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Aging
Mental reaction times can slow due to normal aging and disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. But their diagnostic value depends on how well scientists can link changes to their causes. One of the largest studies so far offers some clues.
Jul. 16, 2021
The onset and advancement of Alzheimer’s disease is affected not only by a patient’s genes but also by the molecular switches that turn them on and off. Now, one of the largest studies so far of this epigenome offers scores of possible treatment targets.
Jul. 1, 2021
Parents and unpaid caregivers of adults have long faced mental health challenges brought on by the stressors of their roles. A new study published by the CDC shows how COVID-19 may have intensified those struggles.
Jun. 18, 2021
COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes are well studied. But less is known about assisted-living residents, most of whom are over 80 years old and have multiple chronic illnesses. A new study provides some clues.
Jun. 16, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly devastating for Americans with Alzheimer’s disease. The Banner Alzheimer’s Institute has combated the crisis by offering virtual art classes to people with dementia — and new research shows such classes may help rewire the brains of people suffering from the disease.
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→ More Hear Arizona Stories
Jun. 7, 2021
Untreated hearing loss can put older adults at risk of depression, isolation, even cognitive decline, according to some studies. But hearing aids can be expensive. Now two organizations are collaborating to improve the quality of life for low-income Arizonans experiencing hearing loss.
Jun. 3, 2021
What if you could provide young children who need help reading with a free tutor? That’s what the city of Tempe did with its AARP Foundation Experience Corps partnership. Nearly 90 elementary school students got much-needed support this year thanks to the program.
May. 27, 2021
Before the pandemic, caregiver support groups were a vital lifeline to those providing unpaid care to a loved one with dementia. COVID-19 put a stop to these in-person meetings. Many of these groups turned to Zoom and saw an increase in new members. But others were forced to use the telephone, and there’s been a price.
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→ More Arizona Aging News
May. 26, 2021
Gov. Doug Ducey vetoed a bill that would have allowed the Arizona board that oversees licenses for nursing home and assisted living administrators to operate for eight more years. The reason: An investigation by the Arizona Republic found the board gave a license to run a nursing home to a man with two felony fraud convictions.
May. 24, 2021
The organization representing some long-term care providers and communities looked at the state of aging in America. It found that many older adults are financially stretched, while at the same time in need of care — which they can’t afford.
May. 21, 2021
Hearing loss is a common problem among older adults. But it’s often left untreated for lots of reasons — but a big reason, according to one researcher, is ageism.
May. 13, 2021
Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was recently honored by a national organization that aims to accelerate the development of effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. It's a disease that has affected both O’Connor and her husband, John.
May. 7, 2021
Late last month, the Arizona Department of Health Services resumed use of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine following a safety review. For providers in rural parts of the state, it was good news. They were able to continue vaccinating homebound seniors.
May. 7, 2021
More and more older Arizonans are struggling with food insecurity, but there’s new data from the Department of Economic Security showing that roughly 60% who are eligible for food stamps are not enrolled in the program.
May. 6, 2021
On Monday, Gov. Doug Ducey vetoed a bill that would’ve allowed the board that regulates leadership at long-term care facilities to continue. Instead, he wants to transfer those responsibilities to the Arizona Department of Health Services. It’s unclear when or how that’ll unfold.
May. 5, 2021
A year ago, nursing faculty at Northern Arizona University had to hustle to get students clinical placements — a requirement of the nursing program. But COVID-19 had shut everything down. So, the students started working with older adults over the phone to complete the program.
Apr. 26, 2021
Over the course of the last year, alcohol consumption is up. Some people use it to cope with anxiety or stress. This is especially true among some older adults.
Apr. 22, 2021
The number of coronavirus cases and deaths in nursing homes is declining in Arizona, according to the latest figures from AARP’s Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard. But there are still challenges, specifically when it comes to long-term care staffing.
Apr. 19, 2021
New Funds For The Older Americans Act Will Help Rural Arizona Seniors With Food And Caregiving Needs
Last month, President Biden signed the American Rescue Act. The bill included money for Older Americans Act programs, like senior centers and home-delivered meals. The head of one organization in Arizona recently learned she’ll be getting roughly $2.5 million in the coming months.
Apr. 16, 2021
Long-term care ombudsmen serve as advocates for people living in Arizona nursing homes who may not have family or friends to be their voice. But where were they during the pandemic, when nursing homes were locked down? It’s a question one organization set out to answer.
Apr. 12, 2021
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