Hearing loss is a common problem caused by loud noise, aging, disease, and genetic variations. About one-third of older adults have hearing loss, and the chance of developing hearing loss increases with age. People with hearing loss may find it hard to have conversations with friends and family. They may also have trouble understanding a doctor’s advice, responding to warnings, and hearing doorbells and alarms.

Some people may not want to admit they have trouble hearing. Hearing problems that are ignored or untreated can get worse. If you have a hearing problem, see your doctor. Hearing aids, special training, certain medications, and surgery are some of the treatments that can help.

Signs of hearing loss

Some people have a hearing problem and don’t realize it. You should see your doctor if you:

• Have trouble understanding what people are saying over the telephone
• Find it hard to follow conversations when two or more people are talking
• Often ask people to repeat what they are saying
• Need to turn up the TV volume so loud that others complain
• Have a problem understanding speech because of background noise
• Think that others seem to mumble
• Can’t understand what’s being said when children and people with higher pitched voices speak to you

Types of hearing loss

Hearing loss comes in many forms. It can range from a mild loss, in which a person misses certain high-pitched sounds, to a total loss of hearing.

Sudden hearing loss

Sudden deafness, also known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss, is an unexplained rapid loss of hearing. It can happen to a person all at once or over a period of a few days. It should be considered a medical emergency. If you or someone you know experiences sudden hearing loss, visit a doctor immediately.

Age-related hearing loss

Age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis, comes on gradually as a person grows older. It seems to run in families and may occur because of changes in the inner ear and auditory nerve, which relays signals from the ear to the brain. Presbycusis may make it hard for a person to tolerate loud sounds or to understand what others are saying.

Age-related hearing loss usually occurs in both ears, affecting them equally. Because the loss is gradual, people with presbycusis may not realize they have lost some of their ability to hear.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is also common in older people. It is typically described as ringing in the ears, but it also can sound like roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing. It can come and go. It can be heard in one or both ears, and it may be loud or soft. Tinnitus is sometimes the first sign of hearing loss in older adults. It can accompany any type of hearing loss.

Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. Something as simple as a piece of earwax blocking the ear canal can cause tinnitus. It can also be a sign of other health conditions, such as high blood pressure or allergies. Tinnitus can also occur as a side effect of certain medications.

Causes of hearing loss

Loud noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Noise from lawn mowers, snow blowers, or loud music can damage the inner ear and result in permanent hearing loss. Loud noise also contributes to tinnitus. You can prevent most noise-related hearing loss by turning down the sound on your devices, moving away from loud noise, or using earplugs or other ear protection.

Earwax or fluid buildup can also cause hearing loss by blocking sounds that are carried from the eardrum to the inner ear. If wax blockage is a problem, your doctor may suggest mild treatments to soften earwax.

A ruptured eardrum can also cause hearing loss. The eardrum can be damaged by infection, pressure, or putting objects in the ear, including cotton-tipped swabs. See your doctor if you have ear pain or fluid draining from an ear.

Health conditions common in older people, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can contribute to hearing loss. Ear infections caused by viruses and bacteria (also known as otitis media), a heart condition, stroke, brain injury, or a tumor may also affect your hearing.

Hearing loss can also result from taking certain medications that can damage the inner ear, sometimes permanently. These medications may be used to treat serious infections, cancer, or heart disease. They also include some antibiotics, and even aspirin at some dosages. If you notice a problem while taking a medication, check with your doctor.

Genetic variations can cause hearing loss as well. Not all inherited forms of hearing loss are evident at birth. Some forms can show up later in life. For example, otosclerosis, which is thought to be a hereditary disease, involves the abnormal growth of bone that prevents structures within the ear from working properly.

Health effects of hearing loss

Hearing loss can affect cognitive health. Studies have shown that older adults with hearing loss have a greater risk of developing dementia than older adults with normal hearing. Cognitive abilities (including memory and concentration) decline faster in older adults with hearing loss than in older adults with normal hearing. A recent analysis of several studies found that people who used hearing restorative devices (such as hearing aids and cochlear implants) had a lower risk of long-term cognitive decline compared to people with uncorrected hearing loss.

Older people who can’t hear well may become depressed or withdrawn from others because they feel frustrated or embarrassed about not understanding what is being said. Sometimes, older people are mistakenly thought to be confused, unresponsive, or uncooperative because they don’t hear well. These circumstances can lead to social isolation and loneliness.

Hearing loss, even small amounts, is also linked to an increased risk for falls. It also can affect public as well as personal safety, such as the ability to drive safely, when warning sounds are harder to hear.

