Many older adults worry about their memory and other thinking abilities. For example, they might be concerned about taking longer than before to learn new things, or they may sometimes forget to pay a bill. These changes are usually signs of mild forgetfulness — often a normal part of aging — not serious memory problems.

What’s the difference between normal, age-related forgetfulness and a serious memory problem? It’s normal to forget things once in a while as we age, but serious memory problems make it hard to do everyday things like driving, using the phone, and finding your way home.

Talk with your doctor to determine whether memory and other cognitive problems, such as the ability to clearly think and learn, are normal and what may be causing them.

Signs that it might be time to talk to a doctor include:
Asking the same questions over and over again
Getting lost in places a person knows well
Having trouble following recipes or directions
Becoming more confused about time, people, and places
Not taking care of oneself —eating poorly, not bathing, or behaving unsafely

People with some forgetfulness can use a variety of techniques that may help them stay healthy and deal with changes in their memory and mental skills. Here are some tips:

Learn a new skill.
Follow a daily routine.
Plan tasks, make to-do lists, and use memory tools such as calendars and notes.
Put your wallet or purse, keys, phone, and glasses in the same place each day.
Stay involved in activities that can help both the mind and body.
Volunteer in your community, at a school, or at your place of worship.*
Spend time with friends and family.*
Get enough sleep, generally seven to eight hours each night.
Exercise and eat well.
Prevent or control high blood pressure.
Don’t drink a lot of alcohol.
Get help if you feel depressed for weeks at a time.
Mild cognitive impairment

Some older adults have a condition called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, meaning they have more memory or other thinking problems than other people their age. People with MCI can usually take care of themselves and do their normal activities. MCI may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, but not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s.

Having more trouble coming up with desired words than other people of the same age
If you have MCI, visit your doctor every six to 12 months to track changes in memory and other thinking skills over time. There may be habits and behaviors you can change and activities you can do to help you maintain memory and thinking skills.

Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It includes the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, learning, and reasoning — and behavioral abilities to the extent that it interferes with a person’s quality of life and activities. Memory loss, though common, is not the only sign of dementia. People with dementia may also have problems with language skills, visual perception, or paying attention. Some people have personality changes.

Medicare Open Enrollment began October 15! It’s your chance to review your coverage and see if you can save money next year. Visit Medicare.gov to preview plans ahead of Open Enrollment. Remember, you can use star ratings to look at the quality of health & drug plans as you compare coverage options.

If you need help comparing plans, here are a few tips:
Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE during Open Enrollment
Contact your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). To get the phone number for your state, visit shiphelp.org.
Sincerely,
The Medicare Team

Residential areas with more green space were associated with faster thinking, better attention, and higher overall cognitive function in middle-aged women, according to an NIA-funded study. Published in JAMA Network Open, the findings suggest that green space — such as trees, flowers, grass, gardens, and parks — could be explored as a potential community-based approach to improving cognitive health.

For this study, a team of researchers from Boston University, Harvard University, and Rush University’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago analyzed cognitive test and residential green space data from 13,594 women with an average age of 61. The women were enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study II, a longitudinal study that examines risk factors for major chronic diseases in women. The participants took online cognitive tests that measured psychomotor speed, attention, learning, and working memory. Then, using satellite image-based technology, the researchers determined the amount of green space around each participant’s home. Researchers evaluated the association between the amount of green space within walking distance of a participant’s home and their cognitive function.

They found that women living in areas with more green space had higher scores on thinking speed, attention, and overall cognitive function. From a cognitive perspective, this translated to being 1.2 years younger. However, living in an area with more green space did not affect learning or working memory, which involves keeping track of information while doing a task. This finding is consistent with another study that found living in neighborhoods with green space was not associated with the size of the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

Next, the team tested several factors thought to affect cognition, including neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES). Notably, among women living in neighborhoods with a higher SES, the positive association between green space and thinking speed and attention, as well as overall cognitive function, was greater. They also found that the effects of green space on cognition were not significantly affected by population density. This suggests that the cognitive benefits of green space extend to various settings, such as urban neighborhoods.

Previous research has shown that green space is associated with decreased pollution levels, lower risk of depression, and increased physical activity — all of which can positively affect cognition. In this study, the researchers found that the positive impact of green space on thinking speed, attention, and overall cognitive function could not be explained by the effects of air quality or physical activity. However, they found that the cognitive benefit of living near green space could be partly due to reduced rates of depression.

This nationwide study shows that exposure to green space may support cognitive health. Moreover, the findings support the need for further research into the use of green space exposure as a possible way to reduce the risks of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.

This research was supported in part by NIA grants 1K99AG066949-02, R01AG067497, and R01AG065359.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Physical frailty is associated with abnormal structures in white matter of the brain, according to a study funded in part by NIA. The research, led by an NIA scientist and published in the Journal of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, suggests that these abnormal structures may be an important biomarker for future frailty risk.

