Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

Most adults experience the occasional “senior moment” as they age. While these memory slips may be embarrassing and stressful, they are not always a warning sign of problems like Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Still, for specific types of everyday forgetfulness, adopting certain lifestyle behaviors and strategies can help people retain and recall information and navigate memory lapses when they arise.

Contrary to its reputation as an anti-aging supplement, human growth hormone is not effective at turning back the clock, and it may carry health risks. Commitment to a healthy diet and regular exercise is still the best formula for healthy aging.

Blood tests for cancer screening have shown much promise. New research suggests they have the potential to not only determine that cancer is present, but also determine the type of cancer. While still years away from being routine, this approach could be an innovative way to detect cancer earlier.

Recovery from a heart attack, heart failure, angioplasty, or heart surgery often involves cardiac rehabilitation. While it’s normal to have some anxiety and stress after a heart-related issue, dealing with these issues and treating even more significant problems such as depression can affect people’s recovery success and increase their risk of future problems.

Certain fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds have been labeled “superfoods” because, compared with other foods, they have higher amounts of certain vitamins and minerals and powerful antioxidants. They often are associated with combating high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers. But instead of focusing on eating more of individual foods, experts suggest building “superplates” that include a variety of superfoods.

COVID-19 forced most gyms and fitness centers to close and to require more restrictions once they reopen. Home-based exercises are ideal for maintaining fitness during the pandemic. Investing in a stability half-ball and resistance bands can help replicate most machine or hand weight exercises.

New research has found that low levels of vitamin K among older adults may increase their risk of early death. Guidelines suggest men get 120 micrograms of vitamin K per day, or about the amount found in a cup of leafy green vegetables.

People hospitalized for a hip fracture who begin taking anti-osteoporosis medication within 15 to 84 days were less likely to have a subsequent fracture than people who started drug therapy later.

People who treat their high blood pressure with medication also can lower their risk of developing dementia or cognitive impairment, like having trouble learning new tasks, concentrating, and making decisions.

Music has unique effects on the brain, engaging different parts of the brain simultaneously. It has been shown to have the ability to alter mood and even improve memory. Musical memories are stored in same part of the brain as habit-memories, such as riding a bike. This may explain why people with Alzheimer’s disease are sometimes able to remember how to play an instrument, when other memories have faded.