How to cope with hearing loss

If you notice signs of hearing loss, talk with your doctor. If you have trouble hearing, you should:

• Let your family and friends know you have a hearing problem.
• Ask people to face you and to speak louder and more clearly. Ask them to repeat themselves or reword what they’re saying.
• Pay attention to what is being said and to facial expressions or gestures.
• Let the person talking know if you do not understand what was said.
• Find a good location to listen. Place yourself between the speaker and sources of noise or look for quieter places to talk.

The most important thing you can do if you think you have a hearing problem is to seek professional advice. Your family doctor may be able to diagnose and treat your hearing problem. Or your doctor may refer you to other experts, like an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) or an audiologist (health professional who can identify and measure hearing loss).

Devices to help with hearing loss

Many types of assistive devices are available to help people with hearing loss. These devices can amplify sounds, provide alerts, and help you communicate with others. For example, alert systems work with doorbells, smoke detectors, and alarm clocks to send visual signals or vibrations. Devices that use keyboards, touch screens, or text-to-speech technology can help you give and receive information more effectively. Learn more about the wide range of assistive devices available for people with hearing loss from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

Hearing aids are electronic, battery-run assistive devices that make some sounds louder. There are two main ways to get a hearing aid: by prescription or over the counter.

• An audiologist or hearing aid specialist can prescribe hearing aids for people with significant or complicated hearing loss. Prescription hearing aids require a medical exam, and then the health care professional will fit and adjust the device.
• Hearing aids have recently become available without a prescription. Over-the-counter hearing aids, which are sold in stores and online, may help people with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Before buying a hearing aid, find out if your health insurance will cover part of the cost.

A cochlear implant is a different type of assistive device that can help people who are profoundly deaf or hard of hearing. Whereas hearing aids make sound louder so damaged ears can hear it, cochlear implants create electric signals that the brain recognizes as sound. The implant requires surgical placement and hearing therapy.

If you are experiencing hearing loss, talk with your doctor about assistive devices that may be available to help.

How to talk with someone who has hearing loss

Here are some tips you can use when talking with someone who has a hearing problem:

• In a group, make a point to include people with hearing loss in the conversation.
• Find a quiet place to talk to help reduce background noise, especially in restaurants and at social gatherings.
• Stand in good lighting and use facial expressions or gestures to give clues.
• Face the person and speak clearly. Maintain eye contact.
• Speak a little louder than normal, but don’t shout.
• Try to speak naturally and at a reasonable speed.
• Do not hide your mouth, eat, or chew gum while speaking.
• Repeat yourself if necessary, using different words.
• Try to make sure only one person talks at a time.
• Be patient. People with hearing loss may also be frustrated by their condition. Stay positive and relaxed.
• Ask how you can help.

To learn more, please visit https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults.

Each year, millions of people suffer from seasonal influenza, which is often called the flu. Flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.

Flu is a mild illness for some people. But for others, including older adults and those with chronic (long-lasting) health conditions, the flu can be very serious and even life-threatening. Getting a flu vaccine every year can help prevent the flu. The vaccine is safe, effective, and available for little to no cost to you.

How serious is the flu?

Most people who get the flu feel better after a few days to two weeks. However, the flu can make you seriously ill. Some people develop other health issues, called complications, because of the flu. Complications can be mild, such as a sinus or ear infection, or more serious, like pneumonia.

Anyone can get sick from the flu, but some people are more likely to have complications. You are more at risk for flu and its complications if you:

• Are age 65 or older
• Have certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease
• Have heart disease or have had a stroke
• Live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility

Pregnant people and children younger than five years old are also more likely to get very sick from the flu. Flu vaccination is especially important for people in these higher-risk groups. Learn more about people at increased risk for flu and its complications.

Why is the flu more dangerous for older adults?

The flu is more dangerous for older adults for a few reasons. One reason is that the immune system — which helps your body fight infections — weakens as you age. For example, because your body is busy fighting off the flu, you might pick up a secondary infection such as pneumonia. A second reason is that older adults are also more likely to have other health conditions, like diabetes, that increase their risk for complications from the flu.

The good news is the flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu and of getting seriously ill if you do get sick with the flu. Flu vaccination is especially helpful for people with chronic health conditions. For example, it has been linked to lower rates of heart problems (cardiac events) among people with heart disease and fewer hospitalizations among people who have chronic lung disease or diabetes. Learn more about the benefits of flu vaccination.

How does the flu spread?

The flu is contagious, which means it spreads from person to person. It mostly spreads through droplets in the air when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. It can spread from up to six feet away. Although it isn’t as common, the flu can also spread from surfaces — for example, if you touch something the virus is on and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes.

