diane walker asked:


Most older people do not develop mental health problems, but a significant minority have dementia or experience problems such as depression.

Introduction

It is estimated that 18% of the general population in the UK are of pensionable age and that this figure will grow to 20% by 2025. As a society, we tend to assume that older people will develop mental health problems as a ‘normal’ aspect of ageing. Most older people do not develop mental health problems, although a significant minority does. For example:



about 25% of people over 85 have dementia.

between 10-15% of people over 65 have depression

between 4-23% of older adults seen by medical staff have an alcohol problem.



In addition to those older people who have an identifiable mental illness such as dementia, there are many who experience psychological or emotional distress associated with isolation, loneliness or loss. These problems are not recorded by the health or medical care system.

What problems affect people in later life?

Dementia

Dementia is a decline in mental ability which affects memory, thinking, problem solving, concentration, perception and behaviour. Some forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, are degenerative. That is, they get worse over time. Other forms of dementia, such as vascular dementia, may be non-degenerative. That is, they may not get worse over time.

People with dementia can become confused. Some people also become restless or display repetitive behaviour. They may also seem irritable, tearful or agitated. This can be very distressing for both the person with dementia and their family and friends. Some people with dementia also develop other problems such as depression, disturbed sleep, aggression, inappropriate sexual behaviour and incontinence, although the latter issues tend to be associated with more advanced dementia.

About one in 20 people over the age of 65 are affected by dementia and this figure rises to one in four people over the age of 85 (Audit Commission, 2000). People under the age of 65 can develop dementia but this is rare and is known as early onset or pre-senile dementia.

What causes dementia?

Dementia occurs as a result of the death of brain cells or damage in parts of the brain that deal with our thought processes and functioning. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. We do not know what causes Alzheimer’s disease but we do know that ageing is the biggest risk factor. The second most common type of dementia is vascular or multi-infarct dementia. This occurs as a result of a series of mini-strokes which constrict blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

Can dementia be prevented and is there a cure?

Most types of dementia cannot be cured but a number of psychological treatments and anti-dementia drugs can be very effective for those in the early stages of dementia. It is therefore very important to get a proper assessment of cognitive function from a medical practitioner as early as possible.

There are no guaranteed ways of preventing dementia, but you may find it helpful to follow a sensible diet and pursue a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical exercise and supplements like Gingko Biloba can help to ensure that there is always a good supply of blood to the brain. Please consult your GP before taking such medication. You can also help yourself by keeping your mind active, for example by doing crosswords or puzzles.

Depression

Depression describes a range of moods, from feeling a bit low to a severe problem, which interferes with everyday life and normal functioning. People with severe depression may experience a range of symptoms including low mood, loss of interest and pleasure as well as feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

Depression can affect anyone, of any culture, age or background but it affects proportionally more older people than any other age group. It is estimated that around 10-15% of elderly people in the community exhibit depressive symptoms, with this proportion rising to about 40% of care home residents. That said, you will not necessarily become depressed just because you are getting older.

What causes depression?

There are a number of risk factors that play a role in increasing older people’s vulnerability to depression including:



being widowed, divorced or retired

neurobiological changes associated with ageing

use of medication for other conditions

greater physical impairment and disease

loneliness and isolation

genetic susceptibility, which increases with age.



Can depression be prevented and is there a cure?

Depression in later life is a widely under recognised and under treated medical condition. Up until recently many health professionals – including GP’s – failed to offer the treatments and supports available to other age groups. Most forms of depression can be treated, using medication, talking treatments or other strategies.

It is can be difficult to diagnose depression in older people because it often occurs alongside other mental and physical illnesses, such as dementia, stroke, diabetes and cancer. In addition many older people do not seek help from their GP until they have a number of symptoms. As with dementia, it is important to seek help as early as possible.

Self-help strategies that can help reduce the risk of depression include:



taking regular exercise

planning for critical transitions such as retirement

seeking support from family and friends following the loss of a long-term partner

ensuring that you pursue a range of interests in later life.



Dementia and depression

The relationship between dementia and depression is complex. The symptoms of dementia and depression – including withdrawal from social activities and general apathy – are very similar. An elderly person with severe depression may occasionally be misdiagnosed as having dementia. A person with dementia may also become depressed.

Alcohol abuse

It is estimated that between 4%-23% of older adults seen by medical staff experience problems with alcohol. Figures also show that older men are currently between two and six times more likely than older women to be at risk of abusing alcohol.

