SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AFFECTING SENIORS SCIENTIFIC NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST TO SENIORS TAKEN FROM VARIOUS MEDICAL ARTICLES, INCUDING SCIENCE NEWS, 2004 Moderate amounts of regular walking boost brain function and improve attention mainly in formerly sedentary seniors, scientists reported. Sleep showed signs of improving memories and problem solving. Scientists linked an inner-brain structure to the enhancement of spatial memories during sleep. People with mentally taxing jobs were found to be less likely to develop Alzheimer;s disease. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids appeared to prevent memory loss, - and amyloid protein, which accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, reversed a form of the disease in mice. Meanwhile researchers found that the window for preventing Alzheimer's may close years before cognitive decline is evident. Islet cell transplants reversed diabetes in some patients and lowered blood sugar, - disturbed slumber caused by sleep apnea appeared to make people more susceptible to diabetes. Vitamin E helped elderly people fend off colds. Destroying healthy skin cells spurred the immune system to kill neighboring melanoma cells. Acid-blocking drugs taken for heartburn appeared to boost the risk of pneumonia. Tests proved that injecting a fraction of the standard dose of influenza vaccine into the skin, rather than muscle, confers immunity. |