It’s possible to spread the flu before you feel sick and when you have symptoms. Typically, people with the flu can spread it a day before, and up to a week after feeling sick. Young children and people with weakened immune systems may be able to spread the flu for even longer. If you or someone you know is sick with the flu, take steps to help prevent spreading the disease

Is it the flu, a cold, or COVID-19?

The common cold, flu, and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. They can all cause similar symptoms. If you have symptoms, a health care provider can determine the cause of your illness and help you take steps to feel better.

A cold is often milder than the flu. The flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, but COVID-19 spreads more easily and symptoms tend to be more severe. It’s also more common to have a change in your sense of smell or taste with COVID-19.

People with the flu can have fever, chills, dry cough, general aches and pains, and a headache. They feel very tired. Sore throat, sneezing, stuffy nose, or stomach problems are less common. What some people call “stomach flu” is not influenza. Learn more about the differences between the flu and a cold and flu and COVID-19.

How can you prevent the flu?

The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine every year. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. It makes it less likely that you will get the flu. It also reduces your chances of being hospitalized or dying if you do get sick with the flu.

In addition to getting your flu vaccine, you can help stop the spread of flu by:

• Washing your hands
• Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Staying home when you are sick
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school

Who should get a flu vaccine and which one should you choose?

You can get the flu at any time of year, but it’s most common in the fall and winter. It usually starts to spread in October and peaks between December and February. That’s why this time is called the flu season.

It takes at least two weeks for your flu vaccine to start working, so try to get vaccinated by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated after October can still help protect you from the flu. Because older adults may lose protection from a flu vaccine more quickly, try to avoid getting vaccinated too early (before September).

There are flu vaccines designed specifically for older adults. The CDC recommends that people age 65 and older receive a higher-dose flu vaccine or an adjuvanted flu vaccine (one with an additional ingredient called an adjuvant that helps create a stronger immune response). These vaccines are potentially more effective than the standard flu vaccine for people in this age group. Talk with a health care provider or pharmacist about which vaccine is best for you.

Where can you get a flu vaccine?

You can get your flu vaccine at a doctor’s office or from your local health department. Many grocery stores, drug stores, and pharmacies also offer flu vaccines. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a location near you.

Why do you need a flu vaccine every year?

You need a flu vaccine every year for two reasons. First, flu viruses change and the flu vaccine is updated each year to target the flu viruses that are anticipated to spread that year. Second, the protection you get from a flu vaccine lessens with time, especially in older adults. Getting your flu vaccine every fall gives you the best protection from that year’s flu viruses.

What are the side effects of flu vaccines?

The flu vaccine is safe and cannot give you the flu. Most people have no problems after getting a flu vaccine.

When side effects occur, they are generally mild and go away on their own. The most common side effects are soreness, redness, or swelling at the site where you got the shot. Some people also get a headache, fever, nausea, or muscle aches. These side effects start shortly after getting the vaccine and can last up to two days. They typically do not get in the way of daily activities.

If you have allergies, talk with a health care provider about your options for flu vaccines. Even people with mild egg allergies can safely get most flu vaccines. Egg-free flu vaccines are also available. You should not get vaccinated if you have had a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.

How much does getting a flu vaccine cost?

Most people can get a flu vaccine for little to no out-of-pocket cost. Medicare and most private health insurance plans will cover the cost of your flu vaccine. However, some insurance plans require that you receive your vaccine at a specific location. Check with your insurance company. If you do not have health insurance, contact your local or state health department.

What can you do if you get the flu?

If you get the flu, there are steps you can take to feel better. Act fast! First, talk with a health care provider. The flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, so you may need to get tested for an accurate diagnosis. This will also help determine which medications might make you feel better.

There are prescription drugs, called antivirals, that are used to treat people with the flu. If you take them within 48 hours after flu symptoms begin, these drugs can make you feel better more quickly. Antivirals can also help reduce your risk of complications from flu. Antibiotics do not help you recover from the flu. However, they are sometimes prescribed to treat a secondary infection if it is caused by bacteria. Bacteria are a different type of germ than viruses.

If you are sick, rest and drink plenty of fluids like juice and water, but not alcohol. Over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can bring down your fever and might help with the aches and pains.

It is important not to smoke if you are sick with the flu. It is a respiratory illness that can infect your lungs as well as your nasal passages. These same areas are also affected by smoking.

Monitor your symptoms and talk with a health care provider if you start feeling worse. For example, contact your provider right away if you:

• Have shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Feel weak, dizzy, or confused
• Develop ongoing pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Have a fever or cough that goes away and then comes back, which may be a sign of a secondary infection
• Experience worsening of other chronic health problems, such as asthma or heart disease
• Develop any other symptoms that worry you

To learn more, please visit https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/flu/flu-and-older-adults.

