Study Seeks Super Agers' Secrets To Brain Health

CHICAGO (AP) — They're called "super agers" — men and women who are in their 80s and 90s, but with brains and memories that seem far younger.

Researchers are looking at this rare group in the hope that they may find ways to help protect others from memory loss. And they've had some tantalizing findings: Imaging tests have found unusually low amounts of age-related plaques along with more brain mass related to attention and memory in these elite seniors.

"We're living long but we're not necessarily living well in our older years and so we hope that the SuperAging study can find factors that are modifiable and that we'll be able to use those to help people live long and live well," said study leader Emily Rogalski, a neuroscientist at Northwestern University's cognitive neurology and Alzheimer's disease center in Chicago.

The study is still seeking volunteers, but chances are you don't qualify: Fewer than 10 percent of would-be participants have met study criteria.

"We've screened over 400 people at this point and only about 35 of them have been eligible for this study, so it really represents a rare portion of the population," Rogalski said.

They include an octogenarian attorney, a 96-year-old retired neuroscientist, a 92-year-old Holocaust survivor and an 81-year-old pack-a-day smoker who drinks a nightly martini.

To qualify, would-be participants have to undergo a battery of mental tests. Once enrolled, they undergo periodic imaging scans and other medical tests. They also must be willing to donate their brains after death.

The memory tests include lists of about 15 words. "Super agers can remember at least nine of them 30 minutes later, which is really impressive because often older adults in their 80s can only remember just a couple," Rogalski said.

Special MRI scans have yielded other remarkable clues, Rogalski said. They show that in super agers, the brain's cortex, or outer layer, responsible for many mental functions including memory, is thicker than in typical 80- and 90-year-olds. And deep within the brain, a small region called the anterior cingulate, important for attention, is bigger than even in many 50- and 60-year-olds.

The super agers aren't just different on the inside; they have more energy than most people their age and share a positive, inquisitive outlook. Rogalski said the researchers are looking into whether those traits contribute to brain health.

Other research has linked a positive attitude with overall health. And some studies have suggested that people who are "cognitively active and socially engaged" have a reduced chance of developing Alzheimer's disease, but which comes first — a healthy brain or a great attitude — isn't known, said Heather Snyder, director of medical and scientific operations for the Alzheimer's Association.

Snyder said the SuperAging study is an important effort that may help provide some answers.

Edith Stern is among the super agers. The petite woman looks far younger than her 92 years, and is a vibrant presence at her Chicago retirement home, where she acts as a sort of room mother, volunteering in the gift shop, helping residents settle in and making sure their needs are met.

Stern lost most of her family in the Holocaust and takes her work seriously.

"What I couldn't do for my parents, I try to do for the residents in the home," she said, her voice still thick with the accent of her native Czechoslovakia.

Stern acknowledges she's different from most people at the home, even many younger residents.

"I am young — inside. And I think that's the difference," she said.

"I grasp fast," she adds. "If people say something, they don't have to tell me twice. I don't forget it."

She's different in other ways, too.

"When you get old, people are mainly interested in themselves. They talk about the doctor, what hurts," she said. "You are not so important that you just concentrate on yourself. You have to think about other people."

Study participant Don Tenbrunsel has a similar mindset. The 85-year-old retired businessman doesn't think of himself as a super ager. "Neither do my children," he says, chuckling.

But Tenbrunsel says his memory has been sharp "from the time I was born. My mother used to say, 'Donald, come sing with me — not because I had a good voice, but because I always knew the words," he said. "I think I'm just lucky, not only with respect to my memory, but I'm able to get around very well; I walk a lot and I have a pretty good attitude toward life itself."

Tenbrunsel volunteers several hours a week at a food pantry run by the Chicago church where he is a parishioner. One recent morning in the sun-filled rectory kitchen, he nimbly packaged ham and cheese sandwiches, set out bags of chips and cans of soda, and cheerfully greeted a steady stream of customers.

"Good morning, good to see you," he said, standing at the pantry's bright red door. He gave everyone their choice of chips — a small gesture but important, he said, because it gives them some sense of control over their hard-luck lives.

"I enjoy doing it. I probably get more out of it than I give," Tenbrunsel said.

Ken Zwiener, of Deerfield, Ill., is another super ager. He had "more than an inkling" he might qualify for the study, and his kids encouraged him to enroll.

"They said, 'Dad, your brain is the best thing about you,'" the 81-year-old retired businessman recalled.

