Delirium affects about 1 out of 3 hospital patients over age 70. It’s even higher for those who are in intensive care or recovering from surgery. And hospitals increasingly are trying to treat or prevent it, the New York Times reported June 20. People with delirum often have hallucinations. They may become violent or act in ways that cause them to get hurt. Nobody is sure of the causes, the Times reported. Infections, surgery or insertion of a catheter may make frail patients anxious. Some medicines also may be triggers. Changes in routine and location can be a factor, the Times said. People have their sleep interrupted for tests. They may not have their eyeglasses or dentures. Delirium can slow down recovery. About 35% to 40% of older adults with hospital dementia die within a year, a study found. Those who survive may have an increased risk of dementia.
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A Dutch study found that in-home phototherapy treatment for psoriasis was as effective as receiving the treatment in a hospital, and cost about the same.
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Is it true that cataracts are made of calcium? Can I do anything to avoid getting a cataract? What about diet?
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I had an orchiectomy for prostate cancer. Not long afterward, I had two cardiac stents implanted. I still have some angina and shortness of breath. I started Ranexa, which helps my angina. Do you have any suggestions for protecting my heart?
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Brief reports on heart failure and avoiding rehospitalization, the dangerous combination of prehypertension and prediabetes, and a warning about eating Dead Sea salt.
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After recent concerns about the possibility that bisphosphonate drugs taken for osteoporisis could cause thigh fractures, an analysis of three studies found incidence of this injury to be extremely rare.
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Postprandial hypotension, low blood pressure that occurs after eating, can cause dizziness, chest pain, nausea, or other issues, particularly in the elderly.
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Psoriasis is a condition that manifests on the skin but is rooted in the immune system, and can lead to arthritis, heart disease, and other health problems.
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My 64-year-old wife was diagnosed with osteoporosis. Her doctor said medication would help, and he reassured her that having osteoporosis indicates reduced risk for breast cancer. I want to know if osteoporosis in men affects the risk of prostate cancer.
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Researchers found that when people having conversations with their doctors about impending bypass surgery were given a recording of the consultation, they had a better understanding of the procedure.
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