The most common source of memory, language and personality losses in the elderly is Alzheimer’s disease.  There is no known cure.  Recent research uncovered a new gene, which is “SORL1,” that, when functioning normally, protects against and reduces the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.  It is hopeful that this finding will help unravel some of the dementia’s causes associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

There has been hope that the use of low-dose aspirin would protect older, healthy women against cognitive decline such as memory and thinking.  However, according to a study published recently in the British Medical Journal, this is not the case at all.

Medical researchers have proven that high levels of folate can slow the cognitive decline usually seen as people age.  This research was presented at the US-based Alzheimer’s Association’s first conference

As you age expect increasing amounts of fat tissue toward the center of the body.  Fat will increase and lean body mass will decrease.  The liver, kidney and other organs may lose some of their cells.  Bones lose some of their minerals and become less dense.  Water in your body is

A diet involving eating less, while still getting enough vitamins and nutrients is of great interest.  Researchers find that calorie restriction diets extend the lives of animals.  It is unknown if the anti-aging diets help people to extend their lives.  Limited studies have been done in people.

Waste Accumulation Theory

The waste accumulation theory of aging states that in the course of a life span cells produce more waste than they can properly eliminate.  The waste includes various toxins that when accumulated to a certain level they can interfere with normal cell function and ultimately kill the cell.

Theories of Aging Part I

The Wear and Tear Theory

The Wear and Tear Theory was first introduced by Dr. August Weismann, a German biologist in 1882.  He believed aging occurred when the body and its cells were damaged by overuse and abuse.  The major organs of the body such as the liver, stomach, kidneys, skin and so on are worn down by toxins in our diet and in the environment, by

A study of more than 6,000 Canadian women concludes osteoporosis drugs called anti-resorptive agents help reduce risk of low-trauma bone fractures in women age 50 and older.  Examples of anti-resorptive drugs include:

A number of changes take place in the female reproductive system as a woman ages.  The most obvious sign of aging for women is the ceasing of menses or the menopause period of life.   This is not the only change that occurs in the female reproductive system.  There is also a

About 9 percent of adults age 65 and older report having problems with balance.