Palouse Seniors, Summer 2021

Palouse

Seniors Summer 2021

INSIDE:

How exercise can help you live longer Palouse Seniors is a supplement of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News

2 | May 22, 2021 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

PALOUSE SENIORS

Latest treatments for Parkinson’s disease Metro Editorial

Researchers still have much to learn about Parkinson’s disease. As researchers continue to work hard in the fight against this disease, the lessons they learn may lead to new, innovative treatments.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra area of the brain, advises the Parkinson’s Foundation. Even though the disease itself is not fatal, PD is a serious condition Ñ one which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rates as the 14th most common cause of death in the United States due to the disease’s related complications. PD symptoms affect autonomous functions and the ability to move limbs. The Mayo Clinic notes that most people with PD may show little or no expression, speech may become slurred, arms may not swing when one walks, and stiffness and gait issues may become apparent. PD can affect balance and posture as well.

There is no cure for PD, but there are many different treatments that can slow its progress and reduce symptoms. WebMD says new treatments for PD give individuals continued hope. Here’s a look at some of the potential options.

• Stem cell usage: Stem cells can turn into any type of cell, and there is hope that they

can transform into the dopamine-producing neurons used to treat PD. But there is increased risk of involuntary movement from too much dopamine with this treatment.

Stem cell therapy also may present ethical and moral issues with some patients.

• Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor treatment: Researchers at the University of Bristol have used robot-assisted neurosurgery to implant a special delivery

system that releases a new drug called glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor into the brain cells of Parkinson’s patients. The

researchers found that, after 18 months of treatment, all participants showed Òmoderate to large improvements in symptoms compared to before they started the study.Ó • PTB protein therapy: Senior researcher Xiang-Dong Fu, a professor at the University of California, San Diego, studies a protein known as PTB, which influences which genes in a cell are turned on or off. It also tells the genes within a cell whether they should become neurons or not. Fu found that silencing PTB might produce new neurons in a diseased brain.

• Drug treatments: Researchers are investigating drugs that block the action of glutamate, an amino acid that destroys nerve cells, in addition to the role coenzyme Q-10 may play in slowing the progression of PD. Parkinson’s disease affects millions of people and may gradually steal movement and expression from a person’s life. New treatment possibilities are continually being explored to improve quality of life and slow down the disease.

Simple ways to maintain memory as you age Metro Editorial

Adults confront various age-related side effects as they transition from middle age to their golden years. Skin may begin to wrinkle and hair may turn gray, but those are just the visible side effects of aging. Many additional effects are unseen, but those changes can have a profound effect on adults’ quality of life.

According to the Mayo Clinic, various parts of the body are affected by aging. For example, the cardiovascular system changes as people grow older. Blood vessels and arteries stiffen as adults age, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood through them.

Though many changes are linked to aging, other changes commonly associated with aging, such as a decline in memory, reasoning and other thinking skills, are not natural. The Alzheimer’s Association¨ notes that dementia is not a normal part of aging. There are many different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and these are the result of damage to brain cells that affect a person’s ability to communicate. That damage is not inevitable, even if it’s commonly associated with aging.

The Harvard Medical School notes that fleeting memory problems experienced with aging often reflect normal changes in the structure and function of the brain. But it’s important that those changes not be mistaken

for dementia, and it’s equally important that adults recognize there are many ways they can protect and sharpen their minds as they age.

• Continue learning. HMS notes that a higher level of education is associated with improved mental functioning in old age. The reasons for that are unknown, but experts theorize that advanced education compels people to remain mentally active, which in turn helps them maintain a strong memory.

Even aging men and women who are still working in challenging fields can benefit from pursuing a new hobby or learning a new skill.

• Use the tools at your disposal. It may seem counterintuitive to suggest that organizational tools like planners, maps and lists can help people maintain their memories.

However, HMS notes that expending mental energy on finding car keys or trying to remember what to buy at the store makes it harder to learn new and important things.

• Let all your senses play a role. HMS reports that the more senses a person uses to learn something, the more his or her brain is involved in retaining a memory. HMS cites one study in which adults were shown a series of emotionally neutral images that were each presented along with a smell. Participants were not asked to recall what they saw, but were later shown a set of images and asked to indicate which they had previously seen. The

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | May 22, 2021 | 3

What to expect from cataract surgery

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye that can cause blurry vision and increase glare from lights. The Mayo Clinic indicates that cataracts can make it difficult for people to carry out their normal activities or interfere with treatment of other eye problems. In such instances, doctors may recommend cataract surgery.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says cataract surgery involves removing the lens of the eye when it’s cloudy. A cloudy lens can make people feel like they are looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield.