Although alcohol abuse is a problem for people of all ages, it is more likely to go unrecognised among older people. Many older people use alcohol to deal with loss or loneliness. Approximately 10-30% of older people who abuse alcohol become depressed. They are also at greater risk of *******.

Medication

Prescribed medications can cause mental health difficulties among older people. A 2001 Department of Health survey found that 79% of older people take prescribed medicines. Many older people take four or more medications at the same time. There are risks associated with taking multiple medications, including confusion.

More detailed information about medication and mental health problems can be found at the following sites:

Other mental health problems

There are a number of rarer mental health problems that affect older people, including delirium, anxiety and late-onset schizophrenia. The prevalence, nature, and course of these disorders are different in older people, as are the treatments that may be offered.

Capacity and older people with mental illness

People with dementia or severe mental illness may have difficulty in making and communicating decisions. Very few people are unable to be involved in making choices at all but some may have partial or fluctuating mental capacity and may need help with communication. Different approaches are also required to engage a person with dementia. They often need longer to make decisions, may need an advocate to speak on their behalf and their mental functioning may also vary by day, and time of day. Family members or carers are often useful sources of information but it is important to take account of the views of the person with dementia alongside those of their carer.

Help for carers

Caring for an older person with mental health problems can be very stressful, time consuming and emotionally and physically challenging. Caring for an older person with dementia is associated with higher levels of stress, with a third of carers suffering from depression.

For free advice on depression or a free consultation visit http://www.clairehegarty.co.uk or ring 0151 678 3358 or 07714853524

Visit http://www.in2town.co.uk for all the latest health news and advice

Jane Thurnell-read asked:


Here are some quick health tips and information. Choose one and put it into practice straight away. When that’s part of your life, add another one. Small steps lead to big changes:

Reduce the number of times you go to the supermarket. The more often you go the more you are likely to buy unhealthy food. Eat something before you go to – research shows you buy more when you’re hungry.

A bath made by adding 4 or 5 drops of chamomile oil, or several cups of chamomile tea is relaxing and can help dry, itching or sunburnt skin.

Eat garlic, leeks and onions for the probiotics they contain. These feed the healthy bacteria in our guts.

Watercress contains 12 times as much vitamin C as lettuce and more iron than spinach. Eat some today!

Most people take 3000-4000 steps a day. For the sake of your health (and your weight) you should be taking at least 10,000. Buy a pedometer and get walking.

Some migraine sufferers find that the supplement Coenzyme Q10 reduces the frequency of attacks.

Eating processed meat products such as bacon, sausages and smoked ham increases your risk of getting stomach cancer.

Research has shown that water plays a vital role in our immune systems ability to fight infection, making those who drink sufficient less likely to suffer from flu and colds. A cheap health tip – drink more water.

If you are giving up smoking or cutting down on alcohol, change the routines that are associated with these activities, just for a while.

If you suffer from stress incontinence, learn how to do pelvic floor exercises. They work for both men and women.

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine researchers have found that men carrying a few extra pounds in early adulthood nearly double their chance of developing painful knee and hip osteoarthritis later in life. Want to get fit, eat more healthily, lose weight? Find a buddy who wants to do the same things.

Drinking tea with meals increases your chances of suffering from anaemia as tea decreases the absorption of iron.

The American Chiropractic Association says: When standing, keep one foot slightly in front of the other, with your knees slightly bent. This position helps to take the pressure off your low back.

Try valerian tablets if you can’t sleep.

An Israeli study found that those who suffered from job ‘burn out’ were twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. Your job is important, but so are you.

Eating pumpkin seeds has been shown to be good for the prostate. They’ve got a great taste too – add them to salads or just eat them as they are.

Don’t take health advice from unhealthy people. It has been estimated that between 44,000 and 98,000 patients in the USA die each year as the result of medical mistakes. Speak up if you are concerned. Be actively part of the process.

Gum disease has been linked to an increase in heart problems. Bizarre as it may seem, flossing your teeth and seeing a dental hygienist may help prevent heart disease.

Symptoms can be nature’s way of telling us something is wrong. When you just try to stop the symptoms, you may be killing the messenger?