He's a golfer and Broadway musical "nut" who created a 300-plus-page computer database of shows. Zwiener uses an iPad, recently went hot-air ballooning and is trying to learn Spanish.

He also pours himself a vodka martini every night and is a pack-a-day cigarette smoker, but says he doesn't think his habits have made much difference. His healthy brain, he says, may be due to heredity and genes, but Zwiener said he hopes the study comes up with more "scientific insights".

"My dad lived into his middle 90s and was pretty sharp right up until the day he died," Zwiener said.

Zwiener's motivation for joining the study was simple: The best man at his wedding died of Alzheimer's disease before age 50.

"To lose a mind ... is just a terrible way to go," he said.

Article is care of:

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Online:

SuperAging study: http://tinyurl.com/lo75t7b

Alzheimer's Association: http://www.alz.org

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AP Medical Writer Lindsey Tanner can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/LindseyTanner

Socializing Improves Quality of Life

Social interaction may be as vital as physical activity for seniors


The relationship between physical activity and vitality is well-documented, but multiple recent studies have also revealed an increasingly stronger link between social interaction and mental and physical well-being for seniors.

While socialization is critical for all people, regardless of age, seniors can be more susceptible to isolation. Many seniors have spent a considerable portion of their lives in the company of others – be it in the workplace or raising children. Upon reaching retirement age, and with children leaving the house, the opportunities for socialization often decrease, especially if the senior must rely on others for transportation.

But research has indicated that an active social lifestyle is more important than ever in helping seniors maintain a sharp mind, remain connected to the world around them, increase feelings of happiness, and develop a sense of belonging.

Various studies have shown that socializing can produce the following positive effects:

Improved mental health: Symptoms of depression and memory problems affect many seniors. In fact, approximately seven million people over the age of 65 experience symptoms of depression, and it is estimated that dementia touches one in seven Americans over the age of 71. Having consistent human contact and interaction can reduce both, recent studies revealed.

One such study, appearing in the Annals of Family Medicine, gathered 193 seniors with depressive symptoms and provided either individualized physical activity or social visits for six consecutive months. Researchers concluded that: “Social contact may be as effective as physical activity in improving mood and quality of life” and “social participation and social support networks are paramount to long-term positive outcomes and psychological well-being for older people."

Another study that appeared in The American Journal of Public Health demonstrated that seniors aged 50 to 60 who were socially active had slower rates of declining memory. “The working hypothesis is that social engagement is what makes you mentally engaged,” Lisa F. Berkman, the study’s senior author, told the New York Times. The American Academy of Neurology studied the relationship between dementia, stress, and socialization and found that “people who are socially active and not easily stressed may be less likely to develop dementia.”

Improved nutrition: The need for proper nutrition is vital for seniors, but healthy habits can be difficult to maintain when living alone. “Approximately 35 percent of elderly people suffer from malnutrition,” said Marie-Jeanne Kergoat, a professor and others conducted a study among hospitalized seniors and discovered a correlation between food intake and social interaction: “Patients ate more when social interactions were friendly and lively.”

Improved physical health: Multiple studies have also revealed that an active social life can boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, and reduce physical pain that is reinforced by depression.

Strength in numbers: When it comes to socializing, the more the merrier. According to a recent AARP article “the number of Americans without any close confidants has risen dramatically in the past 20 years” and “even though Americans are closer to their spouses than ever before, that kind of intimacy can work against us if we allow ourselves to ‘cocoon within the relationship.”  Plus, seniors in large groups are more likely to encourage healthy habits among each other, including exercise.

How can seniors stay socially connected?

Many seniors have family members or other caregivers who periodically interact with them, but that is often not adequate socialization. While it’s comforting for seniors to know their needs are met, sufficient social interaction includes participation or consistently engaging with others, primarily with peers.

Below are avenues for seniors to stay socially connected:

Volunteer
Join clubs and groups
Visit senior centers
Move to retirement communities
Stay connected with friends and family
Get a pet
Attend a church
Learn new skills
Learn to use the internet

It is not uncommon for seniors to resist change, and some may need gentle encouragement to get more socially involved, but the benefits of an active social lifestyle reach well into the future.

For more information visit:  http://www.holidaytouch.com/

Adaptive Games and Activities for Senior Citizens

Senior Activity Ideas

Adaptive games and activities for senior citizens allow those with physical or cognitive limitations to enjoy a stimulating and active life.


