Mental Training Offsets Cognitive Decline

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded the first randomized, controlled trial that demonstrates the long-lasting and positive effects of brief cognitive training in older adults.  The training resulted in a less-than-expected decline in participants’ thinking skills essential for activities of daily living such as making meals, shopping, and handling finances.  More than 2,800 adults ages 65 and older participated in the multi-site study.  For more information, visit http://jama.ama-assn.org.

Memorization Helps Combat Memory Loss

Radiological Society of North America (November 2006)

"Intensive memorization followed by rest improves verbal recall."A new study found that older adults who engaged in an intensive period of memorization learning followed by a long period of rest showed improved memory and verbal recall.  The study involved 24 people between the ages of 55 and 70, and results suggested that since memorization is a normal everyday activity, many people could benefit from such mental exercises.  For more information, visit http://www.rsna.org.

Employers & Drug Coverage for Medicare Retirees

A new report found that eight in 10 large employers expect to continue offering drug coverage to retirees and accept subsidies from the government to offset some of those costs.  The Kaiser Family Foundation and Hewitt Associates surveyed more than 300 private-sector employers and found a number of changes expected for 2007, including increased retiree contributions to premiums (64% of employers surveyed); increased cost-sharing requirements (26%); raised drug co-payments (20%); and raised out-of-pocket limits (18%).  To read the full report, visit http://www.kff.org/medicare/upload/7587.pdf.

Older Adults Switching Medicare Benefits in 2007

"New Medicare benefits are helping 52% of older adults save money on drugs." A new survey from Kaiser Family Foundation found that while Medicare beneficiaries are largely satisfied with their new drug benefits, one in 20 older adults intends to change his/her drug plan during open enrollment.  The survey revealed that 52% of older adults are saving money with their new plan, compared with 14% who say they are paying more for their prescription medications.  To read the survey results, visit http://www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/pomr121906pkg.cfm.

Bilingualism Delays Dementia Onset

Researchers in Canada found that people who speak two languages might stave off dementia-related symptoms longer than those who speak one language.  Over a period of three years, the researchers studied 184 people complaining of cognitive difficulties, and the bilingual people experienced onset of dementia symptoms four years later than the monolingualists.  The study controlled for factors such as cultural differences, immigration, formal education, employment, and gender.  For more information, visit http://www.baycrest.org/News_and_Media/default_8857.asp.

Imaging Can Detect Alzheimer's

New England Journal of Medicine (December 2006)

"A brain-staining compound can help distinguish between mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s."

Scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles, discovered a new imaging technique that allows physicians to detect Alzheimer’s disease before extensive damage takes place.  Using a compound that stains portions of brain tissue so that they show up on imaging scans, the researchers were able to distinguish between people who had mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s.  For more information, visit http://content.nejm.org.

Identifying Safe Drivers

Researchers at the University of Ottawa in Canada reviewed available evidence on in-office cognitive tests that assess patients’ fitness to drive.  They were unable to find a suitable test, which suggests that there are no reliable evaluations available for doctors to identify dementia patients who can drive and those who cannot.  For more information, visit http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0002-8614&site=1.

Growth of 401(K) Plans

Investment Company Institute (December 2006)

A new report discusses the growing role of 401(k) plans since their inception 25 years ago and gives the history of the plans, which were originally intended to supplement traditional workplace pension plans.  As pensions have become less available, 401(k) plans have grown.  To read the report, visit http://www.ici.org/statements/nr/06_news_401k_anniv.html.

Household Asset Portfolios Change with Age

Center for Retirement Research (December 2006)

"Health plays a key role in explaining changes to household portfolios."Analysts at Boston College in Massachusetts reviewed how retired households’ assets (home equity, bank accounts, vehicles, etc.) change over time and that ownership rates for homes and vehicles decline dramatically with time, while the share of assets invested in bank accounts and Certificates of Deposit (CDs) rises.  Changes such as health status play a key role in explaining changes to household portfolios.  For example, widowhood strongly predicts sales of homes and vehicles and shifting money into bank accounts and CDs.  To read more information, visit http://www.bc.edu/centers/crr/ib_56.shtml.

Homeownership Largest Expense for Older Adults

Recently released population data from the annual Statistical Abstract of the United States survey found that 81.2% of people 55 to 64 and 80.6% of those over 65 owned a home.  Costs related to homeownership account for the largest expense for older adults, with 40% or more of their income going toward taxes, insurance, utilities, fuel, garbage collection, water, and mortgage.  The median income of households headed by a person 55 to 64 years old was $50,400, and $24,509 for head of households who are 65 years old.  For more information, visit http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab.

Heart Valve Damage & Parkinson's Drugs

New research suggested that the risk of heart valve damage with two drugs for Parkinson’s disease is far greater than expected.  Although the drugs pergolide or cabergoline (sold as Permax or Dostinex, respectively) are not the primary treatment method for Parkinson’s, they are sometimes used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).  German researchers found that users of either drug were five to seven times more likely to have leaky heart valves than those who took other Parkinson’s medications.  For more information, visit http://content.nejm.org.

Body Fat a Risk Factor for Parkinson's

Finnish researchers established that body fat is an independent risk factor for Parkinson’s disease.  Using body mass index (BMI) to estimate percent body fat, the researchers identified the link after following 22,367 men and 23,439 women, ages 25 to 59, in Finland over a period of 18 years.  For more information, visit http://www.neurology.org.

Decline in Chronic Disease Among Older Adults

A new study found that the health and daily function of older adults has improved and the incidence of chronic disability has plummeted.  The findings result from the National Long-Term Care Survey, which represent a snapshot of about 20,000 Medicare beneficiaries.  The percentage of adults over age 65 with chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and arthritis, decreased from 27% in 1982 to 19% in 2005.  For more information, visit http://www.nia.nih.gov.

Free Resource to Track Medications

A free guide is available to help older adults keep track of their medications.  Since You Care: Medications and the Older Adult includes a medication record chart and pillbox set-up chart.  To order a copy, call (800) 638-5433 or download the guide at http://www.maturemarketinstitute.com.

Changes in Housing Trends for Older Adults

Housing for Seniors Report (December 2006)

"Suburban areas will 'gray faster' than urban areas as Baby Boomers age in place."

The Mortgage Bankers Association in Washington, D.C. studied the issues that determine the future direction of housing for older adults.  They found that suburban areas should “gray faster” than urban areas as the majority of Baby Boomers are expected to age in place.  In states such as Nevada, Colorado, and Georgia, and cities such as Chicago and Philadelphia, older resident populations will rise as they simply grow older and do not move.  For more information, visit http://mbaa.org.

'Electronic Pets' Can Ease Loneliness

Life Services Network Week's News (December 2006)

A new device called “The Companion” may bring companionship to older adults living alone.  This “electronic pet” is capable of holding conversations, telling jokes, and reminding owners to take medications and conduct basic health checks.  The product is currently under development at the University of Sheffield, U.K.