Jeff Goodman asked:


Here are seven action steps to vibrant health:

 

Action step 1. Emotional Healing: The Foundation of Vibrant Health. The most important key to vibrant health is letting go of any anger and resentment we may be carrying and forgiving anyone we feel has wronged us. Practice being thankful. All blessings flow to one who has a thankful heart For clearing negative emotions or phobias learn EFT:Emotional Freedom Technique ( An easy to learn technique that really works):http://www.emofree.com

 

Action Step 2. Deep Breathing: Most people breath shallow, only filling the top of their lungs. Science has proven that cancer is anaerobic – it does not survive in high levels of oxygen. Shortness of breath and heart disease are directly linked – the heart goes into spasm when it is deprived of oxygen.Studies have shown that there is a high correlation between high blood pressure and poor breathing.Most emotional issues, including anxiety and depression, result from the nervous system being out of balance. Breathing drives the nervous system. Optimal Breathing helps to promote weight loss. Oxygen burns fat and calories.Breathing well is the key to sleeping well and waking up feeling rested. Breathing provides 99% of your energy. Without energy, nothing works. For more info on optimal breathing:http://www.breathing.com/default.htm

 

Action Step 3. Eat a Vegan diet: Vegan means no animal products like meat,fish,eggs or dairy products or anything containing these. Eat over 50% percent raw, organically grown, local, in season fruits and vegetables. We are what we eat. Food from nature are filled with enzymes and nutrients that are highly synergistic interactive complexes. Synergy means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, that the relationship, which the parts have to each other, is the most catalytic, most empowering, most unifying, most functional or effective part. Synergy means that 1 + 1 may equal 8, 24, or even 1,600. Synergistic function produces more and better results than any action of any part separated from the whole. For more info on eating a vegan diet: http://www.livingnutrition.com/

 

Action Step 4. Get Aerobic Exercise: For at least ten minutes per day, jog,jump on a trampoline, or do something to make your heart pump and your lungs work.

 

Action Step 5. Drink plenty of pure clean water: Hexagonal water moves more rapidly into your cells providing superior hydration, enhanced nutrient absorption, and more efficient detoxification. In the recently translated book, The Water Puzzle and the Hexagonal Key, Dr. Mu Shik Jhon explains that hexagonal water is the “functional” water unit within the body. According to his research, the hexagonal water structure surrounds healthy tissues, protects the DNA and supports a variety of metabolic functions. His research shows that both disease and aging are linked to a loss of hexagonal water in the body.According to Dr. Mu Shik Jhon,,” aging is the process of losing hexagonally-structured water that leads to reduced mineral status, specifically calcium that directly affect muscle, bone, and nerve function. For more info on hexagonal water: http://www.vortexwatertech.com/

 

Action Step 6. Have Healthy Habits: Eliminate from your life all self destructive habits like smoking, mind altering drugs, and alcohol. These don’t have any place in a vibrant healthy lifestyle.

 

Action Step 7.. Consciously Renew Yourself : We break down and replace over twenty four billion cells a day.The Stomach lining is replaced every 5 days, with some cells being replaced every time there is digestion. The skeleton cellular structure is renewed every three months. Protein is renewed every 6 months. 98% of the total atoms are replaced in one year’s time. The whole body is comprised of totally new cells from 7 years ago. Because our cellular structure has “memory”, it retains what we feed it, emotionally and physically. No, you are not the same person your whole life. You grow and change, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, constantly expanding upon the energies of the universe.

 

Important Disclaimer!

By choosing to follow the advice or the information presented by Jeff Goodman you agree to take FULL responsibility for yourself. Content and opinions provided by Jeff Goodman are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice.Jeff Goodman does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in article.

If you do anything recommended in this article, without the supervision of a licensed medical doctor, you do so at your own risk. Nothing that you can read should be regarded as medical or health advice. None of the statements are suppose to be understood as a recommendation as to how to treat any particular disease or health related condition. If you require medical or other assistance, you should consult a health professional!

Laubach Wilhelm asked:


Here is some essentials health advice to keep men’s health well and have a healthier life.

