Medical Care for Seniors

New research on dementia emerges constantly, but how can you differentiate legitimate scientific breakthroughs from publicity and hype? Alzheimer’s caregivers can use these simple tips to view health news through a critical lens.

Even if you can’t claim your care recipient as a dependent, you may still be able to write off some of their health care costs and further reduce your tax bill.

If you're at risk for heart attack or stroke, be careful how you use over-the-counter painkillers.

Bypass surgery has been a go-to treatment for cardiac disease for many years. However, scientists have recently uncovered evidence that is changing the way this surgery is viewed.

Regulations regarding physical, occuptional and speech therapy vary by state. Check with providers in your area to see if your father needs a doctor's referral before getting rehabilitation.

Cancer clinical trials help find treatments for all types of cancer, but should elders participate in these experimental treatments?

Radiation is a common treatment for many types of cancer. Is it the right choice for elders?

The cost of cancer treatment is growing and because the costs of drugs and treatment can be so expensive, some cancer patients go without the care they need.

If your elderly mother is showing signs of dementia, getting her doctor involved is the best way to tell an elderly parent they have dementia.

When having your elderly parent's prescription refilled, there are many questions you can ask your pharmacist to ensure they are taking their medication properly and avoid dangerous drug interactions.

Many people save old medications "just in case" or because they do not like wasting money. This practice can become dangerous, though, and lead to consumption of the wrong medications or ones that are expired. If your loved one isn't taking their medications correctly, make an appointment with her doctor to discuss your concerns.

Much has been debated regarding seniors and anesthesia. Here is how you can decide if your elderly parent should risk taking anesthesia for surgery.

A leaky valve (also called an Incompetent valve) means that a portion of the blood flow moves backwards to the normal flow. If the backward flow is too large, heart failure can result.

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurologic disorders that causes progressive disability. Brain surgery may be a beneficial treatment option for qualifying patients in the mid to late state of Parkinson's disease.

Many family caregivers and elder care professionals strongly recommend adding a geriatrician to an aging loved one’s care team. Geriatric physicians specialize in treating older patients, but how exactly do they fit into a senior’s current care plan?

"Off-label" prescriptions are certainly legal. But whether or not an off-label use of a medication is appropriate depends on a number of factors which your father's physician has likely considered.

A geriatrician is a medical doctor with additional training and experience in preventing, assessing and treating medical conditions and disabilities in older people.

A group of top neurological disease experts explains why not all aging adults should be tested for dementia.