It is not always clear whether an aging parent or relative needs help. Sometimes a person will recognize that they need help and request it, or an emergency or sudden illness will make it clear. Others may not want to cause worry or admit they’re struggling.

If you become aware of the signs that a loved one needs help, you will be better prepared to provide support for their safety and well-being.

How to tell if someone needs extra support

The best way to know what someone needs is to ask them directly. But a phone call, email, or text message is not always the best way to tell whether an older person needs help. These signs may indicate that someone needs extra support:

Changes at home. When you spend time at the person’s home, you might notice possible trouble spots. Some examples include:

• Can the person prepare meals on a stove safely?
• Are they bathing regularly and wearing appropriate clothing for the weather?
• Is the home relatively clean and free of clutter?
• Do they have the medications they need, and are they taking them regularly?

Mental health concerns. Changes in a person’s mood could indicate a need for help. Sometimes depression in older people is confused with normal aging. An older person with depression might brighten up for a phone call or short visit, but it’s harder to hide serious mood problems during an extended visit. Seek immediate help if the person says they feel hopeless or have no reason to live, or if you’re worried they may harm themselves. Call or text the 24-hour 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or call 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). For TTY, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Other health concerns. Signs related to the person’s general health that can raise concerns include:

• Significant weight gain or weight loss
• Poor hygiene
• Confusion
• Falls
• Loneliness or social isolation
• Trouble walking or getting around

Memory issues. Occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. But more significant memory problems, changes in thinking ability or personality, or poor decision-making could indicate a serious condition that requires medical attention.

Recognizing changes if you live far away

If you don’t live close to an older family member or see them often, it may be difficult to notice if the person needs help.

With the person’s permission, you could contact people who see them regularly – neighbors, friends, doctors, or local relatives, for example – and ask them to call you with any concerns. You might also ask if you can check in periodically.

What to do when a loved one needs help

When you notice signs that your aging parent or relative needs help, it is important to know what steps to take next. Some issues have a simple fix, like needing a new glasses prescription. But other times, you may need to provide more support.

Your first step may be to talk to the older person about your concerns. Mention your worry without sounding critical, such as, “Mom, it looks like you don’t have much food in the house. Are you having trouble getting to the store?”

Then try to fulfill the person’s wishes to the extent possible. For example, if they want to keep cooking at home, you could ask, “Would you like me to arrange to have groceries delivered on a regular basis?” Try to include practical help with your suggestions and give specific examples of what can be done.

If you’re concerned about the person’s physical or mental health, suggest a visit to a health care provider. You might offer to make the appointment, give them a ride, or go with them to see the doctor.

You don’t have to do everything yourself. In many communities, a variety of services are available to help older people. Depending on the person’s needs, you might hire a home health aide to visit on a regular basis, arrange transportation so the person can run errands, or speak with a geriatric care manager to help coordinate care. You can also find ways to share caregiving responsibilities with other family members, neighbors, or friends.

Helping an aging parent or other relative plan for the future

The best time to plan is before the older person needs extensive help. Planning for the possibility of long-term care gives you and your family time to learn about services available in your community and what they cost. It also allows the older person to make important decisions while they are still able.

There may be a time when your older relative can no longer live independently at home. Learn as much as you can about housing options, which may include moving to a residential facility (such as a nursing home or assisted living) or living with a family member. These choices may depend on the person’s health, ability to perform activities of daily living, financial resources, and personal preferences. Talk about the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

You may also need to help the older person prepare for decisions about their future medical care — a process called advance care planning. It’s important to know what they would want if they became seriously ill or unable to communicate their wishes. Having conversations about the person’s preferences and making a plan makes it more likely that they will get the care they want.

To learn more, please visit https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/does-older-adult-your-life-need-help.

Did you know that your senses of smell and taste are connected? As you grow older, these senses can change, and you may find that certain foods aren’t as flavorful as they used to be. Changes in smell or taste can also be a sign of a larger health problem.

Your sense of smell

Smell is an important sense. Certain smells, such as your dad’s cologne, can help you recall a memory. Other smells, like smoke from a fire, can alert you to danger. When you can’t smell things you enjoy, such as your morning coffee or spring flowers, life may seem dull.
As you age, your sense of smell may fade. When you can’t smell, food may taste bland and it might be more difficult to tell if it has spoiled. You may experience trouble with cooking or even lose interest in eating. Long-term loss of smell can affect your mood and quality of life.

What can cause a loss of smell?