That’s because a cataract-plagued lens cannot refract light rays effectively. Many images appear hazy and blurry, or less colorful.

Surgery is the only way to effectively treat cataracts. The cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial clear lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL, says the AAO. Cataract surgeries have become routine and most operations are successful. The National Institutes of Health says as many as 95 percent of people who undergo cataract procedures experience an improvement in the sharpness of their vision.

Replacement of the damaged lens is the goal, but there are different types of cataract surgery that vary based on the size of the incision and the technology used to remove the cataract. Phacoemulsification is one

popular procedure during which a surgeon will make a two- to three-millimeterlong incision in the front of the eye for an ultrasonic probe. The probe utilizes vibration to break up the cataract and removes the fragments with suction. A foldable lens is then inserted through the incision. Here are some things to expect from cataract surgery.

• A week or more before the surgery an ultrasound test will measure the size and shape of the eye. This helps to determine which type of IOL will later be inserted and become a permanent part of the eye.

• IOLs can come with different features, such as blocking ultraviolet light or being monofocal or bifocal in nature. Others correct astigmatism. An eye doctor will discuss which type of lens is best.

• Medicated eye drops may be prescribed before surgery to reduce the risk for eye infections.

• Patients may need to stop taking certain medications prior to surgery, particularly if they can increase bleeding risk. Also, doctors may advise patients to avoid solid food several hours before surgery and avoid drinking alcohol for a day prior.

• You will be awake for the procedure, but your eye will be numbed and you won’t be able to see what the surgeon is doing.

Some doctors provide a sedative to help with relaxation.

participants had excellent recall for the odorpaired images, and researchers believe that’s because additional parts of the brain were activated when participants were asked to use

more than one sense.

Memory loss is not an inevitable side effect of aging, especially for adults who take steps to maintain their memories as they age.

Metro Editorial

disappear after a couple of days. Eye patches and protective sunglasses also may be recommended.

Cataract surgery can give people a new lease on life through improved visual clarity.

The procedure is relatively easy and successful for the majority of people who undergo it.

• Typically the surgery is an out-patient procedure, meaning you’ll be able to return home the same day. However, you will not be able to drive, so arrange for transportation.

• Medicated eye drops may be prescribed, and recovery may include limiting activities for a few days. Any eye discomfort should

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4 | May 22, 2021 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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Signs and symptoms of dementia Metro Editorial

Dementia is a global issue that affects people’s daily lives in myriad ways. According to the World Health Organization, dementia is a syndrome marked by deterioration in memory, thinking and behavior. That deterioration affects dementia patients’ ability to perform everyday activities, potentially robbing them of their independence.

The WHO reports that approximately 50 million people across the globe have dementia and there are nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year. Though the hallmarks of dementia, such as memory loss, might be the same, the WHO notes that dementia affects each person differently. That’s due to certain factors, including a patient’s personality prior to becoming ill. Though people will experience dementia differently, the signs and symptoms of the disease are typically categorized as being in one of three stages: early stage, middle stage and late stage.

EARLY STAGE

Signs and symptoms that mark the early stage of dementia are often chalked up as side effects of aging. But the WHO notes that dementia is not a normal part of aging, so its signs and symptoms, even if they are not yet severe or significant, should not be written off as a byproduct of growing old. Common symptoms in the early stage of dementia include forgetfulness, losing track of the time and becoming lost in familiar places.

MIDDLE STAGE

Life becomes more difficult during the middle stage of dementia, when signs and symptoms become more apparent. The forgetfulness present in the early stage now becomes forgetfulness of recent events and people’s names. People in the middle stage also may become lost in their own homes and experience a growing difficulty with communication. People in this stage may need help caring for themselves, and some experience behavioral changes such as wandering and repeated questioning.

LATE STAGE

Memory disturbances are significant in the late stage of dementia, when people are almost entirely dependent on others. People in late stage dementia may have difficulty recognizing relatives and friends and be unaware of the time and place. Many people in this stage need assistance with self-care and they may have difficulty walking. Behavioral changes may escalate, and some people in this stage become aggressive, even toward their loved ones.

Dementia affects tens of millions of people across the globe. Though there currently is no cure for dementia, the WHO emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, which starts with learning the stages of dementia and the hallmarks of each stage.

ARE ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA THE SAME THING?

There are many different forms of dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is one of them. In fact, the WHO notes that Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, potentially contributing to as many as 70 percent of dementia cases. But people diagnosed with dementia do not necessarily have Alzheimer’s.