Frailty is common in older adults and is characterized by susceptibility to poor health, a loss of physical or psychological function, and an elevated risk of disease and death. Physical frailty is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and other neurologic disorders, but few studies have examined the neurobiological changes that underlie frailty and frailty risk. The research team studied the association of cerebral white matter structure with current and future frailty.

The researchers engaged participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC) Neurocognitive Study, an ongoing, community-based study that recruited 15,792 volunteers aged 45-65 years from Washington County, Maryland; Forsyth County, North Carolina; northwestern suburbs of Minneapolis; and Jackson, Mississippi.

Using brain MRI data from 1,754 participants in the ARIC Neurocognitive Study, the researchers found that frail individuals had more abnormal white matter structures in their brains, known as white matter hyperintensities (WMH), than non-frail participants. WMH are brain lesions that indicate injury or disease and show up as bright areas during MRI scans.

Non-frail participants with a high volume of WMH had an increased risk of developing frailty during a seven-year follow-up period, suggesting that WMH may be an important biomarker for future frailty risk. The findings held true for Black and white participants, men and women, and those without a history of dementia or stroke. Though frailty is unlikely to cause these brain changes, it is possible that structural damage to cerebral white matter promotes the development of frailty.

The research suggests physical frailty may serve as a clinical indicator of cerebral small vessel disease and perhaps a sign that a person has an increased risk for future dementia or cognitive deterioration. The team noted that implementing a frailty assessment in a health care setting may help identify individuals at risk for cognitive and functional decline. Additionally, they acknowledged that other biomarkers of brain health, such as brain volume, may also relate to frailty risk.

Further studies are needed to determine whether neurological factors play a causal role in frailty development.

This research was supported in part by NIA grants ZIAAG000348 and P30AG021334.

National Insitute on Aging (NIA)

A person’s chance of having Alzheimer’s disease may be higher if he or she has a family history of dementia because there are some genes that we know increase risk. However, having a parent with Alzheimer’s does not necessarily mean that someone will develop the disease. Learn about your family health history and talk with your doctor about your concerns.

Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as exercise, diet, exposure to pollutants, and smoking also may affect a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s. While you cannot control the genes you inherited, you can take steps to stay healthy as you age, such as getting regular exercise, controlling high blood pressure, and not smoking.

As the U.S. population ages, the number of licensed older adults on the road will continue to increase. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recorded a record-high 221.7 million licensed drivers in the U.S. in 2016, including 41.7 million — or almost one in five — who are 65 years or older.

Natural changes can occur with age that may affect a person’s ability to drive, like having slower response speed, diminished vision or hearing, and reduced strength or mobility. The question of when it is time to limit or stop driving should not be about age, rather, it should be about one’s ability to drive safely. These questions may help you determine if you or a loved one needs to limit or stop driving. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about your health and driving.

Although osteoporosis is more common in women, this disease still affects many men and could be underdiagnosed. While men may not be as likely to have osteoporosis because they start with more bone density than women, one in five men over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture. By age 65 or 70, men and women lose bone mass at the same rate.

Many of the things that put men at risk are the same as those for women, including family history, not enough calcium or vitamin D, and too little exercise. Low levels of testosterone, too much alcohol, taking certain drugs, and smoking are other risk factors.

It doesn’t matter how old you are or how long you have been smoking, quitting at any time improves your health. Smokers who quit have fewer illnesses such as colds and the flu, lower rates of bronchitis and pneumonia, and an overall better feeling of well-being.

The benefits of quitting are almost immediate. Within a few hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood begins to decline and, in a few weeks, your circulation improves, and your lung function increases. Smoking causes an immediate and long term rise in your heart rate and blood pressure, but quitting can lead to a lowering of heart rate and blood pressure over time. Quitting smoking will also lower your risk of cancer, heart attack, stroke, and lung disease. Quitting will also reduce secondhand smoke exposure to other family members or caregivers in the home. It is never too late to reap the benefits of quitting smoking and setting a healthy example for your children and grandchildren.

Many falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. There are many changes you can make to your home that will help prevent falls and better ensure your safety. Here are a few.

Ensure there are handrails on both sides of any stairs, and make sure they are secure. Hold the handrails when you go up or down stairs, even when you are carrying something. Don’t let anything you’re carrying block your view of the steps.

Ensure there is good lighting with light switches at the top and bottom of stairs and on each end of a long hall. Consider using motion-activated lights that plug into electrical outlets and automatically turn on when you walk by them to help illuminate stairwells and pathways.

Keep areas where you walk tidy. Don’t leave books, papers, clothes, or shoes on the floor or stairs.

Check that all carpets are fixed firmly to the floor, so they won’t slip. Put no-slip strips, which you can buy at any hardware store, on tile and wooden floors.
Don’t use throw rugs or small area rugs.

Don’t walk on slippery, newly washed floors.

Bathrooms:
Mount grab bars near toilets and on both the inside and outside of your tub and shower.
Place nonskid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet.
Remember to leave a light on in the bathroom at night or use a night light that turns on automatically in the dark.