Many senior citizens experience medical problems and illnesses that make taking part in favorite games, hobbies or activities difficult. They may have difficulty with mobility, limited dexterity or reduced vision. Their mental capacities may be affected by cognitive decline resulting from illness or disease such as Alzheimer's Disease.

By adapting activities and games to the needs of their limitations, many seniors are able to enjoy the health and social benefits of staying active. Depending on the person, the benefits may include:

Mental stimulation that keeps the mind fit and challenged
Reestablishing recognition skills
Enhancing the senior's memory
A healthier and longer life
Social interaction and friendships
Lower rates of depression
A reduction in muscle and joint pain

Adaptive Games and Puzzles for Seniors

Everyone loves playing games, and many all-time favorites are adapted for seniors with limited dexterity or reduced vision. However, when choosing a game or puzzle, make sure it will not be frustrating to the senior. It is also important to choose games, puzzles and other activities that are appropriate for adults.Card games are enjoyed by people of all ages. Using playing cards with large printed numbers makes it easy for seniors. The Senior Store offers adapted large print playing cards that are the regular size with numbers that are 1-½ inches big. To make it even easier to recognize the cards, each suit is in a different color. These E Z See Bicycle player cards are available in pinochle or standard bridge decks. Table top card holders will hold a hand of cards spread out in a fan style.


Jigsaw puzzles with large pieces that are not only easy to see, they are easy to hold and handle. These puzzles are perfect for seniors who are visually impaired or suffer with limited dexterity from arthritis. In addition to these puzzles, the company also offers several jigsaw puzzles with extra large sized pieces.

Large print Bingo cards
A suduko puzzle book in large print
Large print word search puzzle

Adaptive Games Online

For seniors who love playing games on the Internet, there are many websites that provide games, puzzles and activities that are accessible to people that are blind, visually impaired or have low vision.

Blind Gamers offers popular games and puzzles such as:

Suduko
Boggle
Word Target
Uno
Solitaire
Cribbage
Hearts
Chess Challenge

GMA offers games that are fully accessible including:
Pacman Talks
Trek 2000
Lone Wolf
GMA Tank Commander
Arts, Crafts and Hobbies

Most arts and crafts are easily adapted for seniors with special needs. For example, seniors who love creating things might enjoy working with polymer clay or using large size tiles in a mosaic project. Someone who loves painting can work with a larger sized brush, or enjoy the fun of finger painting.Additional arts, crafts and hobby ideas that are easily adapted for senior citizens with special needs include:
Seniors who love needle crafts can use thicker yarn and larger size knitting needles or crocheting hooks.
Use adaptive gardening tools to create a table top or container garden. Choose garden tools with long
reach handles or easy grip handles that are angled to relive discomfort and strain.

Fishing enthusiasts will love Vans EZ Cast for seniors that have limited arm or hand movement.

Where to Find Adaptive Games and Activities for Senior Citizens

The Senior Store
Wellhaven
Adaptive Outdoorsman
Dynamic Living offers a Scrabble game with large print tiles.
Adams Media Bookstore
LS&S Products provides many games, puzzles and craft activities for people that are visually impaired or hard of hearing.

Don't let limitations stop you from enjoying fun pastimes with friends and family. Adaptive games and activities for senior citizens provide many hours of enjoyment.

Article c/o Senior Activity Ideas
By Terry Hurley http://seniors.lovetoknow.com/Adaptive_Games_and_Activities_for_Senior_Citizens

Nutrition and the Elderly

Nutrition

Eating well is important at any age. But health issues and physical limitations sometimes make it difficult for seniors, the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, to get the nutrients they need for a balanced diet.

The importance of proper nutrition for seniors simply can't be understated. Poor nutrition can affect the mind, the body, the immune system and energy levels in ways you may not be aware of. The more you know about the aging factors that can affect eating habits, the easier it will be to ensure the person you care for maintains a healthy diet.

Mealtime Matters

We've collected a wide range of materials to help you recognize the warning signs of poor nutrition, understand the physical changes with age that affect appetite and digestion, and be aware of the lifestyle changes that can affect the way mealtimes are viewed. You'll find nutrition guidelines for mature men and women, a list of food staples every senior should have, and suggestions for making shopping, meal preparation and dining more enjoyable. In addition, there are tips for food safety, recommendations for transportation and budget issues, as well as discussions about the role diet plays in patients with diabetes, cancer and Parkinson's disease.

