aging

As the number of elderly people with HIV grows, researchers question how it affects diseases such as Alzheimer’s

Ask the Doctors answers a few of your most-asked questions this month

‘Over the years, my study room has become a fall detection lab,’ says Dr. Francy Shu

Dear Doctor: Can you please explain what gout is and how it’s treated? Our father is 81 years old and was just told that he has gout. His doctor says it could be because he takes water pills for swelling due to congestive heart failure. Does that make sense? Dear Reader: [...]

Understanding what the pandemic means for senior citizens

Learn more about why older adults, specifically those over the age of 60, are at an increased risk for complications from COVID-19. Plus, we offer strategies to keep seniors safe.

More than 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that figure is likely to triple by 2060. Currently no treatment can alter the course of dementia associated with the death of brain cells (neurodegeneration).  Dementia [...]

Dear Doctors: About a year ago, when I turned 44, I started using reading glasses that I purchased at the drug store and they seemed to work just fine. Now I need a stronger pair and I wonder whether using them has weakened my eyes. [...]

Dear Doctors: I understand that Alzheimer’s disease causes memory loss and leads to dementia. But when someone has Alzheimer’s, what is the actual cause of death? Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease of the brain in which [...]

Dear Doctor: I read your recent response to a question about alcohol consumption and its correlation to breast cancer. But what about the risk once you've been diagnosed? I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and have completed radiation. I am on medication and have a very positive prognosis. I [...]