Mental Health
Elderly with Untreated Vision Problem More Likely to Develop Alzheimer’s
Elderly people with visual disorders that are left untreated are significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease -- the most common form of dementia, according to a University of Michigan Health System study. The study used Medicare data and shows that those with poor vision who visited an ophthalmologist at least once for an examination... »
Overtime Work Can Lead to Anxiety and Depression
Overtime work habits can lead to anxiety and depression, according to a study conducted by Norweigan researchers. Using a standard screening questionnaire to measure symptoms of anxiety and depression, Elisabeth Kleppa and colleagues at the University of Bergen, Norway, analyzed data on hours worked by a large sample of Norwegian men and women. Scores for... »
Brain Changes in Elderly Can Affect Mobility and Balance
Changes in the brain can affect old people's mobility and balance, according to a recent study. Particularly affecting balance and walking are white matter changes called leukoaraiosis. The 639 men and women between the ages of 65 and 84 in the study underwent brain scans and walking and balance tests. 284 people in the group... »
Despite Successful Antidepressant Treatment, Despair Can Remain
While antidepressants can successfully treat depressive symptoms, despair can remain; and this may result in the patient not taking the medication any longer, according to a study that tbe journal, General Hospital Psychiatry. For many in the study, feelings of hopefulness did not improve until several weeks, or even months, after depressive symptoms lifted,... »
Cognitive Impairment Among Older Americans Decreasing
A recent study shows a downward trend in the rate of cognitive impairment among people aged 70 and older. The study was led by two University of Michigan Medical School physicians and their colleagues, and is based on data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a national survey of older Americans funded by... »
Study Suggests Folate Deficiency Increases Dementia Risk Three-Fold
Recent research suggests that the risk of dementia in elderly people is increased three times by a lack of folate. »
Rate of Memory Loss Greater in Dementia Patients With More Education
According to a recent study in the journal Neurology, while higher education levels initially delay the onset of dementia, once dementia starts, the rate of memory loss is more rapid than in less educated individuals. According to study author Charles B. Hall, PhD of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, "our study showed that a... »
Researchers Find Major Clues on How Schizophrenia Develops
Scientists have found some major clues in learning more about why schizophrenia develops. The new research may lead to better medications to correct gene-related problems that can lead to schizophrenia. »
Study Shows Brain Mechanism May Help Some Deal With Stress Better Than Others
Some cope with stress much better than others, and a new study of mice shows that a naturally occurring mechanism in the brain promotes resilience to psychological stress. »
Vision and Hearing Impairment May Contribute to Depression in Seniors
It is commonly known that hearing and vision impairment are much more pronounced in the elderly population. With the gradual onset of hearing and vision loss, certain tasks become more difficult for seniors. In addition to the direct difficulties, such as having trouble reading smaller type or understanding conversations, hearing and vision loss is... »