What seniors should know about herbal medicines Metro Editorial

A lifelong commitment to healthy living can improve life expectancy and quality of life while reducing a person’s risk for various conditions and diseases, including cancer and heart disease.

Healthy lifestyle choices like eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly can greatly reduce a person’s risk for various ailments, but such choices don’t eliminate that risk entirely. As a result, even health-conscious men and women may need to rely on medication to stay healthy. That’s especially true for seniors since age is a risk factor for various conditions.

A 2014 analysis that appeared in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics examined nearly 1,300 published articles that focused on the use of herbal supplements by elderly patients. Though only 16 of those articles met the researchers’ criteria, the analysis

concluded that herbal supplement usage is common among elderly patients, as was a lack of dialogue about such supplements between medical professionals and seniors.

A concerted effort to initiate such dialogue on the part of both patients and health care providers can help shed light on herbal medicines so people taking them, including seniors, can learn more about what they’re putting into their bodies.

WHAT ARE HERBAL MEDICINES?

The National Health Service of the United Kingdom, a widely respected and publicly funded health care system, describes herbal medicines as those with active ingredients made from plant parts like leaves, roots or flowers. Because herbal medicines are made from plant parts, many people assume they’re safe to take without consulting a physician.

However, the NHS urges people to treat herbal medicines with the same care and respect as they would more conventional medicines. Herbal medicines can affect the body in various ways. A frank discussion with a physician can shed light on

the potential side effects of herbal medicines and whether or not they’re safe.

WHY SHOULD SENIORS BE CONCERNED ABOUT HERBAL MEDICINES?

The NHS notes that seniors taking other medications may experience problems if they begin taking herbal medicines as well. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, notes that more well-designed studies are necessary to fully evaluate interactions between herbal medicines and prescription drugs. However, the NCCIH notes that some evidence points to some harmful effects of mixing the two. For example, the NCCIH reports that prolonged exposure to concentrated garlic extracts may reduce the efficacy of some drugs. The potential for these types of interactions should be enough to compel seniors to think twice before taking herbal medicines without first consulting their physicians. In addition, the NHS has developed a list of various types of people for whom herbal medicines may not be suitable, and that list includes the elderly.

Seniors considering herbal medicines should discuss the pros and cons of such products with their physicians prior to taking anything.

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | May 22, 2021 | 5

How exercise can help you live longer Metro Editorial

There are many reasons to get in shape.

Weight loss is a prime motivator, as is reversing a negative health effect, such as high cholesterol or increased diabetes risk. Routine exercise also can improve life expectancy.

WebMD says exercise keeps the body and brain healthy. That’s why exercise should be an important component of daily life no matter one’s age.

Research published in the journal Immune Aging found that how people age is 75 percent lifestyle and only 25 percent genetics, which underscores the importance of the lifestyle choices people make.

CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS

Many health experts say that cardiorespiratory fitness may be just as valuable a metric to determine overall health as blood pressure and lipid levels. People with a high aerobic capacity can deliver oxygen to tissues and cells efficiently to fuel exercise, according to data published in 2014 in the journal Aging & Disease. In a study involving 11,335 women, researchers compared V02 max, also known as aerobic capacity, in women with mortality data.

Women who were fit from a cardiovascular perspective had a lower death rate from all causes, irrespective of the women’s weight.

MANAGE STRESS AND MOOD

ADDRESSES SARCOPENIA

Exercise has direct stressbusting benefits that can promote longevity. The Mayo Clinic says physical activity can increase the production of endorphins, which are the body’s feel-good neurotransmitters. In addition, exercise can imitate the effects of stress, helping the body adjust its flight or fight response accordingly, and help them cope with mildly stressful situations.

While engaged in exercise, people may forget about their problems as they are focused on the activity at hand.

IMPROVE BONE HEALTH

Strength training and physical activity can stave off the effects of frailty and osteoporosis, which affects bone strength.

A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine in 2017 found that hip fractures are associated with diminished quality of life and survival among the elderly. One in three adults aged 50 and over dies within 12

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months of suffering a hip fracture, and older adults have a five- to eight-times greater risk of dying within three months following a hip fracture. Building muscle strength, balance and bone density through exercise can reduce falls and frailty, helping to prevent fracturerelated health risks.

The health and wellness resource Healthline defines sarcopenia as the loss of muscle mass specifically related to aging. Doctors once considered this muscle loss inevitable, and it can affect stamina and lead to weakness. However, new indications suggest that exercise is the main treatment regimen for sarcopenia, particularly resistance training.

