By scanning whole brains of Alzheimer's model mice from an early age, researchers were able to precisely trace the terrible march of amyloid plaques from deep brain structures outward along specific circuits. They also showed that plaque density in a key region in humans scales with disease stage.
Source: Medicine Science Daily

Although aging is the greatest risk factor for cancer, a recent study demonstrates how aging cells might, paradoxically, hinder cancer progression.
Source: Medical News Today

"If you put on pants at all today, then you’ve failed your Sunday."
Source: Healthy Living Huffington Post

As a normal part of aging, the scrotum loses elasticity, and the skin starts to sag. Some medical conditions can also cause the skin to appear saggy. Learn more about saggy balls and how to treat them here.
Source: Medical News Today

The myths surrounding senior nutrition are plentiful. While some aren’t harmful, others may keep an older adult from getting the protein, vitamins, and minerals needed to stay healthy. We’ll bust some of the common myths surrounding senior nutrition and share resources for planning healthy meals during retirement.

Senior Nutrition Mythbusters

Myth #1: Weight gain or loss during retirement years doesn’t matter.

Significant, unintentional weight gain or loss matters greatly at every age. In some instances, weight loss might indicate an underlying health issue, such as cancer, a thyroid disorder, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease. For seniors with a chronic health condition like heart disease or diabetes, unintended weight gain can exacerbate symptoms.

Weight change may also be linked to poor nutrition. Seniors may find cooking for one or two more work than it’s worth. They might turn to frozen or fast foods. Some skip meals altogether. Finding easy ways to eat well-balanced meals is important for older adults.

Myth #2: Loss of appetite is a natural part of aging.

While it’s true that many older adults lose their appetite, there is more behind it than aging. It’s important to get to the root of appetite loss before a senior loses an unhealthy amount of weight.

Encourage the older adult to talk with their physician. Loss of appetite can be caused by a variety of issues ranging from poorly fitting dentures to a medication side effect or an underlying infection.

Myth #3: Older adults need less food and can safely skip meals.

This is another dangerous myth. Skipping meals is rarely a good idea. It can cause fluctuations in blood sugar that may lead to falls and other concerns, especially for older adults with diabetes.

A less active senior, however, may need fewer calories than they did in younger days. Adapting menus to accommodate this change can prevent unhealthy weight gain.

Myth #4: A healthy diet is the same at every age.

Eating healthy is important through the years. What changes, however, is how much of each nutrient you need. As we age, our bodies don’t process or absorb vitamins and minerals as efficiently as they once did. This is especially true for vitamins D and B, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It’s a topic you should discuss with your primary care physician.

Making Menu Planning Easier for Seniors

To make meal planning easier, we’ve assembled a list of resources. From sample menus to tips for grocery shopping, these will help you and the older adults in your family stay on a healthy track:

• Sample Menus: Healthy Eating for Older Adults from the National Institute on Aging
• Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors from the National Council on Aging
• MyPlate created by Tufts University and the US Department of Agriculture

Another resource you might find helpful is Seniors & Nutrition: What You Should Know. This Sunrise podcast covers aging-related nutrition topics, such as eating right, nutritional changes, and staying healthy during retirement. 

Source: Sunrise Senior Living

In a recent study, researchers discovered that if children had a low birth weight, they were more likely to exhibit cardiovascular risk factors in fifth grade.
Source: Health Medicine Science Daily

Conflict within families can be stressful and confusing, and it can lead to feelings of sadness. It also is incredibly common and in many cases, a necessary part of family dynamics. New research highlights how caregivers can better manage family conflict as they deal with the approaching death of a loved one.
Source: Care Giving Science Daily

Adults who have lost teeth due to nontraumatic reasons may have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Source: Health Medicine Science Daily

There are many causes of loose, sagging skin, including aging, rapid weight loss, and pregnancy. Learn about ways to prevent and tighten loose skin here.
Source: Medical News Today

Young adults who experience annual income drops of 25% or more may be more at risk of having thinking problems and reduced brain health in middle age, according to a new study.
Source: Medicine Science Daily