TSE examination is very necessary for men to detect testicular problems. You should remember that testicular problems usually start from the childhood. There large number of men are dieing from Prostate cancer. So men should get regular checkups with your physicians to prevent this dangerous disease. You should maintain regular visit with your physician to check your blood pressure. For adult men ideal pressure is 120/70. Avoid Soft drinks it’s not only bad for your stomach and teeth but also weight as it will increase your weight which very bad for your health. Usually Soft drinks contain plenty of sugar which is very harmful for our bodies. Pure Water is the best because of many reasons as it make men healthier, more energetic and also more concentrated. Pure drinking water has ability to clean men’s stomach and liver. Do regular exercise as it will help you to maintain your health and fitness. If you don’t physically active you will become fat which will ruin your body. So, men have to do exercise everyday in different way for minimum 30 minutes. Usually men like to eat heavy meals all the day which is not good for their health. Men should take small meal instead of heavy meals. You should eat more fresh vegetables and fruits for each and every meal and less carbohydrate as it will increase your fat. Essential advice which is to use cell phone less as it spreads Radioactive that makes you get bad and helps t produce cancer cell and also grow the risk of heart disease. So you should use more land phone and Ethernet cables with your computer. By doing this you will be able to keep your health well. Avoid Smoking, Men can drink alcohol in Moderation only. One glass of red wine is good for your heart but more will harm your health. Instead of alcohol you can drink plenty of water and diet beverages.

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health advice

Sushil Kumar Singh Raghav asked:


Did you know that 17.4 percent of teenagers in the U.S. in the ages 12 to 19 are overweight? Adult Type 2 diabetes and heart disease are now being reported among teenagers, all the more reason for teenagers to be vigilant with their health. Moreover, sexually active teenagers face even more health risks than those that do not engage in sexual activity yet. Alcohol and substance abuse and smoking, eating disorders, depression, and sexually transmitted diseases are some of the most common health issues among teenagers.

To stay healthy, a teenager should avoid smoking any type of tobacco product. Another health advice is to avoid second hand cigarette smoke. A tobacco user teen is more likely to get heart disease, cancer or stroke in his/her adult age compared to nonuser. Avert alcohol and substance abuse. It usually starts with experimentation until the drug grabs hold of your mind and you become addicted.

Perhaps more common to teenage girls, a teen wants skinny body like ones she sees on the media. This ********* addiction to media leads to eating disorder, anorexia (intense fear of being fat) and bulimia (vomiting to abort the digestion of food ingested), which poses serious health problem among 1% of American teens; it can kill. If you have symptoms of anorexia and bulimia, don’t ignore it. Ask help from your parents or any authority you trust to help you quit this potentially deadly habit. Although support groups can help; however, kicking this deadly habit may require seeing a trained therapist.

Another teen health problem to watch is depression. It can be triggered by something as simple as not making the football team or the cheer leading squad. If you feel lazy, sad, and sometimes hopeless; or worse, if you feel suicidal, then you might be suffering from depression. This is a serious problem that you need to address immediately by talking to your parents or your guidance councilor. Talking to your peers about it may not be as good a solution because they may not know on how to handle depression, worse if they themselves are suffering depression too. Talk to your parents, teachers, or any authority you feel comfortable confiding with.

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a problem among sexually active teenagers. Some STDs such as Hepatitis can even be contracted by mere kissing. Teenagers already active in *** must visit their school nurse’s office and ask him/her the repercussions of sexual ***********. If your parents are open to this discussion, you should talk to them about it too. Obtain brochures and pamphlets on safe *** to educate yourself everything you need to know about the health issues of ***. Teenage pregnancy, which in itself has emotional, social, and health ramifications, is a great possibility among sexually active teenagers.

Perhaps the best way to stay healthy and fit is to maintain a habit of good, well balanced diet, and exercise. Stay at bay from eating fatty foods and trans-fatty acids to avoid problems such as diabetes and obesity leading to heart problems. Joining sports and other outdoor activity is a fun way to exercise and to stay fit.

Wendy Stenberg-Tendys asked:


The threat of a pandemic is sweeping the world, through a new strain of swine flu. Many deaths have been recorded in Mexico. Several other countries also have suspect cases reported, from as far apart as France, Hong Kong, Canada, Israel and New Zealand.

Caused by type A influenza Swine flu, is a respiratory disease. Studies have shown that the swine flu H1N1 is common throughout pig populations worldwide, with 25% of all animals displaying antibody evidence of having the disease.

Swine flu viruses do not usually affect human beings. However, the current swine flu has a deadly mixture of a gene segment from bird flu, a segment from human flu, plus two genes from pig flu. Pigs are known to be the world’s best ‘mixing bowls’. This totally unknown virus is causing extreme concern, as humans have no immunity to the disease.