This is designed to improve muscle strength and help balance hormone levels by turning protein into energy for older adults.

These are just some of the ways exercise can help older adults live longer, healthier lives.

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6 | May 22, 2021 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

Strategies to address drug interaction side effects Metro Editorial

Medications are utilized in various ways.

Some people take medication to treat issues like headaches or the common cold, while medicine also may be used to treat serious diseases like cancer or heart disease. Each medicine is different, but all share one common trait: the potential to produce side effects.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes that the side effects of medications can range from relatively harmful nuisances like a runny nose to potentially life-threatening issues like an increased risk for heart attack.

When taking prescription medications or even over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, it’s imperative that people discuss the side effects of such medicines with their physicians. Such discussions are especially important for people who are already taking other medications, as the American Academy of Family Physicians notes that adverse drug reactions are more likely to affect people who take more than three medicines per day.

People who suspect they’re experiencing side effects from medications should contact their physicians immediately. Physicians may

recommend a host of strategies to treat these common side effects.

• Constipation: The health care experts at Michigan Medicine note that drinking plenty of fluids and exercising can help people overcome constipation. Doctors also may

recommend incorporating more bran and whole grains into your diet. Consuming fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber, including apples, beans, broccoli, and prunes, also may help people overcome constipation.

PALOUSE SENIORS • Diarrhea: The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that nearly all medicines can cause diarrhea. Foods like applesauce and rice are unlikely to lead to upset stomach, and these can be consumed when people are experiencing diarrhea. Avoiding spicy foods and foods that are high in fat also can help people overcome diarrhea.

• Headaches: Michigan Medicine indicates that headaches might appear as the body adjusts to a new medicine. As the body acclimates, headaches might lessen in severity and ultimately disappear. In the meantime, people can speak to their physicians about the safety of taking additional medicine to treat their headaches.

• Loss of appetite: The online medical resource Healthline notes that various drugs, including sleeping pills, antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and diuretics, have been known to cause loss of appetite. Eating healthy snacks between meals and choosing protein-rich foods at mealtime may ensure people get enough calories, vitamins and minerals each day, even if they’re not eating as much as they used to.

• Nervousness: A feeling of nervousness or of being on edge is another potential side effect of certain medications. This may occur as the body adjusts to a new medicine.

However, patients may want to discuss lower doses or even alternative medicines with their physicians.

Medications can produce various side effects. If side effects appear, people should contact their physicians to develop a safe, effective plan to address them.

What fully vaccinated seniors should know about travel Metro Editorial

The efforts of researchers and public health officials in developing safe and successful COVID-19 vaccines was nothing short of historic.

Vaccines typically take years to develop, but a combination of factors enabled researchers to make COVID-19 vaccines available to vulnerable populations by December 2020, or roughly nine months after the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic.

Researchers had already conducted years’ worth of vaccine research on human coronaviruses, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes were first identified in the mid-1960s. That research proved invaluable as pharmaceutical companies raced to produce COVID-19 vaccines.

In addition, a less linear approach to testing and vetting vaccines than was traditionally applied in past outbreaks enabled the vaccine to be rolled out more quickly, potentially saving millions of lives.

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THE VIRUS

Data from the CDC indicated that more than 87 million people in the United States had been fully or partially vaccinated as of April 20, 2021.

Among those, just 7,157 had become infected with COVID-19, and only 331 of those required hospitalization. That’s an encouraging figure that illustrates just how effective the vaccines are at preventing infection and serious illness. Recognizing that efficacy may help calm any concerns fully vaccinated seniors have about traveling.

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the first groups to be given the COVID-19 vaccine.

Many people within that group are retired and had looked forward to traveling, only to have those plans interrupted by the pandemic. Now that they’re fully vaccinated, seniors are setting their sights on travel once again. Though the COVID-19 vaccines have made vulnerable groups like seniors less likely to suffer severe illness from the virus, there’s still a few things adults over 65 should know when making travel plans.

RESTRICTIONS

Though a significant portion of the eligible populations in the United States and Canada had been fully or partially vaccinated by mid-spring, overseas travel restrictions may still be in place.

Some countries, such as India, continued to

confront devastating waves of the virus and may not be allowing overseas visitors anytime soon. In addition, in mid-spring the European Union was still devising a strategy to allow fully vaccinated foreign tourists to visit the continent. Proposals suggested such travel could be allowed by late June, but it’s important that seniors learn of any potential restrictions before booking trips.

