Some "senior moments" are signs of epilepsy

Losing your train of thought or memory blanks can be chalked up to growing older.

But experts say they can also be a warning sign of the seizure disorder epilepsy. Because older adults are living longer, they have more years to develop the disease. And though our image of epilepsy involves convulsions, doctors say that in older adults seizures can take a quieter form.

“Staring spells” can be mistaken for a senior moment, but if they can be a sign of something more serious if they last for many minutes, and people lose track of where they are. This
can have very serious consequences if people are driving or going down stairs.

According to the National Council of the Aging, 50 million people have epilepsy, with the fastest growing segment of people with the condition adults over 85.

In many cases this is due to hardening of the arteries, which can affect the brain. Alternatively, people can develop epilepsy after a series of silent strokes, which they may not realize they had.

If you want a diagnosis regarding epilepsy, call for a referral to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at Christian Hospital at 747-WELL (9355).

You Are Never Too Old to Feel Good

Researchers studying depression at the Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) frequently hear statements like these:

• I don't need help; I can handle it myself, but I'm just so tired


• What if someone I know finds out I'm depressed? They will think I'm crazy


• I'm getting old, that's why I can't sleep


• Eating is difficult, nothing tastes good, and I just don't feel like cooking anymore


• I'm just a worrywart; I worry about everyone and everything


• Fun? What is fun anymore? I can't do what I used to do, so why do anything


• I don't feel like going out with my friends or family; it's too much trouble


• If I read a book or watch TV my mind wanders, and I can't remember the story

The things that happen in your brain play a role in whether you feel happy or sad, peppy or lethargic. It influences how you feel when getting out of bed in the morning, whether you'd rather "seize the day" or be seized by it. It's your central command, your very own computer, your powerhouse and personality.

Depression may be the wrong word for this illness of the brain. It might be more accurate to call it "brain-slow-down" illness.

Individuals diagnosed with major depression by a psychiatrist often take anti-depression medications. They get better because their brains respond to the medication. They don't get better because they wake up one day and decide "enough of this bad mood; I'm going to make myself feel the way I used to feel."

It doesn't work that way. You can't wish away a heart condition, diabetes or high blood pressure, and you can't wish away a brain illness. Although illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes can contribute to depression.

WUSM is studying how part of the brain -- the hippocampus -- shrinks with depression. The hippocampus is responsible for memory and emotions. The depression that happens to older adults who have these medical illnesses "vascular depression." Research is needed to determine if treatment with anti-depressant medicines will correct the problem.

Sniffing out problems with smell

When people have a problem with smell, they may experience partial or complete loss of that sense. They may think they smell bad odors that are not there and usually have problems appreciating food.

After 65, the sense of smell begins to decline. Two out of three seniors over 80 have a problem with smell with men affected more than women. We need our sense of smell to warn us about dangers such as a natural gas leak or smoke. Food can lose its appeal and we may eat too much or too little. Loss of smell may also cause us to eat too much sugar or salt as we attempt to improve our food. Those with total loss of smell are more likely to eat or drink spoiled foods or toxic substances.

Swollen sinuses and nasal passages often result in problems with smell and can cause total or partial loss of smell. You can prevent colds and respiratory infections by washing your hands frequently, especially during the winter months. Loss of smell also can be caused by nasal polyps, which are small, non-cancerous growths in the nose or sinuses. Removing the polyps may restore smell.

Certain medications -- some antibiotics, blood pressure pills, cholesterol-lowering drugs and antifungal medications -- can cause problems with smell. Other less common causes are thyroid abnormalities, vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition, diabetes, multiple sclerosis or a brain tumor.
Check with your doctor if you experience problems with your sense of smell.

You may be able to prevent -- or get early treatment for -- a more serious health problem. If you do not regain your sense of smell, there are things you can do to ensure your safety. Discard food if there is a chance it is spoiled. Install smoke alarms and gas detectors for early warnings.

Living Longer

There were 50,000 centenarians in the United States at the last census, in 50 years, this number is projected to be 800,000.

An ongoing study reveals that many centenarians have been healthy throughout their lives and continue to be relatively healthy at their advanced age. Children and siblings of those over 100 seem to live longer, which suggests a genetic component to longevity. Many centenarians retain their sharp memory and are free of Alzheimer's disease.

