Episode Archive - Better Health While Aging

151 – Medications for Alzheimer’s: Efficacy, Side Effects & Alternatives

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

Better Health While Aging

151 – Medications for Alzheimer’s: Efficacy, Side Effects & Alternatives

00:00 / 00:30:54

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains the oral medications most commonly used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, such as donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and memantine (brand names Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne, and Namenda. She explains the mechanisms, efficacy, and side effects of these drugs, along with practical considerations for their use in older adults. She also discusses other important aspects of Alzheimer’s treatment.

She covers:

Oral Medications FDA-Approved to Treat Alzheimer’s
Understanding Aricept & Other Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Mild vs Severe Alzheimer’s
Efficacy and Side Effects of Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Exploring Memantine (Namenda) and Its Role
Do These Work for Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Medications & Other Types of Dementia
When to Stop Alzheimer’s Medications
Practical Considerations for Dementia Medication Use
Anti-amyloid Treatments for Alzheimer’s
Best Treatments for Alzheimer’s & Dementia

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150 – Caring for UTIs in Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Nursing Homes

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

Better Health While Aging

150 - Caring for UTIs in Alzheimer's, Dementia and Nursing Homes

00:00 / 00:39:56

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with fellow geriatrician and guest expert Chrissy Kistler, MD, discuss UTIs in two particular groups: older adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and those in nursing homes. They discuss the relationship between memory problems and UTIs, how to diagnose them when there’s confusion or weakness, and the role of asymptomatic bacteriuria (“colonized bladder”) in these cases.

They cover:

0:32 UTIs in Alzheimer, dementia, and nursing homes
Diagnosing UTIs in Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Defining UTIs
UTIs and Confusion
Why urine cultures are often positive
Infections in terminal dementia
How to detect UTI in memory loss and dementia
Can ongoing UTI cause memory loss?
Treating & Preventing Recurrent UTIs
UTIs in Nursing Homes
Urinary catheters and UTIs
Tips for families

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149 – UTIs in Older Adults: Symptoms & Prevention

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

Better Health While Aging

149 – UTIs in Older Adults: Symptoms & Prevention

00:00 / 00:52:13

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with fellow geriatrician and guest expert Chrissy Kistler, MD, as they explore how UTIs change with age, the symptoms to watch for, and the best ways to prevent and treat them. Learn the difference between a true UTI and asymptomatic bacteriuria (also known as a “colonized bladder”) and why confusion is often mistaken for a UTI symptom. Learn when to take antibiotics for symptoms and when it’s probably unnecessary.

They cover:

UTIs in Older Adults
Defining Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Symptoms of UTIs
The Impact of Aging on UTIs
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria (“Colonized bladder”) vs. Clinical UTI
Diagnosing UTIs in Older Adults
Using Urine Dipsticks (Urinalysis)
Men and UTIs
About Chronic UTIs
Confusion and UTIs
Should Chronic Bladder Bacteria be Treated?
Treating Recurrent UTIs
Questions to Ask Healthcare Providers

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148 – How to Plan for Successful Aging

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

Better Health While Aging

148 – How to Plan for Successful Aging

00:00 / 00:35:07

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains how to plan for aging and 3 key things to do, to avoid common aging problems she routinely sees families struggling with. Learn how to prevent and delay common problems, and how to plan for your own more successful aging. She also discusses the most common pathways at the end of life, and how to retain quality of life despite challenges.

She covers:

Defining successful aging
Key steps to prepare for successful aging
The importance of your attitude towards aging
How to optimize health & prevent problems
How to plan for interdependence
What tends to happen in aging
Common causes of death
How to plan for interdependence
If you have aging parents

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147 – Essential Parts of Medicare & Open Enrollment

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

Better Health While Aging

147 – Essential Parts of Medicare & Open Enrollment

00:00 / 00:46:21

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with social worker Michelle Allen, LCSW, about the different parts of Medicare, what is Medicare Advantage, and how to check your coverage. They also explain Medicare Open Enrollment and what to do during this time, to keep out-of-pocket costs lower for the coming year. In this episode they cover:

Why check your Medicare coverage
The basics of Medicare
Medicare Part A: Inpatient Services Explained
Medicare Part B: Outpatient Services Overview
Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
How to initially enroll in Medicare
Medigap, Medicaid, and other options
Why does Medicare Open Enrollment matter?
Medicare Updates for 2025
Steps to Take During Open Enrollment
Resources for Medicare Assistance

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146 – Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults: Watchman, Medications & Other Treatment Options

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

Better Health While Aging

146 – Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults: Watchman, Medications & Other Treatment Options

00:00 / 00:58:25

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks about atrial fibrillation (afib) with Cara Pellegrini, MD, a specialist in cardiac electrophysiology and an expert on the Watchman device and other ways to treat this common heart arrhythmia. They cover:
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145 – COVID & Fall 2024 Vaccines Update

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

Better Health While Aging

145 – COVID & Fall 2024 Vaccines Update

00:00 / 00:37:09

In This Episode:

Dr. K provides an update on COVID so far this year, and explains the available vaccines for the three respiratory viruses likely to be very active this fall and winter: COVID, influenza, and RSV. She also addresses other ways to protect oneself this winter.
She covers:

2024 vaccines for older adults
COVID so far in 2024
Why COVID remains worse than flu
COVID vaccines for 2024-25
Flu vaccines for 2024
What to know about RSV vaccine
How to stay healthier this winter

Note: For the masks Dr. K recommends, you can get the 3M V-flex here https://amzn.to/3OxrsRY, and the Powecom KN95 here https://amzn.to/3W9frXf

These are Amazon affiliate links, so any purchases will help support Better Health While Aging, thank you!

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144 – Anemia in Aging: Symptoms and Solutions

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

Better Health While Aging

144 – Anemia in Aging: Symptoms and Solutions

00:00 / 00:35:12

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains important information about anemia symptoms to watch for, questions to ask your doctor, and the 10 most common causes of anemia in aging adults.
She covers:

Why anemia is important
Defining anemia: CBC, hemoglobin & hematocrit
Symptoms of anemia
Causes of anemia
Causes of blood loss and iron deficiency
Diagnosing anemia
Testing for causes of anemia
When to transfuse for anemia
What to ask doctors about anemia
When to take iron for anemia

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143 – Unsafe Driving in Aging: What to Know & Do

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

Better Health While Aging

143 – Unsafe Driving in Aging: What to Know & Do

00:00 / 00:42:23

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains what to know and what to do if you’re concerned about unsafe driving in an older adult, including when driving should stop and what to know if you’re dealing with Alzheimer’s or a related type of dementia. She covers:

How aging impacts driving abilities
Common causes of unsafe driving in older adults
How to make driving safer in aging
Driving warning signs to look out for
How Alzheimer’s/dementia affects driving
When it’s time to stop driving
What to do if someone won’t stop driving
How to get help if you’re concerned
Her approach to driving in aging and in dementia

[Read more…]

142 – Vitamin D: Why Less is More in Aging

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH 2 Comments

Better Health While Aging

142 – Vitamin D: Why Less is More in Aging

00:00 / 00:32:19

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains why the best dose of vitamin D for older adults is lower than you might think. She explains why vitamin D is important and how the latest research suggests that high doses of vitamin D might actually be risky for older adults. This episode covers:

What is vitamin D
What is an optimal level of vitamin D
When to test vitamin D levels
What is vitamin D deficiency
Official vitamin D intake recommendations
Key vitamin D research findings
Vitamin D and fall prevention
The vitamin D dose she recommends for older adults

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