Many problems can cause a loss of smell that lasts for just a short time. These are some factors that can lead to a temporary loss of smell:

• A cold, flu, or sinus infection that causes a stuffy nose can make it difficult to smell. The ability to smell will come back when you’ve recovered.
• COVID-19 sometimes causes a new loss of smell, but the ability to smell usually returns once other symptoms have gone away. If you have long-term loss of smell from COVID-19, talk to your doctor about possible Long COVID.
• Allergies can affect the sense of smell. Try to avoid things you’re allergic to, such as pollen or pets. If you cannot avoid your triggers, talk to your doctor about ways to manage your allergies.
• A harmless growth (called a polyp) in the nose or sinuses can block airflow and cause a stuffy or runny nose. Having the growth removed by a surgeon may help.
• Some medications, such as antibiotics, can affect your ability to smell. If this happens, ask your doctor if there is another medicine you can take.
• Radiation, chemotherapy, and other cancer treatments can also affect smell. Your sense of smell may return when treatment stops.

Some injuries and illnesses can cause a long-lasting loss of smell. A head injury, for example, might damage the nerves related to smell. Losing your sense of smell may also be a sign of a more serious medical condition or neurodegenerative disease, a condition marked by the brain and nerves losing function over time, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure to tell your doctor about any change in your sense of smell.

Smells can keep you safe

It’s important to be aware of odors around you. You must be able to detect smoke, gas leaks, spoiled food, and vapors from potentially dangerous household chemicals to keep yourself and other members of your household safe. Here are some tips that may help, especially if your sense of smell is not as good as it was when you were younger:

• Burnt food – use a timer to prevent food from burning since a diminished sense of smell may make it harder to notice.
• Smoke – check your smoke detectors regularly to make sure they work. People who have hearing loss or cognitive impairment may want to install special smok alarms that use lights or vibration.
• Gas leaks – make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
• Spoiled food – check expiration dates and throw out food that’s been in the refrigerator or freezer too long. Learn more about how to keep food safe.
• Household chemicals – always ensure they are stored properly.

Your sense of taste

What we call “flavor” is based on five basic tastes: sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and savory. These flavors — plus the sensations of heat, coolness, and texture — combine inside the mouth to provide a sense of taste. Along with taste, the smell of food is part of what makes up flavor.

When food tastes bland, you might consider adding more flavor, such as herbs, spices, or citrus. Adding more salt or sugar may not be a healthy solution, especially if you have medical problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes (high blood sugar).

If you have lost some of your sense of taste and smell, you may not eat enough nutritious foods to stay healthy. This can lead to other issues such as unintentional weight loss or gain, or malnutrition — not getting the calories, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, etc., that you need from food. If you have a problem with how food tastes, be sure to talk with your doctor.

What can cause a loss of taste?

Many factors can cause you to lose your sense of taste. 

• Flu and a common cold can affect how your taste buds work, but they will return to normal once you recover.
• A sudden loss of taste is a symptom that can occur with COVID-19. Most people regain their sense of taste after the other symptoms have gone away. However, if taste doesn’t return, seek medical care as soon as possible.
• If the salivary glands are damaged or aren’t producing enough saliva, this can affect taste. Your doctor can help diagnose and treat salivary gland conditions and other common causes of taste loss.
• Certain medicines, such as antibiotics; antihistamines; and those for high blood pressure, depression, and bladder-control issues, can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth alters the taste of food and can make it hard to swallow. Talk to your doctor about alternative prescriptions if you think a medicine is affecting your sense of taste. Do not stop taking your medicine without first discussing it with your doctor.
• Gum disease, an infection in your mouth, or issues with dentures can leave a bad taste in one’s mouth that changes the way food tastes. Brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly can help prevent these problems. Talk to your dentist if you have an ongoing bad taste in your mouth.
• Smoking and drinking alcohol can also alter how food tastes. Cutting back or stopping may help.
• People undergoing cancer treatments might have a problem with taste; a normal sense of taste will often return once treatments stop. The NIH National Cancer Institute has a variety of tips on managing cancer treatment side effects that can affect taste and make it hard to eat.
• Brain injuries and some neurologic conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s can also affect your sense of taste. Discuss any changes of taste with your doctor.

Colors and spices can help

If you’re having trouble smelling and tasting your food, try adding color and texture to make it more interesting. For example, try eating brightly colored vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and tomatoes. Also, if your diet allows, flavor your food with a little olive oil, nuts, or fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary. To put some zing in your food, add mustard, hot pepper, onions, garlic, ginger, different spices, or lemon or lime juice. Choose foods that appeal to you!

