Short Arms, Legs May Indicate Alzheimer’s Risk

Arms and legs that are shorter than average are an indication of poor nutritional intake in the early stages of life, when these limbs, especially the legs, normally experience rapid growth.  The region of the brain affected most severely by Alzheimer’s disease also experiences rapid growth at the same time. Read more

Report Predicts 14 Million Boomers Will Develop Alzheimer’s

A report released this week by the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 18% of the nation’s 79 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia at some point in their lives. The oldest baby boomers are turning 62 this year and they are entering the risk zone. The likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years after age 65. Read more

Antibiotics Overused in Patients with Dementia

According to the report published in the February 25 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, more than 5 million Americans have dementia. And about 70 percent of them will live in nursing homes at the end of their lives. Recurrent infections and fever are common among these patients, who may receive antibiotics to treat these conditions. Read more