Better Health While Aging

Practical information for aging health & family caregivers

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.

139 – How to Treat Mild Cognitive Impairment

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139 – How to Treat Mild Cognitive Impairment
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In This Episode:

Dr. Kernisan explains what all older adults and families should know about the treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a common memory condition that affects 20-25% of older adults. She  discusses scientifically tested approaches to treating and managing MCI and improving brain health, including the role of medications, supplements, treating hearing loss, exercise and more. In this episode, she covers:

  • What is MCI 
  • How MCI is related to Alzheimer’s and dementia
  • What to do if you suspect MCI
  • Scientifically proven approaches to treating and managing MCI 
  • What to know about the “Bredesen protocol” for MCI
  • What to know about Leqembi and anti-amyloid treatments for Alzheimer’s
  • How Dr. K treats MCI
  • Common MCI pitfalls to avoid

    [Read more…]

    138 – How to Promote Brain Health & Memory in Aging

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    138 – How to Promote Brain Health & Memory in Aging
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    Click the yellow button to subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. For step-by-step instructions on how to listen with your smartphone or tablet, see here.

    In This Episode:

    Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, explains the best ways to boost brain health in aging, to help memory and thinking, as well as to prevent cognitive decline. Learn which approaches geriatricians find most effective, plus which vitamins and supplements are likely to help. Dr. K also covers emotional well-being in aging, and how this affects cognitive health.

    Topics discussed:

    • Helping older adults maintain brain health and memory
    • Why promote your brain health
    • The difference between normal and abnormal brain changes with aging
    • FAQ: How to know what’s happening in your brain
    • Why emotional well-being matters
    • 3 key ways to boost brain health
    • How to be positive about your aging
    • What’s good for brain health
    • What’s bad for brain health
    • If you’re worried about someone else’s brain

    [Read more…]

    137 – Aging Life Care (and Geriatric Care Managers) Explained: Who They Are & How They Help

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    In This Episode:

    Geriatrician Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, teams up with her trusted geriatric care manager colleague Michelle Allen, LCSW, to explain how Aging Life Care Professionals (also known as geriatric care managers) can help older adults and their families. They cover:

    • Why geriatricians love geriatric care managers
    • Aging Life Care Professionals vs Geriatric Care Managers
    • What is an Aging Life Care Professional & how do they help
    • How to find an Aging Life Care Professional
    • What is a certified or professional geriatric care manager?
    • Other types of eldercare experts
    • How to hire an Aging Life Care Professional

    [Read more…]

    136 – 8 Things Doctors Should Check After a Fall

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    136 - 8 Things Doctors Should Check After a Fall
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    • Why it’s vital to be proactive after a fall
    • Why you should learn the 8 things Dr. K checks after a fall
    • Why checking BP sitting and standing is so important
    • The most useful blood tests to consider
    • Medications that can worsen falls
    • How to check gait and balance
    • Additional referrals to consider

    [Read more…]

    In This Episode:

    Geriatrician Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, explains 8 things health providers should check after an older person falls, to prevent future dangerous falls in aging. In this episode:

    • Why it’s vital to be proactive after a fall
    • Why you should learn the 8 things Dr. K checks after a fall
    • Why checking BP sitting and standing is so important
    • The most useful blood tests to consider
    • Medications that can worsen falls
    • How to check gait and balance
    • Additional referrals to consider

    [Read more…]

    135 – How to Pay for Elder Care

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    In This Episode:

    Geriatrician Dr. Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, teams up with experienced geriatric care manager Michelle Allen, LCSW, to discuss a common FAQ: how to pay for elder care. They cover

    • What types of help do elders usually need
    • What are the options for eldercare?
    • How much does eldercare cost?
    • How to pay for eldercare?
    • What to know about long-term care insurance
    • How Medicaid pays for eldercare

    [Read more…]

    134 – COVID & Aging August 2023 Update: Staying Safe, Boosters & More

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    134 – COVID & Aging August 2023 Update: Staying Safe, Boosters & More
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    Dr. K discusses the latest COVID news for August 2023, including the recent rise in COVID cases, whether to get boosted again now or later, what we know about the upcoming fall COVID vaccine, and more. 

    In this episode:

    [Read more…]

    133 – COVID Summer 2023 News Update for Aging Adults

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    Dr. K discusses the latest COVID news for Summer 2023, including the current COVID situation in the US, how to get COVID data now that the public health emergency has ended, updates on COVID boosters, how to know if you still should take precautions, and more.

    In this episode:

    [Read more…]

    132 – COVID 2023 News Update for Aging Adults (2.23.23 Edition)

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    132 – COVID 2023 News Update for Aging Adults (2.23.23 Edition)
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    Dr. K discusses the latest COVID news for 2023, including what’s most important for aging adults and their families to know for the spring. She also covers the problem of doctors inappropriately not prescribing Paxlovid (the best treatment if an older adult does catch COVID), and how to advocate to get it successfully.

    In this episode:

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    131 – COVID Update for Aging Adults (12.8.22 Edition)

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    Dr. K discusses what aging adults & families should know about COVID and flu this winter.

    She covers:

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    130 – COVID Booster Update for Aging Adults (9.7.22 Edition)

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    Dr. K discusses what aging adults & families should know about the new fall COVID boosters, the latest Omicron variants, and more. Plus who died of COVID this summer and how to know if you’re at high risk of severe COVID.

    She covers:

    [Read more…]

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