The Better Health While Aging Podcast

Get practical health tips from a geriatrician and other experts! We discuss common health problems that affect people over age 60, the best ways to prevent and manage those problems, and we also often address common concerns and dilemmas that come up with aging parents and other older loved ones.

155 – Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Aging: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH 2 Comments

Better Health While Aging

155 – Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Aging: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

00:00 / 00:30:29

Introduction to Vitamin B12 Deficiency
What is Vitamin B12?
Common Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Older Adults
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Pernicious Anemia and Its Relation to B12 Deficiency
Why Vitamin B12 Deficiency is Often Missed
Who Should Be Checked for Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Testing for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Treatment Options for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Preventing Vitamin B12 Deficiency

[Read more…]

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains how older adults can detect, treat, and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, a common problem that can affect nerve function, red blood cells and brain function.

She covers:

Introduction to Vitamin B12 Deficiency
What is Vitamin B12?
Common Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Older Adults
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Pernicious Anemia and Its Relation to B12 Deficiency
Why Vitamin B12 Deficiency is Often Missed
Who Should Be Checked for Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Testing for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Treatment Options for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Preventing Vitamin B12 Deficiency

[Read more…]

154 – Protein, Metabolism & Aging: Nutrition Tips for Longevity

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

Better Health While Aging

154 – Protein, Metabolism & Aging: Nutrition Tips for Longevity

00:00 / 00:45:32

In This Episode:

Dr. K clears up common misconceptions about aging nutrition and breaks down the key components of a diet that supports healthy aging and metabolic health, including what vitamins and supplements she recommends. She also covers what to know about malnutrition, frailty, and treating sarcopenia.

She covers:

Introduction to Nutrition and Aging
What to know about nutrition science
My view of a nutritious diet
How to eat healthy in aging
What is metabolic health
How to check your own metabolic health
How to improve metabolic health
Malnutrition in aging
How nutrition helps with frailty and sarcopenia
Protein intake in aging
Vitamins and supplements in aging
Dr. K’s approach to diet and aging
Conclusion and key takeaways

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153 – Heart Failure in Aging: Symptoms, Types, and Treatments

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

Better Health While Aging

153 – Heart Failure in Aging: Symptoms, Types, and Treatments

00:00 / 01:09:14

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with cardiologist Cara Pellegrini, MD, to discuss the key aspects of heart failure, including its types (congestive, systolic, diastolic, HFrEF, and HFpEF), causes, symptoms, and treatment options. They also cover special considerations for frail older adults, heart failure and end-of-life issues, and much more.

They discuss:

Introduction to Heart Failure in Aging
Understanding Heart Failure: Definitions and Types
What are HFrEF, HFpEF & Ejection Fraction?
Left vs Right-sided Heart Failure
Causes of Heart Failure
Heart Valves in Heart Failure
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure
Diagnosing Heart Failure: The Evaluation Process
Stages and Severity of Heart Failure
Heart Failure Prognosis
Treatment and Management of Heart Failure
Medications to Treat Heart Failure
Self-Management Strategies for Heart Failure
Considerations for Older Adults with Heart Failure
Procedures and Devices for Advanced Heart Failure
Understanding Prognosis and End-of-Life Care
Questions to Ask About Heart Failure

[Read more…]

152 – Inside Alzheimer’s Research: New Medications and Innovative Care

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

Better Health While Aging

152 – Inside Alzheimer’s Research: New Medications and Innovative Care

00:00 / 00:59:54

In This Episode:

Dr. K speaks with Alzheimer’s expert Jason Karlawish, MD, Co-Director of the Penn Memory Center, about the new anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s medications lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla). Learn how biomarkers and other new developments have revolutionized the diagnosing of Alzheimer’s disease, and how these newer medications are being used to treat Alzheimer’s.

They cover: [Read more…]

151 – How Memory Medications Like Donepezil and Memantine Work

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

Better Health While Aging

151 – How Memory Medications Like Donepezil and Memantine Work

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

[Read more…]

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

[Read more…]

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

[Read more…]

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

[Read more…]

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

[Read more…]

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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