Please go to our sister site for more information: http://www.caregiverstress.com

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same. We have made a lot of progress but still have a long way to go and need your help!

For more information go to:
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month

Recommended Foods that Aid Senior Recovery

We all know that getting proper nutrition and staying hydrated are the keys to leading a healthy life. But what if you have a senior loved one who recently returned home from the hospital and is not well? Are there certain foods that can help speed recovery and help him or her feel better sooner? According to WebMD and other research, the answer is "yes."

Eating the right foods can help your senior loved one prevent complications such as dehydration, and constipation. Among the first suggestions are to include lots of fiber and lean protein in his or her diet.

Fiber will help keep your senior loved one regular and may prevent long-term issues such as intestinal problems and diabetes. High fiber foods include whole grain breads, fresh fruits, vegetables (fresh or frozen), oatmeal and certain cereals. Before purchasing any cereal, make sure to read the label to see that is has high fiber content.

Some fresh fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, apples, broccoli and sweet potatoes, contain numerous vitamins, antioxidants, calcium, iron and other nutrients that are essential for healthy living, bone building and cell recovery. Be sure to include as many of these as possible in your senior loved one's diet.

WebMD's guide, "Healthy Eating When You're Sick" says, lean proteins such as chicken, pork, and fish, are important for helping your senior loved one to build and repair cells, prevent the loss of muscle mass, maintain fluid balance and improve his or her body's ability to heal. Some good non-animal sources of protein are beans, soy products like tofu, and nuts. Jennifer Heisler, RN, writes in an article on About.com titled, "What To Eat During Your Recovery After Surgery," that it is recommended that your senior loved one not eat red meat while recovering because it can cause constipation and is high in saturated fats.

Dairy products are also rich in protein. But it is best to have your senior stick with low-fat dairy products such as skim milk, cottage cheese and yogurt. Yogurt in particular is rich in calcium, and may contain good bacteria, which may help with digestion.

Eggs are another good healthy food option because they have only about 75 calories per serving, and contain 13 essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D.

Heisler also recommends, if possible, make sure your senior eats whole foods versus processed products as the latter tend to have much higher amounts of fat, sugar, salt and chemical additives. An orange is an example of a whole food, but orange juice from a carton is not.

Some seniors recovering from illness or surgery may have a hard time eating and thus may not get enough calories. Failing to eat can slow recovery. If chewing is a problem, try to serve your senior a smoothie made with yogurt, milk and some fresh fruits. If getting enough calories is a problem for your senior, exchange cream or whole milk for skim milk; try an avocado over a green salad; or boost the amount of proteins in his or her diet since proteins are calorie-rich.

Use this dietary plan to help plan your loved one's meals when they first return home from the hospital. You can also find many additional resources in theMaintaining Proper Nutrition for Seniors section of CaregiverStress.com.

If you find your senior loved one needs more meal and dietary assistance than you can provide, non-medical in-home senior care providers, like your local Home Instead Senior Care office, offer meal preparation services including grocery shopping, meal planning, and assistance during mealtimes.

For more info: http://www.caregiverstress.com

Pseudodementia in Seniors

When most of us come in contact with an elderly senior who seems to be losing their memories and speaking and moving about more slowly than they used to, we often automatically assume that dementia is setting in.  Since most forms of dementia are considered untreatable, we do the best we can to deal with the situation as it is without seeking medical help.

Did you know many of the symptoms of depression are identical to those of dementia?  Did you know that some experts estimate that between 15 and 20% of seniors suffer from some form of depression?

Back in 1961 a psychiatrist named Leslie Kiloh discovered that some seniors with dementia like symptoms actually improved when treated for depression.  He introduced the term pseudo dementia, or false dementia.  Apparently this phenomenon was suspected for many years but even today some researchers and psychiatrists feel the term should not be used as a classification system for diagnosis and treatment.

Let the scientists argue amongst themselves, but for those responsible for seeing to the well being of any aging senior, the implications of pseudodementia are profound.

Today many seniors who are fortunate enough to get a proper diagnosis of pseudodementia instead of dementia are responding to antidepressant treatments for clinical depression.  In many cases the dementia like symptoms are completely reversed.

Seniors suffering from real pseudodementia should undergo memory testing and other medical diagnosis to see if they are actually victims of depression instead of real dementia.

