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Want to lower your risk of dementia?

WASHINGTON — New blood tests that might predict Alzheimer’s years before symptoms begin may sound tantalizing for people who worry about later-in-life dementia. But doctors say they aren’t quite ready yet — and besides, you don’t need a test before trying to lower your risk. The ...

Hazards that compromise senior safety at home

Homes are supposed to be sanctuaries where people can be comfortable and live independently. However, houses that are completely suitable for younger populations often harbor hidden threats that can compromise senior safety. At Heart Home Care notes aging in place remains a top priority ...

Menthol works magic for restless leg syndrome

Q. I’ve suffered with restless leg syndrome for years. I finally found something that works and I can’t sleep without it. My secret is Biofreeze, which you can get almost anywhere. Each night, I put it on my wrists and ankles before getting into bed. With this, I sleep through the night. It has been a lifesaver for me, and I believe it could help lots of people. A. Thanks for sharing your discovery. We were disappointed to find no studies on topical menthol (the active ingredient in Biofreeze products) for restless legs. We suspect it may be working through transient receptor ...

DEAR ANNIE: Family chat disintegrates into political forum

DEAR ANNIE: My entire extended family is in a group chat together. Sometimes it’s fun, and sometimes it’s useful, but most of the time it’s just noisy. The worst offender is my cousin “Daniel.” At least once a week, he sends political rants, tweets and reels to the chat. It’s wearing on everyone, especially my mom’s side of the family, which sits on the completely opposite end of the political spectrum from him. I don’t know whether to mute it, leave outright or say something. It honestly feels like Daniel enjoys stirring the pot in what used to be a perfectly harmless ...

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH: Major heart devices differ

DEAR DR. ROACH: What’s the difference between a pacemaker and a defibrillator? — T.S.B. ANSWER: Both are implantable devices to treat electrical problems of the heart. A pacemaker is a much older device; the first implantable pacemaker was made in 1958. The heart has an electrical system, which coordinates the mechanical activity of the heart so that blood is pumped out efficiently. Each cardiac muscle cell has an intrinsic rhythm, but specialized cells in the right atrium normally act as a pacemaker to the heart. They respond to nerve stimulation from the sympathetic and vagus ...