Bedrooms
Put night lights and light switches close to your bed.
Keep a flashlight by your bed in case the power goes out and you need to get up.
Place a landline or well-charged phone near your bed.

Kitchen
Keep frequently used pots, pans, and kitchen utensils in a place where they are easy to reach.
Clean up spills immediately.
Prepare food while seated to prevent fatigue or loss of balance.

Outdoor spaces
If you have steps leading to your front door, make sure they are not broken or uneven.
Add non‐slip material to outdoor stairways.
Keep the lawn, deck, or porch areas clear of debris, such as fallen branches.
Consider installing a grab bar near the front door to provide balance while you are locking or unlocking the door.
Turn on your porch light at night and if you leave during the day but plan on returning home after dark.

A community-based support group focusing on sharing relevant information and education about all things Parkinson’s.

Meetings are held monthly on the third Tuesday, 10-11am, at Crosspointe Church (5415 Ralston Ave.) next meeting: Tuesday, October 18.

Ventura County Parkinson’s Support Group gets together every month with skilled, experienced professionals who present significant breakthroughs, strategies and related issues surrounding Parkinson’s. The group’s mission is for participants to better understand and talk about how this information impacts their own lives and affects immediate family members. In addition to those diagnosed with PD, caregivers, family members and friends are all welcome to attend free of charge.

More than just a meeting, all discussions/presentations offer interactive, compassionate, relevant education on PD. Topics range from “How to get up off the floor when you’ve fallen,” to “Nutrition and Parkinson’s” to “The benefits of deep brain stimulation and assessing if you’re a good candidate for DBS.”

Jon Everhart, retired accountant, US Marine and regular group attendee said, “It’s nice comparing treatments, symptoms, and the challenges we all face living with Parkinson’s.” This caring group empowers people like Jon to be more proactive and to participate in deciding the direction of his treatment, complemented by his team of doctors’ suggestions.

This unique group gives everyone a great opportunity to learn more about current PD research, to gain more awareness about local help and resources, to share relevant experiences with others — and to have fun along the way.

The Ventura County Parkinson’s Support Group was recently resurrected (post-Covid) by Dr. Vanessa White, owner of Ventura County Neurofitness (a local fitness program designed specifically for those with Parkinson’s and other neurological degenerative diseases). The impetus for her assuming this responsibility was after her mother-in-law, Toy White, was diagnosed several years ago with PD. This important, special group was born upon her passing.

This month, Dr. Bradley Hiner, Neurologist, will be conducting a Q & A session for all things Parkinson’s.

by Patricia Schallert

There are many seniors among us who have lived and continue to live “success stories.” Let’s meet Don Mills (b. 1932), a life-long resident of Ventura, a retired engineer, a member of the Santa Cruz Island Foundation Advisory Council, the All Eight Boat Club, as well as a proud founding member, along with his wife Edna, of the “Pier Into The Future” charitable foundation that puts on the yearly fundraiser “Pier Under The Stars.”

Don has lived in Ventura his entire life and “no kidding”, he says, his mother was also born in Ventura.

Don’s engineering background allowed him to design and construct some of the Ventura Yacht Club’s first docks, and to help rebuild the Ventura Pier twice, after it was severely damaged by storms.

The Ventura Pier was originally built in 1872. The State of California owned it until 1993 when the City of Ventura took over ownership from the state of California. Five major winter storms destroyed the pier and have either wholly or partially destroyed the pier with the last one in 1995, ripping away its final 420 feet with 18-foot surf. The Ventura pier had just been reconstructed in 1993. It was originally 1858 feet long, but after being nearly destroyed twice, its current length is 1600 feet.

The City of Ventura was responsible for maintaining the pier, but after the severe damage of the storms was simply unable to afford the expenses. When Don and his wife Edna found out about the crisis the pier was in, Edna was working for the Parks and Recreation Commission of Ventura and was able to use her connections to get the “Pier into the Future” foundation started. They were able to raise approximately $800,000 dedicated to the pier’s repairs.

After the damage occurred for the second time, Don and the support team made the decision to “build back stronger, not longer.” Don’s design called for steel pilings, which were necessary because the seabed under the pier is mostly rock. Although the shorter length was a disappointment to some, Don’s design has held up well, and except for the occasional loose plank, the pier today is a safe, stable, and iconic landmark on the Ventura waterfront. The City Council of Ventura dedicated a plaque to Don and his wife in a ceremony on April 1, 1990, at the end of the pier, which is now known as “Mill’s End.”

Sadly, Edna, who had struggled with ALS for several years, passed away 5 days after the dedication. Don has many memories of being on and around the pier as a child and for his entire life, including hundreds of enjoyable strolls with his wife. He can still be spotted walking the pier, watching for ways to keep it in good shape. He is excited that there will soon be new benches, new interpretive panels, new flags, and a renovation of the stairs at the pier, thanks to “Pier into the Future”, in partnership with the City of Ventura to continue to maintain the Ventura Pier for future generations to enjoy.