Better Health While Aging Podcast

Dr. K explains how the most common causes of chronic pain in later life, and how pain should be evaluated. She also covers the most effective ways to treat pain, and explains what to know about commonly used painkillers.

Dr. K explains what counts as low blood pressure, why it becomes common with aging, when it can be dangerous, and what to do about it. She also explains orthostatic hypotension, a common problem that affects many older adults and can lead to symptoms, such as dizziness or even falls.

Dr. K explains the best ways to lower blood pressure and treat hypertension, using both lifestyle changes and medications that are safe and effective. Plus special considerations for older and frailer adults.

Cardiologist Cara Pellegrini, MD, explains the causes and treatment of bradycardia (slow heart rate), including when to consider a pacemaker and what to know about different pacemakers.

Dr. K explains what blood pressure numbers really mean, what's normal BP in older adults and what's considered too high, why managing hypertension is important, and what BP to aim for.

Dr. K explains methylcobalamin vs cyanocobalamin, when it comes to treating vitamin B12 deficiency. Learn which type of Vitamin B12 supplement to take and why.

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.

Dr. K discusses nutrition in aging and breaks down the key components of a diet that supports healthy aging and metabolic health. She also covers protein, vitamins and supplements, malnutrition, and what to do if you're concerned about frailty or sarcopenia (muscle loss).

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.

Dr. K speaks with Alzheimer's expert Jason Karlawish, MD, about the new anti-amyloid Alzheimer's medications lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla). They discuss how biomarkers have changed diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, how well these new drugs work, and much more.

Dr. K explains the drugs most often used for Alzheimer's & dementia, including donepezil, memantine, rivastigmine, and galantamine (Aricept, Namenda, Exelon, and Razadyne). She covers how well they work and common side-effects, along with other important ways to treat Alzheimer's.

Dr. K talks again with guest expert Chrissy Kistler, MD, about urinary tract infections (UTIs) in aging, this time with a focus on UTIs in memory loss, Alzheimer's, dementia, and also in nursing homes. Learn why UTIs are especially challenging in these older adults, plus more on prevention, symptoms and treatment.

Dr. K talks with guest expert Chrissy Kistler, MD, about urinary tract infections (UTIs) in aging, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment. They also discuss colonized bladders, the relationship between UTIs and confusion, when antibiotics might not be needed, and much more.

Dr. K explains how to plan for aging and what to do today, 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 covers the most common pathways at the end of life, and how to retain quality of life despite challenges.

Geriatric social worker Michelle Allen explains how the parts of Medicare (A, B, C, D) work and whether to consider Medicare Advantage. Plus what to do during Medicare Open Enrollment.

Dr. Kernisan talks with Dr. Cara Pellegrini, an expert in cardiac electrophysiology, to discuss what older adults should know about atrial fibrillation (afib), including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. They also discuss blood-thinners, the newer Watchman procedure, and special considerations when there is frailty or Alzheimer's.

Geriatrician Dr. Kernisan provides an update on COVID & explains the 2024 vaccines for the three respiratory viruses likely to be very active this fall and winter.

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. Plus how to make driving safer for all older adults.

Dr. K covers why vitamin D is important, what the research shows about optimal blood levels, and what daily dose seems to be best for aging adults. She also covers the latest research suggesting high doses of vitamin D can be risky in aging, and what health benefits to expect from vitamin D.

Dr. K explains the most common types of dementia in older adults, including Alzheimer's, Lewy body, vascular, and mixed. She also covers less common types, when to get more diagnosis, and more.

Dr. K explains the 4 types of exercise that help older adults maintain independence and mobility, and which ones prevent falls & frailty. She also covers protein intake, how to exercise when there's Alzheimer's, avoiding injuries and more.

Dr. K explains mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and discusses scientifically tested approaches to treating this memory condition, including the role of medications, supplements, hearing support, Leqembi and more.

Dr. Kernisan covers the best ways to promote brain health and prevent cognitive decline in aging. 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.

Dr. Kernisan & Michelle Allen, LCSW, explain how Aging Life Care Professionals (also known as geriatric care managers) help older adults and their families.

Dr. K explains 8 things health providers should check after an older person falls, to prevent future dangerous falls in aging.

Dr. Kernisan & geriatric care manager Michelle explain options for paying for senior care, including for aging in place, residential facilities, memory care & more.

Dr. K covers the recent rise in COVID, the new variant, and the upcoming booster. Plus FAQs such as whether to get boosted now or wait.

Dr. K covers the latest on COVID in the US now, how to follow COVID levels, updates on COVID boosters, how to know if you still should take precautions, tips on staying safe for the summer, and more.

Dr. K covers the latest on COVID in the US now, how to follow COVID levels, updates on COVID boosters, how to know if you still should take precautions, tips on staying safe for the summer, and more.