An otolaryngologist: A specialist for smell and taste

If the foods you enjoy don’t smell or taste the way you think they should, talk to your doctor. They might suggest you see a specialist who treats people with smell and taste problems. This kind of doctor is called an otolaryngologist (OH-toh-LAYR-in-GOL-uh-jist), also known as an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor. An otolaryngologist is an expert on problems related to the ear, nose, and throat, as well as the larynx (voice box), mouth, and parts of the neck and face. To determine the cause of your problem, the doctor may ask:

• Can you smell anything at all?
• Can you taste any food?
• When did you first notice the problem?
• Is the problem getting worse?
• Have you been told that you have allergies or chronic sinus problems?
• What medicines do you take?

There are likely ways to help solve the problem. If not, a doctor can help you cope.

To learn more, please visit https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/teeth-and-mouth/how-smell-and-taste-change-you-age.

An important aspect of lowering risk of cardiovascular disease, also called coronary artery disease (CAD), is managing health behaviors and risk factors, such as diet quality, physical activity, smoking, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose and sleep quality. But how do you know which risk factors you have? Your health care professional may conduct or request screening tests during regular visits.

Few of us have ideal risk levels on all screening tests. However, if you do have test results that are less than ideal, it doesn’t mean you’re destined to develop a serious cardiovascular disease. On the contrary, it means you’re in a position to begin changing your health in a positive way.

Some measurements such as body weight and blood pressure are taken during routine medical appointments and cholesterol screening begins at age 20. The frequency of follow up will depend on your level of risk.

You will probably require additional and more frequent testing if you’ve been diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition such as heart failure or atrial fibrillation, or if you have a history of heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular events. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with a condition, your health care professional may want more stringent screening if you already have risk factors or a family history of cardiovascular disease.

Key screening tests for monitoring cardiovascular health:

Blood pressure

Blood pressure is one of the most important screenings because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms so it can’t be detected without being measured. High blood pressure greatly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. If your blood pressure is normal with values below 120/80 mm Hg, be sure to get it checked once a year, If your blood pressure is higher, your health care professional may want to check it more often. High blood pressure can be controlled through lifestyle changes and/or medication.

Cholesterol

In adults who are 20 or older and not on lipid-lowering therapy, measurement of either a fasting or nonfasting plasma lipid profile is effective in estimating cardiovascular disease risk. This is a blood test that measures total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol and triglycerides. You may need to be tested more frequently if your health care professional determines that you’re at an increased risk for heart disease or stroke. After age 40, your health care professional will also want to use an equation to calculate your 10-year risk of experiencing cardiovascular disease or stroke.

Like high blood pressure, often cholesterol can be controlled through lifestyle changes and/or medication.

Body weight

Your health care professional may ask for your waist circumference or use your body weight to calculate your body mass index during your routine visit. These measurements may tell you and your physician whether you’re at a healthy body weight and composition. Being obese puts you at higher risk for health problems such as heart disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and more.

Blood glucose

High blood glucose, or “blood sugar” levels, put you at greater risk of developing insulin resistance, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Untreated diabetes can lead to many serious medical problems including heart disease and stroke. If you’re 45 years or older or if you’re overweight AND you have at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor regardless of age, your health care professional may recommend a blood glucose test. They may also measure glycated hemoglobin A1C levels in your blood to screen for Type 2 diabetes. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher is used to define diabetes.

Smoking, physical activity, diet

If you smoke, talk to your health care professional at your next office visit about ways to help you quit. Also discuss your diet and physical activity. If there’s room for improvement in your diet and daily physical activity levels, ask your health care professional for helpful suggestions.

Recommended Screenings	How Often?
Blood pressure	Each regular health care visit or at least once per year if blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg
Cholesterol (“fasting lipoprotein profile” to measure total, HDL and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides)	Every 4-6 years for normal-risk adults; more often if you have elevated risk for heart disease and stroke
Weight / body mass index (BMI)	During your regular health care visit
Waist circumference	As needed to help evaluate cardiovascular risk if your BMI is greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2
Blood glucose test	At least every 3 years*
Discuss smoking, physical activity, diet	Each regular health care visit

*The American Diabetes Association recommends testing for prediabetes and risk for future diabetes for all people beginning at age 45 years. If tests are normal, it is reasonable to repeat testing at a minimum of three-year intervals.

To learn more, please visit https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/heart-health-screenings.

When you learn that someone close to you has Alzheimer’s disease, deciding when and how to tell your family and friends may be difficult. You may be worried about how others will react to or treat your loved one. It’s okay to wait until you feel emotionally ready to share the news or to only tell your closest family members and friends. By knowing what is happening, the people you trust the most can help support you and the person with Alzheimer’s. The following suggestions can help get you started.