Swine flu can’t be contacted through eating pork products, however human-to-human infections are happening, without the victims having any contact with infected animals.

Here are simple precautions you need to use to provide self-protection against the threatened pandemic:

Make sure you cover your nose and mouth if you sneeze or cough. Ensure you get rid of the tissue in the rubbish can after you use it. Keep a mask handy in case anyone sneezes or coughs around you.

Just one sneeze thrusts 100,000 droplets into the air at around 90 mph, landing on everything around you. British researchers have found that in a subway train during rush hour, as many as 10% of all commuters can come in contact with the spray and residue from just one sneeze. 150 commuters may become ill from one uncovered sneeze, or cough. The rush of air from a cough travels at speeds of nearly 600 mph.

Always wash your hands frequently, for up to 20 seconds, with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Always wash your hands thoroughly prior to eating and whenever possible do not eat with your hands.

It is estimated over 80% of all infections are spread by hands. If you are not able to wash your hands, resort to using hand-sanitizers with 60% alcohol content. These are available in handy pocket size containers.

Attempt to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and definitely avoid kissing on the cheeks.

Germs are passed more quickly that way than any other method of transmission.

Try to stay away from sick people. Isolation and keeping your distance are your most efficient protective measures. If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with other people, to keep them from becoming infected. Keep aware and recognize any abnormal symptoms. If you are in doubt, go and seek professional advice. Make sure you eat well, be careful of your sleep habits and take regular exercise. Increase your daily dose of vitamin C and practice good hygiene.

Swine flu can be treated. Though it is resistant to two of the four drugs approved for treating flu, two new arrivals, Tamiflu and Relenza have proven to be successful.

Mexico houses hundreds of industrial-scale hog facilities, known as ‘confined animal feeding operations’, where pigs are packed tightly in rows. Thousands of pigs are confined to indoor pens and grain-fed for market. Breeding sows are held in small metal crates where they spend the major part of their lives pregnant, or feeding a new litter of piglets. Up until now, Mexican hog workers, infected with swine flu, have rarely been the cause of infecting other humans, except for close family members.

Tim Amherst asked:


One of the most devastating parasites which may threaten your Pit Bull is the heartworm. These nasty creatures can linger in your pet for years before dealing a death blow to your Pit Bull. Heartworms are treatable, but it is best to use a protective stance rather than wait for infection to occur.

This disease is not spread from pet to pet via contact, but by another nasty creature we all know as the mosquito. The mosquito is a necessary link in the transfer of the disease. The number of dogs infected with heartworms always increases during the height of mosquito season. Long mosquito seasons will increase the rate of infections rapidly.

Once heartworms are transmitted by the mosquito into the dog’s blood stream, they travel through the blood into the heart and the major pulmonary blood vessels. The heartworms are in the immature stage and are called microfilaria.

Upon arriving in the heart, the microfilaria will set up residence and grow into adult heartworms. These fully grown parasites cause heart blockage and damage to surrounding tissues by clogging the heart and the major blood vessels leading from the heart. Adult heartworms will also interfere with the valve action within the heart.

When the heart and main blood vessels get clogged, the blood flow to other critical organs is reduced, which can cause problems for the liver, kidneys and lungs, resulting in organ failure.

Most dogs which are infected with heartworms will not show any outward signs of disease for as long as up to two years. Sadly, by the time the disease starts to show signs in the dog, it is in the advanced stage. These signs depend on several factors, such as the number of adult worms and microfilariae present, as well as their location. The length of time the infection has been present, and the amount of damage already done to the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys are all essential factors.

Signs of Heartworm Infestation

The most obvious outward signs of heartworms are:

Unexplained weight loss.

A dry almost constant cough with labored breathing.

Shortness of breath.

Sudden weakness.

A sudden show of nervousness or listlessness, accompanied by a loss of stamina.

The signs of heartworms are most noticeable after the dog has been engaged in exercise or play. Some dogs with heartworms may even faint or drop dead suddenly right after engaging in rigorous play or exercise.

Treatment for heartworms is available but it is costly and in some cases may prove fatal to the dog itself. To prevent this horrible disease in your Pit Bull, be sure to keep your dog’s regular vet appointments. Heartworms can be prevented easily by administering heartworm medication to your pet each month.

As always, talk to your vet if you have any concerns that your dog may have heartworms, and never try to treat the disease on your own. Always consult a properly qualified professional before starting any type of treatments on your dog.