Healthwise   May 2008

Healthwise is a regular column written especially for laterlife.com members and visitors by Jane Feinmann (acting health and features editor). Jane is an award winning medical journalist and author. 

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For previous articles in the healthwise series visit 'more healthwise'   

Driving warning

Having early Alzheimer’s disease shouldn’t necessarily stop you driving – at least for the short-term.  But scientists who evaluated driving competence in Alzheimer’s sufferers warn that driving skills decline predictably over one to two years to ‘a level that often precludes safe driving’. Red flags that indicate it's time to take away the keys include driving too slowly, being confused or undecided at intersections, getting lost in familiar locations, failing to observe traffic signs and signals and being in an at-fault motor vehicle accident.  Writing in the journal, Neurology, researchers report the results of three years of six monthly driving tests with a group of 76 to 80 year olds who had been diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s and compared the results to a similar group without any sign of the disease.  Both groups' driving skills deteriorated and the researchers say valid screening tests are needed to make sure the elderly are driving safely.

Omm… for hearts

Are you sitting comfortably?  Then you can begin to reduce your blood pressure simply by staying put for 20 minutes twice a day and repeating a mantra to calm your mind.   Researchers say they have proved the efficacy of TM (transcendental meditation) in significantly reducing high blood pressure  - regular practice cuts the risk of dying from heart disease or a stroke by up to 15 per cent, according to the American researchers.  ‘TM has a unique ability to get the practitioner into a ‘quiet zone’ that acts as a kind of sanctuary, refreshing the person by getting rid of the ‘cocktail chatter’ that is always going on in your brain,’ say the researchers whose study was published in the American Journal of Hypertension. 

Female libido discovery

Vive la difference, yet again. Doctors have known for some years that erectile dysfunction or impotence in men can be a first sign of undiagnosed heart disease – a sign of dysfunctional pelvic blood flow in the tiny arteries that feed the penis.   But an analysis of female sexual problems found that poor heart health was not to blame for low libido. In an analysis of 46,000 women aged 50 to 70, participating in the American Women’s Health Initiative, the researchers say there was no association between women’s sexual dissatisfaction and the risk of having a heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes or stroke.  It seems that women and men are just different, the researchers conclude – and that vascular function (healthy blood flow) simply doesn’t play that much of a role in female sexual satisfaction.

Mammogram benefit

Women stop getting routinely invited for a mammogram once they hit 70.  But research shows that the screening programme for early breast cancer is definitely worthwhile in elderly women.     The scientists say that cancer is still picked up at an early stage – resulting in less extensive surgical procedures and an improved chance of recovery.  The NHS Breast Screening Programme sends out invitations for a mammogram only up to the age of 69.  But they say women over that age should feel free to make their own appointment through their GP.

Coffee – the new health food?

Coffee, the much-maligned popular beverage has just made headlines for possibly cutting the risk of the latest disease epidemic, type 2 diabetes. But the real news seems to be that the more you drink, the better. After analysing data on 126,000 people over a period of 18 years, Harvard researchers calculate that compared with not partaking in America's favourite morning drink, downing one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce diabetes risk by single digits. But having six cups or more each day slashed men's risk by 54per cent and women's by 30 per cent compared to coffee abstainers.  It’s the latest of hundreds of studies that seem to suggest that coffee which is rich in anti-oxidants - is something of a health food- especially in higher amounts.   Scientists also warn, however, that it’s not good for everyone – for some people, coffee causes unpleasant side effects including increased nervousness, hand trembling and rapid heartbeat.

If in any doubt about any of the information covered in healthwise articles and it's relevance for you, consult your GP.

IN THE PREVIOUS EDITION

Don't mix your painkillers
Two painkillers are not better than one, researchers have warned – at least when it comes to beating the pain of arthritis.

Fruit juice warning
A new study by the American College of Rheumatology suggests that fruit juice and sugar sweetened soft drinks can do damage

Daily pinta advice
Drinking three glasses of fat free milk can head of high blood pressure in women, according to new research. 

Clever old us!
The older generation is getting smarter – or at least there are fewer over-70s falling victim to Alzheimer’s disease, according to a major new study.

Be aware of stroke symptoms
There is a three-hour window of opportunity for acute stroke treatment that can prevent long-term disability.

Glucosamine – is it really good for joints?
It was only a matter of time before evidence emerged suggesting that it doesn’t work for all joints

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