Many feel the keys to long life involve staying active and useful.

Stay active -- successful aging starts from withinBy exercising physically and mentally, you will feel your body and memory improve. Take a walk outside, or join a local recreational center, take a chair exercise class, or use the workout room. See what other active things your neighbors are doing. Perhaps you can join in.

Use your brain -- start a book club with friends or try the crossword puzzles in the paper. Eat plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables; and drink eight, eight-ounce glasses of water every day.

Stay involved -- by doing whatever interests youIf you are lucky enough to have grandchildren who live nearby, invite them over once a week for special bonding time.

Volunteer once a week at a local nonprofit organization. Take long walks with friends. See the latest movie or take one of the short trips offered as part of the activities programming.

Village North residents enjoy a variety of activities such as exercise groups, transportation to outings for shopping, lunch or sporting events, craft groups, bingo, happy hours and more.

Call 314.355.8010 for more information. There are programs offered throughout BJC HealthCare to help you stay active, such as OASIS, which enhances life for mature adults through programs in the arts, humanities, wellness and volunteer services.

For more information on OASIS or other programs, like those offered at Christian Hospital, call 314.362.WELL (314.362.9355).

Have a good attitude -- it makes all the difference Have a sense of humor and a sense of hope. Planning for the future is the best way to do this -- keep regular doctor appointments and have a list of resources so you know where to turn when you need something.

Aspragus for your Brain

It turns out that a few tender spears of asparagus can help keep your mind sharp.

In a recent study of people 65 and older, researchers discovered that elevated folate levels and decreased homocysteine levels were associated with better memory function. Homocysteine is an amino acid that may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and mental decline. Genes and diet affect homocysteine levels.

Protect against memory deficits by eating plenty of folate-rich foods such as asparagus.


Asparagus has 190 micrograms of brain-boosting folate per one-half cup serving. Other good sources of folate include artichokes, black-eyed peas, fortified orange juice and cereals.

Shake it up!

You can shake, rattle, and roll. You can shake a leg. But use moderation when you shake the salt container. Decreasing sodium in your diet may help lower blood pressure.

Here are three tips to reduce sodium:

• Don't Use Salt to Flavor Foods -- This includes garlic and onion salt; use garlic or onion powder instead; and season with spices, herbs, or lemon


• Check Labels -- If sodium is one of the first three ingredients listed on the package, it indicates that it is a high-sodium food; use these foods in moderation


• Be Aware of What You Are Eating -- Bouillon cubes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olives, luncheon meats, hot dogs, ham, bacon, sausage, American cheese, canned soups and processed cheese are high in sodium

Reducing sodium may be a major shake up to your diet, but it will be a step toward more healthful eating.

Avoiding a Heart Attack

Know the warning signs of a heart attack, so you can get help right away. Acting quickly can save lives.

Get help fast if you experience:

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or burning pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes


• Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, arms or jaw


• Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath


• Chest discomfort that may be mistaken for nausea


• Chest discomfort that may be accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath or flu-like symptoms

Not all heart attack symptoms occur in every individual situation. If some occur, get help fast, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. Also, take an uncoated aspirin if you think you're having a heart attack. Aspirin makes blood less likely to clot.

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked (often by a blood clot). Coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood can slowly become clogged from a build-up of cells, fat and cholesterol called plaque. Blood trying to flow through these clogged arteries can form a clot. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle receiving blood from that artery begins to die.

Schedule your free heart screening courtesy of BJC Christian Hospital NE
-- a $75 value -- which includes:

• Risk assessment


• Blood pressure check


• Cholesterol test
  
  If you are at risk for heart disease, our affiliation with Washington University School of Medicine ensures you'll receive the best possible care.
  
  You'll also receive a Heart Attack Prevention Kit packed with heart-saving advice.
  
  Call 314.747.WELL (314.747.9355) or toll-free 877.747.9355,
  or request a call from an event specialist to schedule a screening
  and receive your kit.

Offer expires July 31, 2007

The link between weight and diabetes

by Michelle Talley, RD, LDN, Christian Hospital Diabetes Institute

Obesity is now more prevalent than ever before. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that 66.3 percent of Americans are now overweight or obese.

