgery in a hospital or surgery center.
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To be comfortable, your eyes need to be lubricated, or bathed, with tears. But if your eyes don't produce enough tears, the surface gets irritated. This is known as "dry eyes.”
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Artificial tears are the most common treatment for dry eyes. If they don't relieve your symptoms, your eye doctor may put in plugs or do surgery to stop the draining and increase the tear film.
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What causes diabetes? Scientists aren't sure, but heredity, obesity, lack of exercise and other factors play a part.
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Because of recent medical advances, people with diabetes can do a lot more these days to help control their disease.
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Do you sometimes wonder if you can keep up with the day-to day management of your diabetes? It's natural to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Try these tips to help keep yourself on the path to good health.
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A healthy lifestyle will help you attain and maintain a healthy weight, manage your blood glucose level, lower blood pressure if you have high blood pressure, reduce stress and improve your mood.
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Being active is a great way to help control diabetes. Exercise helps lower your blood sugar.
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Meal planning and blood sugar monitoring. Medicines and multiple injections. The day-in and day-out requirements of diabetes management can overwhelm those with this chronic disease.
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Foot problems stem from three aspects of diabetes: nerve damage (neuropathy), poor circulation and decreased resistance to infection, says the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).
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Most of us know that diabetes can lead to severe complications, such as blindness, kidney disease and amputations. But did you know that diabetes also greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease?
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