To your health

Alzheimer's research

Leading Alzheimer's disease researchers have made great progress in 2006.

For instance, studies showed a vaccine reverses memory loss in mice and explored the relationship between Alzheimer's, and both Down syndrome and diabetes.

Other studies suggest that coffee and fruit juices reduce the risk for Alzheimer's, high mental activity prevents the disease and being fit may delay onset.

Other researchers found anti-psychotics don't help people with Alzheimer's, an optical test can detect early Alzheimer's and accelerated weight loss in seniors is an early sign of dementia.

Ten percent of people 65 or older and half of those 85 or older have the disease. Risk factors include age, family history and previous head trauma. The Byrd Institute at the University of South Florida, which specializes in Alzheimer's, offers these tips for keeping a healthy memory:

Eat a low-fat diet rich in antioxidants.

Keep weight, blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check. Maintain an active mind by reading, learning and solving puzzles.

Stay socially active.

Help for preemies

Studies show that babies born just three to six weeks early are at greater risk for potentially serious health problems than full-term newborns and often require longer or repeated hospital stays.

The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses is providing parents with much-needed information on the potentially serious health problems that near-term infants may face and the special situations or needs that may arise because a baby is just a few weeks early.

"What Parents of Near-Term Infants Need to Know" is a patient education brochure available free on AWHONN's Web site at www.awhonn.org. It includes information on possible problems parents of this unique group of preemies might face with breathing, temperature control, feeding, sleeping, jaundice and infections. It also provides key questions parents should ask their nurse, nurse-practitioner or pediatrician before leaving the hospital.