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Seniors-You Can Mold & Optimize Your Brain at Any Age - Contributed by Dr Sandeep Vaishnavi* MD, Phd & Dr Vani Rao** MD, DFAPA, FANPA

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                                          Canva Design Modified by Blog Owner Santalakshmi You Can Mold and Optimize your Brain Functioning. That’s because of neuroplasticity of the brain What is Neuroplasticity?  Neuroplasticity is the capability of the brain to mold and change. A long time ago, we believed that the brain is static and unchangeable. In fact, there is an old saying that old dogs can’t learn new tricks. But this is wrong. The brain has plasticity – it is not hardwired and fixed; it is moldable and changeable. It can flex, change, and form new pathways when stimulated. Old dogs can learn new tricks and so can humans! Every time we learn something new, the brain changes a little. And if repeated continuously, new pathways can be formed. This is true for both young and the old. Of course, neuroplasticity is at its peak in the very young, children, and early adulthood, but it does not stop growing and forming new connections. Even as we age, we can keep our brains health
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Understanding and Addressing Depression in Old Age By Dr SHANTHI NAMBI, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Prof & Head, Dept of Psychiatry, Saveetha Medical College, Chennai-India

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                      Canva Design Modified by Blog Owner Santalakshmi What is Depression? As individuals age, it's essential to recognize that depression is not an inherent aspect of the aging process. Contrary to misconceptions, it is a biological disorder, a medical illness, and a public health concern that, like heart disease or diabetes, can be effectively treated. However, the complexities surrounding depression in old age often lead to inadequate recognition and treatment. Recognizing Depression: Not a Normal Part of Aging Depression is not a natural consequence of growing older. Acknowledging it as a treatable medical condition, similar to other illnesses, is crucial. Despite its treatability, depression is poorly understood and frequently goes unrecognized. Proper treatment can yield positive results, with up to 80% of affected individuals recovering and experiencing an improved quality of life. Handling Fears and Concerns in Life After 60 Fear is a common challenge for th
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Osteoporosis in the Elderly - Causes, Symptoms and Prevention by Dr Sasikala Vemuri, Florida, USA

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                          Canva Design modified by blog owner Santalakshmi Introduction - An oft-given cautionary note regarding the lifestyle of seniors is for us to avoid situations that can lead to a fall. Thus we are told not to stand on a stool, to wear our pants sitting down and not while standing, to hold the handrails of a staircase as we climb them, or to look down when walking in a new place.   One of the reasons is that seniors are in a more vulnerable stage of life when they are more prone to bone diseases like Osteoporosis.   Especially for this blog, Dr. Sashikala Vemuri from Florida, USA  has written the below article on Osteoporosis , detailing why the disease occurs, what are the Risk Factors for developing the disease, the symptoms, testing & treatment for osteoporosis, and preventive steps that can be taken to keep it at bay. What is Osteoporosis?                                              Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones where the bones are thinner
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Tackling Constipation-the Bane of the Elderly

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                                                          Photo by Sora Shimazaki  from pexels Constipation is the bane of the elderly. My grandfather, father, and mother struggled with constipation in their later years.  As a last resort, they had to take medications including laxatives. Early onset- I struggled with it since childhood. ' As a young woman attending college, it would spoil my day. Abdominal discomfort, bloating, and inability to eat food.              Negligence worsens things - Yet, I did not build a morning routine until my teenage years. Even then I wouldn't bother much if the daily dump did not take place thinking 'If not today, it will happen tomorrow.' This went on till my adult years. Once I started working I found stress was an extra ingredient in enhancing constipation. I had work to do, a home to be taken care of, aged parents, and a young son. Icing on the top was a demanding petty boss I did try to eat fruits usually a banana and bread or
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GLAUCOMA-The Silent Vision Stealer of the Middle-aged & Elderly: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Care -Contributed by Dr B Revathi MBBS, DNB (Ophthal)

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                                               Photograph by Paula Neumeyer from Pexels What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is an eye disorder in which the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) is high. This raised pressure causes damage to the optic nerve which is responsible for carrying the visual sensations to the brain. The field of vision (both central and side vision) is gradually lost corresponding to the extent of optic nerve damage. According to the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) , Glaucoma accounts for 20% of blindness worldwide. The overall presence of Glaucoma in India is said to be 3.9% in all age groups and 4.4% in adults over 35 years. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in India next to cataract and corneal blindness According to the Mayo Clinic ,  “ Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It affects more than 2.7 million individuals age 40 or older in the United States — approximately 1.9 percen
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