February 2019
In this issue
Succinctly_2019-02
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Succinctly...

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In certain circumstances, stopping antibiotic treatment before taking all the medication may be beneficial. Read carefully to learn when it is appropriate to ask your doctor about ending treatment early.
 
ProPublica and NPR recently investigated privacy and pricing issues affecting CPAP machines (and, presumably, also BIPAPs).
 
If you are planning to renovate a home built before 1978 and the project will disturb more than 6 square feet of painted surface, special measures are required by law to reduce dust from lead paint.
 
Parents can use a variety of techniques to make vaccinations and blood draws less painful and scary for infants and kids. Watch this video for a quick primer, and read more detailed advice here. Guidance for health care professionals is also available.
 
Is it better to sit or stand as you work? Are standing desks better for overall health?
   
Insomnia_2019-02
Getting a Good Night's Sleep
 
If you use over-the-counter or prescription sleeping pills, be aware that there are multiple safety concerns regarding their use. This is true for all adults, and especially for seniors.
 
Try other, safer approaches to overcoming insomnia instead. Many people can solve their sleeplessness by making lifestyle changes. If these are not sufficient and you want to try CBT-I (cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia), visit these websites to locate a CBT-I therapist or choose an online CBT-I program.  
 
OsteoporoticVertebrae_2019-02
Treating Fractures in Osteoporotic Vertebrae
 
When fractures occur in osteoporotic spines, severe pain can last for weeks or months. In recent decades, two common treatments have been vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty, minimally invasive procedures which cement together the broken vertebrae. Following a review of research on the effectiveness and safety of these popular treatments, an international group of experts has released recommendations for patients and doctors.

SeniorWeight_2019-02
Maintaining a Healthy Weight as a Senior
 
People often add a few pounds as they get older. If you are past middle-age, these steps can help you stay at a healthful weight or, if needed, lose a few pounds.
 
Not sure if you are at a healthful weight? Here are two ways to screen yourself. However, please note that these are imperfect screening tools; if your results are surprising or concerning, discuss your weight with a health care provider.
   
Exercising regularly can help with weight management. Revisit this recent PlaneTalk article to learn about exercises that are especially beneficial for seniors - and others that are typically unsafe.
 
Dementia_2019-02
Brain Health & Dementia
 
Drugs That Impact Memory
A variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications can cause or worsen problems with memory, particularly among seniors. Here is information on the drugs that are most likely to cause cognitive impairment and issues to discuss with your doctor if you or a loved one is taking one of them.
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Diagnosing Dementia Correctly
Careful assessment by a qualified doctor is vital to determining the cause of a cognitive decline. Poor cognition is sometimes caused by reversible conditions mistaken for dementia. If a decline is not reversible, knowing the type of dementia can help families and professionals provide more appropriate care.
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If you or a loved one is developing difficulty with memory, language, and/or decision-making, you may want to learn about the many causes of cognitive decline and diagnostic testing
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Drugs for Dementia
Individuals and families coping with dementia may find useful information in this overview of prescription medications commonly used to help with cognition and/or to alleviate challenges (anxiety, incontinence, and others) that often accompany dementia. Alternative and complementary therapies are also discussed. 
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Two types of medication prescribed for dementia are often used far longer than a year, even though they may not be effective for longer periods, often have negative side effects, and cost a lot. If you or a loved one has been taking a cholinesterase inhibitor (Aricept, Razadyne, and Exelon) and/or memantine (Namenda, Namenda XR) for more than 12 months, ask your doctor about the pros and cons of continuing to take the medicine. If you decide to discontinue the prescription, be sure to follow your doctor's advice regarding how to safely withdraw. 
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Sundown Syndrome & Other Challenging Behaviors
Individuals with dementia often develop behaviors and personality changes that create challenges. This guide may help caregivers better understand and respond to their loved one.
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One common pattern, called "sundown syndrome," is characterized by agitated movement, emotional distress, and/or confusion at night. Caregivers can try a variety of approaches to help their loved ones remain calm and rational as evening falls. 
 
Events_2019-02
Events

All events are open to the public. Some require pre-registration.

Multiple dates & locations in San Jose
 
San Jose - various dates
 
Pain control & anesthesia
San Jose - Tues., 2/5 & 3/5
 
Palo Alto - Thurs., 2/7
 
Sunnyvale - Thurs., 2/7
 
Palo Alto - Thurs., 2/7
 
San Jose - Sat., 2/9
 
San Jose - Sat., 2/9
 
Mountain View - Sun., 2/10  
 
Palo Alto - Mon., 2/11 & 3/11
 
Palo Alto - Tues., 2/12
 
Mountain View - Tues., 2/12
 
San Jose - Tues., 2/12
 
San Jose - Tues., 2/12
 
 
Mountain View - Tues., 2/19
 
Los Gatos - Tues., 2/19
 
Palo Alto - Tues., 2/19
 
Mountain View - Tues., 2/19
 
Mountain View - 8-week course begins Wed., 2/20
 
Palo Alto - Thurs., 2/21
 
Parkinson's disease treatment
Mountain View - Thurs., 2/21 
 
Sunnyvale - 6-week course begins Mon., 2/25
 
Sunnyvale - Wed., 2/27
 
Gilroy - Thurs., 2/28
 
Palo Alto - Thurs., 2/28

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