Sharing the diagnosis

It may be hard to share a loved one’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis with others. Here are a few suggested approaches:

• Realize that family and friends often sense that something is wrong before they are told.
• Be honest with them about the Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Explain that Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that can have wide-ranging symptoms. Memory loss is a common symptom, but it’s not the only one. Changes in behavior and communication are also common.
• Share resources to help them understand what you and the person with Alzheimer’s are experiencing.
• Give examples of ways they can help, such as visiting, providing meals, or helping with home safety modifications. Let them know you need breaks.

Helping family and friends feel comfortable

Family and friends may not know how to interact with someone who has Alzheimer’s. Share tips to help them feel more comfortable. You can:

• Tell people who visit how much your loved one can understand. For example, if the person is still in the early stage of Alzheimer’s, you might say that they can still have a conversation over dinner or play a favorite board game.
• If your loved one has difficulty remembering people, suggest that visitors start a conversation with the person by briefly introducing themselves. For example, “Hello George, I’m John. We used to work together.”
• Offer ways to make the conversation easier and more respectful, such as not correcting or arguing with the person with Alzheimer’s if they make a mistake or forget something.
• Remind visitors to be patient when the person with Alzheimer’s has trouble finding the right words or putting feelings into words.
• Suggest activities beyond talking that they can do together, including listening to music or looking through a photo album.

Helping children understand

When a family member has Alzheimer’s, it affects the whole family, including children and grandchildren. It’s important to talk to young people and help them understand what is happening. For example:

• Answer their questions simply and honestly. For example, you might tell a young child, “Grandma has an illness that makes it hard for her to remember things.”
• Tell them that feelings of sadness and anger are normal.
• Comfort them. Explain that no one caused the disease. Young children may think they did something to hurt their grandparent.

Younger children may watch how you act around your loved one with Alzheimer’s. Do not use “baby talk” or adopt a harsh tone with your loved one — children may pick up on this and act similarly. Try to be mindful of the tone of voice you’re using and the way you’re interacting with them. It’s important to show children they can still talk with the person and do things with them. Activities children and people with Alzheimer’s might do together include:

• Simple arts and crafts
• Playing music or singing
• Looking through photo albums
• Reading stories out loud

If you and your children are living in the same house as someone with Alzheimer’s, it’s important not to let the caregiving responsibilities overshadow the children’s day-to-day needs. For example:

• Avoid having a young child help take care of or “babysit” the person with Alzheimer’s. This may not be safe for the child or that person.
• Make sure the child has time for their own interests and needs, such as playing with friends, school activities, or doing homework.
• Spend quality time with your child so they don’t feel that all your attention is on the person with Alzheimer’s.
• Be honest about your feelings when you talk with kids, but don’t overwhelm them.

Some children may not talk about their feelings but may act out at school or at home. Older children and teens might be embarrassed by the behavior of the person with Alzheimer’s. Let children know they can always talk to you about what they’re feeling. School counselors and social workers also can help children develop healthy ways to process their feelings.

To learn more, please visit https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-relationships/helping-family-and-friends-understand-alzheimers-disease.

Don’t let falling temperatures stop you from exercising outdoors! By taking a few extra steps to stay safe, you can walk, run, ski, ice skate, and more. Even when it’s cold, you may be able to exercise outdoors. Be sure to follow these tips to stay safe in colder weather.

1. Warm up and cool down: Stretch or walk in place to prepare and restore your muscles before and after a workout.
2. Pick the right clothes: Dress in several layers of loose clothing to trap warm air between them. Wear a waterproof coat or jacket if it’s snowy or rainy, and don’t forget a hat, scarf, and gloves.
3. Be extra careful in snow and ice: Check sidewalks before using them. Wear nonskid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes to help prevent slipping.
4. Check the forecast: If it’s too windy, cold, icy, or wet outside, consider staying indoors and using an online workout video or your own routine.
5. Be prepared: Know the signs of hypothermia, inform others of your outdoor whereabouts, and carry a fully charged mobile phone.

To learn more, please visit https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/safety-tips-exercising-outdoors-older-adults.

Individuals who maintain a regimen of physical activity throughout their lives may prevent brain deterioration during middle and older adulthood. NIA researchers made the discovery by measuring cardiorespiratory fitness in 125 cognitively unimpaired adults, ranging in age from 22 to 94, and by examining their brains. Specifically, they assessed the white matter of the brain, which is composed of myelin, a fatty layer of insulation that surrounds neurons. The study suggests lifelong exercise could be a therapeutic strategy for promoting brain health and reducing the risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Myelin, which tends to decrease as humans grow older, has two major functions: protect neurons from insults and harm such as toxic byproducts generated by the brain, and accelerate the communication between different neurons and regions of the brain. Other studies have shown aerobic exercise may preserve and enhance cerebral myelination throughout the adult lifespan, but how it worked remained unknown.