Can caregivers tell the difference between true dementia and clinical depression?  There are some potentially tell-tale clues that might be present, beyond the obvious ones of memory loss, confusion, and slurred speech and slower movements.  Here are a few things to look for.

• Frequent crying for no apparent reason and expressed feelings of hopelessness and sadness can be signs of depression.

• Decreasing interest in daily activities and activities the senior used to enjoy can be signs of depression.

• Changes in eating and sleeping habits and increased irritability can be symptoms of depression.

• Physical manifestations of inner sadness, such as blank stares and slouching in chairs, can be symptoms of depression.

• Physical aches and pains that don’t respond to treatment might be signs of depression.

• Lack of attention to personal hygiene and dress could be symptoms of depression.

While the presence of these signs may raise the suspicions of an alert caregiver, the only way to know for sure what is going on is to get that senior to the right doctors for proper diagnosis.

Unfortunately that is often easier said than done.  Most seniors alive today grew up during a time when depression was seen as some form of personal failing.  Back then, depressed people were advised to tough it out and solve their own problems.  Some seniors go so far as to suspect the depression engulfing them is a form of punishment for the sins committed in the days of their youth.

To counteract this, caregivers need to start the diagnosis with a non-threatening family physician.  While some experts advise lengthy conversations to convince your afflicted senior loved ones that depression is an illness not a moral deficiency, there is something to be said for simply not mentioning the word “depression.”

However you decide to handle it, remember that depression in seniors may be far more prevalent than previously imagined and is treatable.

For more information go to: eldercareabcblog.com

Why do People with Alzheimer's Wander and What you can do to keep them Safe?

Based on the Google alert, it must be a big number. It happened twice in the last week right here in my area.

Alzheimer's patients are allowed to walk freely on their own all the time. Typically, the caregiver will say well they haven't gotten lost or wandered away. This never happens until it does happen.

I wrote some time ago about a man that lived in Texas who decided to drive to Kansas to visit his relatives. After a few days they found him --in Mexico.

Another Alzheimer's sufferer from Denver was missing. They finally found him three days later when he stumbled, hit his head and was taken to a VA facility in San Diego. This man walked down to the corner and took public transportation to the Greyhound bus station. He then took the bus from Denver to San Diego, wandered around, and nobody noticed or suspected a thing.

I know this. If my mother was capable of taking off, I know where I would look first. In south Philadelphia, where she was born and raised. She says all the time, let's move to south Philly. From Delray Beach, Florida? Gotta laugh.

The Mayo clinic has a very good article that explains wandering, and what you can do to lower the odds of someone with Alzheimer's wandering away.


Alzheimer's: Understand and control wandering

Find out why people with Alzheimer's wander and what you can do to keep them safe.

Alzheimer's disease can erase a person's memory of once-familiar surroundings and make adaptation to new surroundings extremely difficult. As a result, people with Alzheimer's sometimes wander away from their homes or care centers and turn up — frightened and disoriented — far from where they started, long after they disappeared.

Wandering is among the most unsettling and even terrifying behaviors people with Alzheimer's display. Often poorly clad, they leave safety at random hours and strike out into unknown territory, for no apparent reason. But this seemingly aimless activity usually does have a reason. It's often an attempt to communicate after language skills have been lost.

Wandering may communicate something as simple as "I'm feeling lost," or "I feel as though I've lost something." It can also signal such basic needs as hunger and thirst, the need to void, or the need for exercise or rest.

Other causes of wandering:

Too much stimulation, such as multiple conversations in the background or even the noise of pots and pans in the kitchen, can trigger wandering. Because brain processes slow down as a result of Alzheimer's disease, the person may become overwhelmed by all the sounds and start pacing or trying to get away.

Wandering also may be related to:

• Medication side effects
• Memory loss and disorientation
• Attempts to express emotions, such as fear, isolation, loneliness or loss
• Curiosity
• Restlessness or boredom
• Stimuli that trigger memories or routines, such as the sight of coats and boots next to a door, a signal that it's time to go outdoors
• Being in a new situation or environment

Tips to prevent wandering

Although it may be impossible to completely prevent wandering, changes in the environment can be helpful. For example, a woman who was a busy homemaker throughout her life may be less likely to become bored and wander if a basket of towels is available for her to fold.

People with Alzheimer's often forget where they are. They may have difficulty finding the bathroom, bedroom or kitchen. Some people need to explore their immediate environment periodically to reorient themselves.