Dr. K covers the latest COVID news for 2023, including the newest variant, updates on the bivalent booster, what happens when the public health emergency ends, & more. 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. The post 132 COVID 2023 News Update for Aging Adults (2.23.23 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K covers what to know about COVID and flu this winter, including what to expect from the new BQ.1 subvariants, and how to stay safer during winter gatherings. She also covers how well the fall bivalent booster is working and how to use a HEPA filter for safer home gatherings. The post 131 COVID Update for Aging Adults (12.8.22 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K covers what to know about the new Omicron booster for fall, upcoming variants on the horizon, the data on who remains at risk for dying from COVID, and what she thinks people should expect for the fall. The post 130 COVID Booster Update for Aging Adults (9.7.22 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K covers what to know about Omicron BA.5, the data on 1st and 2nd boosters, what to know about Paxlovid rebound, what precautions she recommends for aging adults, and more. The post 129 COVID Update for Aging Adults (7.21.22 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K explains why the current rise in COVID Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 warrants taking sensible precautions, how to use masking, ventilation, and testing, and how older adults can live with COVID while avoiding excess risks. The post 128 COVID Update for Aging Adults (5.5.22 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K's latest COVID update covers the ebbing of the Omicron surge, what to know about the stealth Omicron BA.2, what might come next, how to live with COVID safely, and more. The post 127 COVID Update for Aging Adults (2.24.22 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K provides an update on the Omicron surge, including whether it's milder in older adults, how to use rapid tests now, what to know about Paxlovid, and how to stay safer during the current surge. The post 126 Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (1.6.22 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K provides updated information on Omicron and the current COVID surge, how well vaccines are working in different age groups, why she recommends boosters, how to stay safe during the holidays, and more. The post 125 Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (12.16.21 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K explains how to know if an aging parent needs help, specific warning signs to check for, and what to say (and not say!) when bringing up your concerns. This approach can be used when visiting an older parent, especially if they're showing signs of memory loss or declines in independence. The post 124 Does Your Aging Parent Need Help? What to check & how to talk about it appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K provides updated information on how well COVID vaccines work over time, the recently approved COVID boosters, what to know about rapid home COVID testing, how to stay safe during the holidays, and more. The post 123 Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (10.28.21 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K provides updated information on the current Delta variant surge, the effectiveness and safety of COVID vaccination for older adults, including information on the latest on boosters and how to know what precautions to take right now. The post 122 Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (9.9.21 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K provides updated information on the current Delta variant surge, the effectiveness and safety of COVID vaccination for older adults, including information on the latest CDC data and guidance. She explains why she thinks resuming masking is wise and also addresses FAQs about coronavirus vaccination. The post 121 Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (7.29.21 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Geriatrician Dr. Didyk explains how depression is diagnosed and treated in later life, why depression can be harder to diagnose in older adults, medical conditions that can mimic depression, and more. The post 120 Depression in Aging: Diagnosis & Treatment appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K provides updated information on the effectiveness and safety of COVID vaccination for older adults, including information on breakthrough infections in nursing homes & the latest CDC data and guidance. She also addresses FAQs about coronavirus vaccination. The post 119 Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (5.14.21 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K provides updated information on the effectiveness and safety of COVID vaccination for older adults, including information on the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. She also addresses FAQs about coronavirus vaccination. The post 118 Updates: COVID Vaccination in Aging (3.26.21 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Geriatrician Dr. Didyk explains what to know about leg swelling in aging, including common causes, when to get urgent help, and how to treat chronic leg edema. The post 117 Leg Swelling in Aging: What to Know and What to Do appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K talks about what is in her new book for people worried about an aging parent, and her step-by-step approach to addressing memory concerns or safety worries, while respecting a parent s autonomy and dignity. Featuring fellow geriatrician Dr. Nicole Didyk, who recently found the book useful as she s been helping her own aging parents. The post 116 – Interview: Dr. K s New Book: When Your Aging Parent Needs Help appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K discussed the new Pfizer COVID vaccine and the data on how well it works in older adults, especially those over age 75. She also explains how to go beyond media reports to find out more vaccine information specific to aging adults. The post 115 COVID Vaccination in Aging (12.17.20 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K shares an update on the COVID-19 for older adults & people helping aging parents, including developments in treatment, what to know about the ongoing surge, the progress on vaccines, how to stay safe during the holidays, and more. The post 114 Coronavirus Updates & Suggestions (11.18.20 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K talks with geriatrician Dr. Nicole Didyk about urinary continence issues in aging. They discuss common causes geriatricians check for, what to know about medications and other treatments, how to manage incontinence in people with dementia, and much more. The post 113 Interview: Urinary Incontinence In Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K explains what to know about the new flu shots available for aging adults in 2020, plus what we know about influenza and COVID-19. She covers the basics of falling ill from influenza, how the vaccines work, which flu shots are specifically designed for older adults, which one she thinks is best for most aging adults, what to do if your older relative is refusing the flu shot, and much more. The post 112 Flu Shots for Older Adults in COVID Times: What to Know (2020 Update) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.

Dr. K shares her latest update on COVID19, including whether we are better at treatment and recommendations for older adults and families. The post 111 Coronavirus Updates & Suggestions (7.16.20 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.