In this study, the research team tracked cardiovascular fitness levels by measuring maximum oxygen consumption. While running on a treadmill, participants breathed through a mask that was connected to equipment that monitored oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations. Oxygen consumption was calculated every 30 seconds. The highest value, termed VO2max, was expressed in milliliters per kilogram of body weight per minute (mL/kg/min). This method is considered the most accurate way to measure cardiovascular fitness.

To examine myelin content, the researchers used MRI to scan different regions of participants’ brains. They analyzed those images using mathematical and physics modeling to extract information on myelin content, called myelin water fraction. The participants were divided into four age groups: 22 to 39 years, 40 to 59 years, 60 to 79 years, and 80 to 94 years.

The scientists saw a strong correlation between cardiovascular fitness and myelin content, with even small improvements in VO2max leading to large boosts in myelin. Participants 40 and older experienced the greatest myelin increase, suggesting if young adults maintain good cardiovascular health throughout their lives, it will pay off later when they reach midlife and beyond by protecting their brain myelin.

The research suggests cardiovascular fitness may be crucial for the production and maintenance of myelin. The authors emphasize study participants were not professional athletes — just average people who exercised regularly — and that workout length and intensity were varied.

This research was supported by NIA grant ZIAAG000353.

To learn more, please visit https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39159379/.

Some older adults have more memory or thinking problems than other adults their age. This condition is called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI.

There is no single cause of MCI. The risk of developing MCI increases as someone gets older. Conditions such as diabetes, depression, and stroke may increase a person’s risk for MCI.

What are the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment?

The symptoms of MCI are not as severe as the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. For example, people with MCI do not experience the personality changes or other problems that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s. People with MCI are still able to take care of themselves and do their normal daily activities.

Signs of MCI may include:

• Losing things often
• Forgetting to go to events or appointments
• Having more trouble coming up with words than other people of the same age

Movement difficulties and problems with the sense of smell have also been linked to MCI.

How is mild cognitive impairment diagnosed?

Family and friends may notice memory lapses, and the person with MCI may worry about losing his or her memory. These worries may prompt the person to see a doctor about their memory problems.

In some cases, memory and thinking problems may be caused by conditions that are treatable. A doctor can perform tests and assessments to help understand whether the source of memory problems is something treatable or may be MCI. He or she also may suggest that the person see a specialist for more tests.

How is mild cognitive impairment managed?

There currently is no standard treatment or approved medication for MCI, but there are things a person can do that may help them stay healthy and deal with changes in their thinking.

Because MCI may be an early sign of more serious memory problems, it’s important to see a doctor or specialist every six to 12 months. A doctor can help track changes in memory and thinking skills over time. Keeping a record of any changes can also be helpful.

People with MCI might also consider participating in clinical trials or studies. Clinical trials are research studies that help test if a treatment, like a new drug, is safe and effective in people. People with and without memory problems can take part in clinical trials, which may help themselves, their families, or future generations.

To find out more about participating in clinical trials for people with memory problems and people without cognitive impairment, visit Alzheimers.gov or call the Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center at 1-800-438-4380.

Does mild cognitive impairment lead to dementia?

Researchers have found that more people with MCI than those without it go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. An estimated 10 to 20% of people age 65 or older with MCI develop dementia over a one-year period. However, not everyone who has MCI develops dementia. In many cases, the symptoms of MCI may stay the same or even improve.

Research suggests that genetic factors may play a role in who will develop MCI, as they do in Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Studies are underway to learn why some people with MCI progress to Alzheimer’s and others do not.

To learn more, visit https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-loss-and-forgetfulness/what-mild-cognitive-impairment.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons. It usually starts in the late fall and early winter and goes away during the spring and summer. Some people do have episodes of depression that start in the spring or summer, but that is a lot less common. Symptoms of SAD may include:

• Sadness
• Gloomy outlook
• Feeling hopeless, worthless, and irritable
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Low energy
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
• Carbohydrate cravings and weight gain
• Thoughts of death or suicide

SAD is more common in women, young people, and those who live far from the equator. You are also more likely to have SAD if you or your family members have depression.

The exact causes of SAD are unknown. Researchers have found that people with SAD may have an imbalance of serotonin, a brain chemical that affects your mood. Their bodies also make too much melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, and not enough vitamin D.

The main treatment for SAD is light therapy. The idea behind light therapy is to replace the sunshine that you miss during the fall and winter months. You sit in front of a light therapy box every morning to get daily exposure to bright, artificial light. But some people with SAD do not respond to light therapy alone. Antidepressant medicines and talk therapy can reduce SAD symptoms, either alone or combined with light therapy.

To learn more, please visit https://medlineplus.gov/seasonalaffectivedisorder.html