Posting descriptive photographs on the doors to various rooms, including a photo of the individual on the door to his or her own room, can help with navigation inside the home. Offering a snack, a glass of water or use of the bathroom may help identify a need being expressed by wandering. Sometimes the wandering person is looking for family members or something familiar. In such cases, providing a family photo album and sharing reminiscences may help.

Watch for patterns

If wandering occurs at the same time every day, it may be linked to a lifelong routine. For instance, a woman who tries to leave the nursing home every day at 5 p.m. may believe she's going home from work.

This belief could be reinforced if she sees nursing home personnel leaving at that time. A planned activity at that hour, or arranging for staff to exit through a different door at the end of their shift, could provide a distraction and prevent the wandering behavior.

Make a safer environment

If wandering isn't associated with distress or a physical need, you may want to focus simply on providing a safe place for walking or exploration.

Living spaces will be safer after you remove throw rugs, electrical cords, and other potential trip-and-fall hazards. Rearranging furniture to clear space can help. Childproof doorknobs or latches mounted high on doors help prevent wandering outside. Sometimes a stop sign on an exit door is enough.

Rooms that are off-limits pose a different problem. Camouflaging a door with paint or wallpaper to match the surrounding wall may short-circuit a compulsion to wander into such rooms. Night lights and gates at stairwells can be used to protect night wanderers.



For more go to: alzheimersreadingroom.com

Senior Safety

Nearly 90 percent of seniors say they want to stay in their home. Doing so gives them a wonderful sense of continued independence.

But having mom or dad live alone can be a source of worry for their adult children. The, “What if?” scenarios can often overwhelm the mind. “What if she falls down?” “What if he forgets something on the stove?” “What if she doesn’t tell me it’s getting harder for her to get around?”

If you feel like this, you’re not alone. In 2007 the AARP surveyed boomer women and found that two-thirds are concerned about their parents’ ability to live independently.

Go to Caregiverstress.com for more info

Why you need a flu shot -- again

Why you need a flu shot -- again

Why you need a flu shot -- again

It was only a year ago when Americans were scurrying to find flu shots to protect against the H1N1 pandemic flu, or swine flu. A record number of Americans were vaccinated in the last part of 2009 and first few months of this year. And since H1N1 is thought to be a predominant flu threat again this year, people might naturally wonder: Do I need a flu shot this season.

The answer is yes. The vaccine you received last year protects against flu for about six to eight months. The immunity from your last shot last winter has already worn off, according to an official from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moreover, even if you don't think you'll get very sick from catching the flu, getting the vaccine helps confer "herd immunity." That means that the more people who are vaccinated, the less the flu will circulate and the lower the odds that people who can get very ill -- such as babies or the elderly -- will catch it.

Finally, remember that each season's flu vaccine targets several strains of flu. This year's strains are: 2009 H1N1 virus, an H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus. No one can say with certainly which of those strains may be more prevalent this season, according to the CDC.

• There are some changes to this season's flu vaccine recommendations. The CDC voted earlier this year to recommend "universal vaccination." That means everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated, unless your doctor recommends against for a specific reason.
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• Also, the CDC now recommends that children age 6 months through 8 years old receive two doses of flu vaccine at least four weeks apart if they are getting a flu vaccine for the first time. Children who got only one dose in their first year of vaccination should get two doses the following year.
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• For people age 65 and older, a new flu vaccine is now available that is targeted to this age group. The Fluzone High-Dose vaccine contains four times the amount of antigen (the part of the vaccine that prompts the body to make antibody) contained in regular flu shots in order to provoke a stronger immune response. Older people are at greater risk of severe illness from flu, and their bodies also have less ability to have a good immune response after getting influenza vaccine.
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• As of this week, no states reported widespread or regional influenza activity, according to the CDC. Flu vaccine supplies remain good.
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• For more information on the upcoming flu season, flu vaccines, safety issues and treatment of flu, see the CDC website on flu.
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• In flu-related news Thursdays, researchers at the Infectious Diseases Society of America meeting in Vancouver reported that young children hospitalized with flu complications were more likely to live with a smoker compared to children who were not hospitalized from flu. Another study found no serious complications from H1N1 flu vaccination among pregnant women. Other research presented at the meeting found that pregnant women who refuse flu vaccination are most likely to do so because of safety concerns.