ATTRACTIONS

When planning a trip, seniors may want to look for areas with plenty of outdoor attractions. The CDC continues to recommend that people, even those who are fully vaccinated, gather outdoors, where the virus is less likely to be transmitted.

When traveling, seniors may be spending time around people who have not yet been vaccinated, and despite the efficacy of the vaccines, that might make some travelers nervous. So choosing locales with plenty of outdoor attractions can be a great way to quell any travel-related concerns seniors may have.

The remarkable achievements of researchers involved in developing COVID-19 vaccines has helped seniors return to something resembling normal life. Seniors with their eyes on travel can safely book trips after doing some research about their destination and giving careful consideration to their comfort levels.

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | May 22, 2021 | 7

The benefits of skilled nursing facilities Metro Editorial

Many aging adults reach a point in their lives when they can no longer care for themselves without some help. Some may just need a little help around the house, while others with more extensive needs may choose to relocate to skilled nursing facilities.

Some aging adults may be able to choose living facilities on their own, and many may even dictate their choices as part of their estate planning. In other instances, such as when seniors suddenly become ill and are incapable of caring for themselves, the decision may need to be made by relatives.

Families have a variety of options when looking for living facilities for aging men and women, and there are a host of benefits to skilled nursing facilities.

• Professional care: Many facilities offer skilled nursing care. Skilled nursing care is administered by licensed nurses and therapists. Skilled nursing facilities, or SNFs, are designed to tend to the needs of residents who require a level of medical care that goes beyond what assisted living facilities can provide.

• Peace of mind: Medical attention at SNFs is available around the clock. That often provides residents’ relatives substantial peace of mind, as they know licensed professionals will be on hand to address their loved ones’ needs at all hours of the day and night.

• Criteria: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will only certify facilities that meet strict criteria.

When shopping for an SNF, individuals and families should inquire about certification. CMS-certified facilities are subject to periodic inspections to make sure residents are receiving the highest quality care. That’s another factor that should give

families some peace of mind.

• Proximity: According to Commonwealth Medicine, there are more than 15,000 SNFs in the United States. These facilities care for nearly 1.5 million people. With so many facilities across the country, families can surely find one for a family member in need that’s close to home. Routine visits

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Skilled nursing facilities can help aging adults navigate daily life when they can no longer take care of themselves.

8 | May 22, 2021 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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Risk factors for bladder cancer Metro Editorial

Cancer can affect any part of the body. As a result, it pays to be attentive to changes in the body that could alert to the presence of cancer.

Bladder cancer is a condition that older populations need to mindful of. The American Cancer Society says nine out of 10 people with bladder cancer are over the age of 55. The average age for diagnosis is 73. Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men, but less common in women. However, the likelihood of getting bladder cancer is affected by various risk factors.

UNDERSTANDING BLADDER CANCER

Bladder cancer most often originates in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder.

These cells also can be found in the kidneys and ureters, which are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. Bladder cancer can occur in the kidneys and ureters, too. However, it is much more common in the bladder. Cancer that

happens in the lining of the bladder is called superficial bladder cancer.

Invasive bladder cancer occurs when it has spread through the lining of the bladder and invades the muscle wall or has spread to nearby lymph nodes and organs, states the National Cancer Institute.

DIAGNOSING BLADDER CANCER

The ACS says about half of all bladder cancers are found while the cancer is in its earliest stage or only in the inner layer of the bladder wall. Patients may visit their doctors due to signs and symptoms such as: • blood in urine • frequent urination • painful urination • back pain Any urine discoloration, however minor, should be discussed with a physician.

RISK FACTORS

Though age is a concern with bladder cancer, other factors also increase risk. Smoking cigarettes, pipes or cigars is a major contributor to bladder cancer. The Mayo Clinic

says the chemicals from cigarettes are processed and excreted through the urine. These chemicals may damage the lining of the urinary tract and bladder.

Exposure to other chemicals also can lead to bladder cancer for the same reasons; the kidneys and bladder filter them out of the bloodstream. Arsenic, dyes and products used in the manufacture of rubber, leather, textiles, and pain products also are linked to bladder cancer.

Treatment of other cancers with cyclophosphamide also increases a person’ risk for bladder cancer.

Individuals who have had radiation treatments aimed at the pelvis for a previous cancer also could develop bladder cancer.

Family history and chronic bladder inflammation with repeated urinary infections may increase the risk of bladder cancer as well.

Bladder cancer may not be on everyone’s radar, but it is worthy of a conversation with a doctor, especially for older men who smoke or people who have family histories of the disease.

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