Health Pulse Forgetfulness and aging: what’s normal? Where did you leave your keys? Ah yes, in your jacket. But where’s your jacket? And your glasses, for that matter? If such “senior moments” have been creeping into your life, you’re bound to wonder: are you headed toward dementia? Before you panic, remember that the odds are on your side. According to the Alzheimer Society, almost 40 per cent of us will experience some type of memory loss after age 65, but in most cases, it doesn’t interfere with day-to-day life. If you suspect some memory loss but can still complete tasks and learn new things, the loss likely falls under the “normal aging” umbrella. Examples of such normal memory changes include: ▶ You can’t remember the details of a conversation you had a year ago ▶ An acquaintance’s name escapes you ▶ You occasionally have trouble finding words. If, along with memory loss, you experience such symptoms as difficulty in talking or disorientation, you may have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). While MCI doesn’t prevent you from carrying out daily tasks, it puts you at a higher risk of developing dementia down the line. If you’re concerned about your memory, a health professional such as a neurologist, psychologist or specialized nurse can conduct diagnostic tests. Source: Alzheimer Society of Canada The no-diet approach to weight management Remember The Biggest Loser? While contestants in the popular TV show lost an impressive amount of weight, within six years they regained two-thirds of it, on average. Recognizing that get-thinquick schemes don’t work, Obesity Canada now advises people to aim for these healthier eating behaviours instead: ▶ Prepare foods that look and taste good ▶ Eat when you’re hungry, sitting down at a table ▶ Eat slowly, appreciating the taste and texture of the food ▶ Avoid eating in front of a TV screen or computer ▶ Stop eating when you feel satisfied – don’t wait for that stuffed feeling. Along similar lines, the Arthritis Society invites you to “eat mindfully, focusing on and savouring each bite without distractions.” By eating slowly enough for your brain to register fullness, you can cut your daily consumption by 300 calories – without checking a single calorie label. Notice that none of these tips requires avoiding “bad” foods: the focus is on making eating a pleasurable and satisfying experience. If the number on the scale goes down, great. If not, also great: the habits that you learn will leave you healthier and protect you from gaining more weight. Sources: Canadian Obesity Network, Arthritis Foundation Causes of muscle weakness It’s normal to get weaker with age, though you may not notice the loss of muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, until you reach your 60s or beyond. But sarcopenia may also arise from health conditions that limit your activity. For example, a flu that keeps you bed-bound for more than a few days will leave your muscles noticeably weaker, and you may need home exercises or physical therapy to build them up again. Persistent muscle weakness may result from longer-lasting conditions such as thyroid disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome and kidney disease. Muscle weakness that comes on suddenly could signal a stroke – especially if it only affects one side of your body. In other cases, the weakness can be traced to medications such as statins or prednisone. If you’ve lifted something heavy or do a lot of repetitive work, you may develop a muscle strain or tear that leads to weakness. While a bad tear may require medical intervention, many such injuries respond to the do-it-yourself R.I.C.E. [rest, ice, compression, elevation] approach. If you suspect that you’re getting weaker and don’t know why, a doctor can help you identify the condition, behaviour or medication responsible for your symptoms – and offer guidance for regaining your strength. Sources: patient.info, WebMD 36 | www.snowbirds.org
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzMzNzMx