Age, neuropathology, and dementia. (N Engl J Med. 2009)

Effects on balance, falls, and bone mineral density of a home-based exercise program without home visits in community-dwelling elderly women: a randomized controlled trial. (J Physiol Anthropol. 2009)

Elevated C-reactive protein levels are associated with prevalent dementia in the oldest-old (The Lancet 2009) “Background C-reactive protein (CRP) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation that is increased in the brain and serum of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and has been associated with increased risk of developing dementia. Inflammation increases with age, and the number of people reaching age 90 years and older is growing, making the association between inflammation and dementia increasingly relevant. Using a cross-sectional design, we examined whether high levels of serum CRP are associated with increased odds of prevalent dementia in the oldest-old.”

For Men Over 50, Odds of Eye Discomfort Increases “Aside from discomfort, dry eye can also cause blurry or double vision. Some people get relief by drinking more water to relieve mild dehydration, switching medications, discontinuing wearing contact lenses or by using artificial tears sold over-the-counter at drugstores. Physicians may also prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops for patients with severe dry eyes.”

High Fruit and Vegetable Intake is Positively Correlated with Antioxidant Status and Cognitive Performance in Healthy Subjects. (J Alzheimers Dis. 2009) “Healthy subjects of any age with a high daily intake of fruits and vegetables have higher antioxidant levels, lower levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress, and better cognitive performance than healthy subjects of any age consuming low amounts of fruits and vegetables. Modification of nutritional habits aimed at increasing intake of fruits and vegetables should be encouraged to lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in later life.”

Inner Ear Balance Disorder May Put a Third of Adults at Risk for Falls “More than a third of older adults may unknowingly have an inner ear balance disorder that puts them at high risk of potentially disabling falls. A new study shows that 35% of American adults 40 and older have vestibular dysfunction of the inner ear, which hampers their sense of balance control. People with symptoms of vestibular dysfunction were eight times more likely to experience a fall. Researchers say falls in the elderly are among the most deadly, disabling, and costly health problems in the U.S.”

The same annual dose of 292 000 IU of vitamin D(3) (cholecalciferol) on either daily or four monthly basis for elderly women: 1-year comparative study of the effects on serum 25(OH)D(3) concentrations and renal function. (Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2009)

Longitudinal pattern of regional brain volume change differentiates normal aging from MCI. (Neurology. 2009)

47,000 senior falls in U.S. tied to walkers, canes