Being overweight or obese is one of the major factors that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and other health problems, such as hypertension, heart disease, breathing problems, arthritis, some cancers and premature death. It’s estimated that 20.8 million Americans have diabetes, and 41 million have pre-diabetes, which means blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to diagnose diabetes. Research has shown that weight loss and lifestyle changes not only improve glycemic control for diabetes, but are the greatest influence to help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a result of insulin resistance and lack of adequate insulin production from the pancreas. Insulin resistance is strongly linked to being overweight or obese, but a sedentary lifestyle and aging are other contributors as well.

Carrying excess body fat, especially in the middle, causes the body to resist insulin, which results in higher glucose levels and more free fatty acids in the blood stream.
Fat cells in the abdominal area are more closely associated with insulin resistance because they have a higher turnover rate and greater release of free fatty acids.

Initially, the pancreas can compensate for the body’s resistance by producing more insulin, but eventually the pancreas wears down and is unable to produce an adequate amount to achieve glycemic control.

Losing 5 to 15 percent of one’s body weight can decrease insulin resistance and improve the body’s response to insulin. For someone who weighs 200 pounds, this would be a 10- to 30-pound weight loss. Besides improving blood glucose levels, weight loss helps to lower blood pressure and blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides), reduces stress on joints and improves mobility, and increases energy levels.

A moderate amount of weight loss can also help prevent or delay the diagnosis of diabetes. In 2001, the National Institutes of Health completed the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a clinical trial designed to find the most effective ways of preventing type 2 diabetes in overweight people with pre-diabetes.

The researchers tested two different methods to prevent diabetes: a lifestyle change and a diabetes medication, metformin. The lifestyle changes involved
30 minutes of exercise per day five days a week, usually by walking, and lowered total fat intake and calories. By the end of the study, members of this group reduced their risk of getting type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. In the first year of the study, people lost an average of 5 to 7 percent of their total weight (about 15 pounds).

Lifestyle change was even more effective in those age 60 and older, who reduced their risk for diabetes by 71 percent. Members of the group receiving metformin reduced their risk by 31 percent.

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is key for those who are overweight with diabetes and for those who wish to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
Following a lifestyle of healthy eating, cutting calories and fat, and exercising at least 30 minutes most days of the week are general guidelines for getting started on a weight-loss plan.

Need help with diabetes management?

Diabetes education services for employees are available across BJC. For information, call:

• Alton Memorial Hospital, 618-463-7647

• Barnes-Jewish Hospital, 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or, toll free, 866-867-3627; or Center for Advanced Medicine, 314-362-3184

• Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital Healthwise Center, 636-916-9653 or 636-916-9320

• Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, 314-996-3151

• Boone Hospital Center, 573-815-6206

• The Diabetes Institute at Christian Hospital, 314-653-4545, or Edwardsville, 618-659-8592

• Missouri Baptist Medical Center, 314-996-5170

• Missouri Baptist Hospital-Sullivan, 573-468-4186

• Parkland Health Center, 573-760-8396

• St. Louis Children’s Hospital, 314-454-6000

How much water is right for you?

For most of us, drinking enough water is not a problem. About 20% of the total amount of water we consume comes from food and 80% comes from drinking water & other beverages. But dehydration can be especially harmful in the elderly. Having a decrease in muscle mass, older kidneys, laxative use, or using diuretics for congestive heart failure or high blood pressure can all effect the fluid balance on older adults.

A reliable clue to indicate dehydration is a rapid drop in weight. This loss may equal several pounds in a few days.

You can use these three easy steps to check whether you may be dehydrated:

1. Listen to your body. Your lips may be dry, or your mouth may feel gummy or sticky.
2. Watch for other signs. You may have difficulty concentrating on tasks or feel tired. Your heart rate may be a bit elevated or you might be having headaches.
3. Check your fluid output. Low urine volume over the course of a day is usually associated with dehydration.

T recover, drink water or whole fruit juice slowly until you no longer feel thirsty. A banana will help restore minerals you may have lost. There is no evidence to suggest that drinking eight 8oz. glasses of water each day will make you healthier, and excessive water intake may also be harmful for elderly people.

Listen to your own body to determine the level of fluid intake that is best for you.