Latest Facts & Figures Report | Alzheimer’s Association

Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States overall and the 5th leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older. It is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America without a way to prevent it, cure it or even slow its progression. Deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 68 percent between 2000 and 2010, while deaths from other major diseases, including the number one cause of death (heart disease), decreased.

Change in Number of Deaths 2000 - 2010

via Latest Facts & Figures Report | Alzheimer’s Association.

Simple Sit Test Predicts Long Life

This study evaluated the association between the ability to sit and rise from the floor with and without support and all-cause mortality in adults age 51 to 80.

There was a significant association between the use of more support to sit and rise from the floor and increasing all-cause mortality.

via Simple Sit Test Predicts Long Life.

Our profession typically uses chair-to-stand testing as part of a senior supplement.  Should we be considering the use of the sit-rise test instead?

When the Patient Is ‘Noncompliant’ – NYTimes.com

Despite efforts to change the term to the slightly more accurate “nonadherent,” the word “noncompliant” remains firmly entrenched in the medical lexicon. No matter what it’s called, however, it’s an enormous problem. Experts estimate that some 50 percent of patients do not take their medicines as prescribed or follow doctors’ recommendations.

via When the Patient Is ‘Noncompliant’ – NYTimes.com.

Underwriting and mortality issue?  I think so.

Statin-Exercise Combo Lowers Mortality Risk

Patients who took statins and were physically fit had as much as a 70% reduction in the risk of dying during the follow-up period as compared with the least physically fit patients who were taking statins, according to Peter Kokkinos, PhD, of George Washington University in Washington, and colleagues.

Physical fitness also had an independent effect on mortality risk among patients who were not taking statins, reducing the likelihood of death during follow-up by as much as 47%, they reported online in The Lancet.

via Statin-Exercise Combo Lowers Mortality Risk.

I really need to get the gym more often.

Effect of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Immune Function in Older People

Conclusion: Increased FV intake improves the Pneumovax II vaccination antibody response in older people, which links an achievable dietary goal with improved immune function. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00858728.

via Effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on immune function in older people: a randomized controlled trial.

Mom was right.  Eat your vegetables.