Maximizing comfort for individuals with advanced dementia
When those with advanced dementia are receiving care that’s meant to maximize comfort, what should be avoided? Transferring them to a hospital, tube-feeding them, and testing or treating them for a bacterial infection, a U.S. geriatrics expert has told a JGH audience.
New generation of drugs seen as key to greater longevity
Drugs that prolong life? They just might happen, predicted a U.S. expert during a JGH lecture. The key is to delay the onset of disease by using drugs to mimic the illness-resisting capabilities that occur naturally in the bodies of centenarians.
Healthy habits trump good genes as keys to long life
The age of 90 seems to be a watershed time of life, when genes begin to play an increasingly important role in enabling some people to live to 100 or beyond.
Excessive medical treatment can be hazardous, doctor warns
All too often, excessive or unnecessary medical treatment has the potential to be as harmful as too little care.
Be patient when the elderly tell stories, geriatrician recommends
According to Dr. Michael Gordon, Medical Program Director of Palliative Care at Toronto’s Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System, story-telling strengthens memories and associations.