An estimated 26 million Americans 50 and older live alone, and researchers estimate that more than 4 million have dementia or cognitive impairment. That means a large number of older Americans are at risk for medication mix-ups, unsafe driving, wandering and missing important medical appointments. And, a new study warns, the U.S. health care system…  read on >  read on >

There’s been another case of locally acquired malaria in the United States, this time in Maryland, authorities report. It’s the first time this has happened in that state in 40 years. No evidence connects this case to seven locally acquired infections in Florida or another one in Texas that were previously reported, according to the…  read on >

Certain adult vaccines, including shingles and pneumonia shots, may also help seniors fight off Alzheimer’s disease, new research reveals. Prior vaccination with the shingles vaccine, pneumococcus vaccine or the tetanus and diphtheria shot, with or without an added pertussis vaccine, are associated with a 25% to 30% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers…  read on >  read on >

Video games and social media are keeping school kids up at night, according to a new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). But so, too, are more constructive pursuits, including homework and extracurricular activities, which can be a problem when it comes to setting a good sleep routine early in the school…  read on >  read on >