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Agitation is a general term to describe excessive physical movement and verbal activity. Agitation often develops in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia and can include restlessness, pacing, verbal aggression, combativeness, calling out and crying, and wandering. Prevalence of Agitation in Dementia Statistics vary, but some research estimates that as high as 80% of people with dementia experience agitation. One study determined that approximately 68% of people with dementia who were living in the community experienced excessive agitation....

Selective photothermolysis (fō’tō-thĕrm-ol’i-sis) is a precise microsurgery technique used to target tissue in a specific area. It matches the specific wavelength of light and heats the tissue and destroys it with a laser without affecting or damaging surrounding tissue. The targeted cells are destroyed by the absorption of light and transfer of energy. While the term “selective photothermolysis” may sound like a high school physics concept you never understood, the term is really quite easy to understand when broken down....

Good communication at the doctor (or dentist or hospital) is essential. Recognizing this, the authors of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) included specific language regarding communications access for deaf and hard of hearing people. Even so, there have been numerous cases of failure (or outright refusal) of medical establishments to provide sign language interpreters. Title III of the ADA Title III of the ADA covers access to places of public accommodation....

The U.S. Department of State recently issued travel advisories for nearly 80% of the countries in the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. The State Department says that the move is meant to get its official guidance in line with the “science-based” travel guidance that was issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Key Takeaways The U.S. Department of State is advising against foreign travel to about 80% of the countries in the world, bringing its COVID-19 travel advisories in line with travel guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)....

Several months after COVID-19 variants were separately discovered in the U.K., South Africa, and Brazil, researchers at the Ohio State University have found evidence of two more stateside. A preprint of the January study was published in the journal bioRxiv. Key Takeaways Researchers at the Ohio State University have identified not one but two new strains of COVID-19. The new strains possess mutations that will likely enhance their infectiousness.However, the researchers say that at present, there is no evidence to suggest that either of the new variants will be resistant to available COVID-19 vaccines....

Syndromatic treatment refers to the practice of selecting treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) based on symptoms, rather than based on a diagnosis of the infectious organism. This treatment approach is usually done in low-resource settings where the cost of testing is prohibitive or where it is difficult to get people to come back for test results. While it can be efficient sometimes, there are two main problems with syndromatic treatment....

Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is a naturally occurring nutrient that helps boost the conversion of food to energy. Found in most cells of the body, CoQ10 is an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals (oxygen-containing molecules that damage cell membranes and DNA). Free radicals are widely believed to contribute to aging and increase the risk of aging-related diseases like cancer and heart disease. The use of an antioxidant supplement is thought to neutralize free radicals, reducing or preventing cellular damage as well as the risk of certain diseases....

Ceramides are fat molecules in the skin that form a barrier to help protect the body and keep skin moisturized. Where Ceramides Are Located The top layer of the skin is called the epidermis, and the top layer of the epidermis is called the stratum corneum (SC). Even though the SC is very thin—10-30 millimeters or one-tenth the thickness of a piece of paper—it is the main barrier of the skin....

A bruise is an area of discoloration that develops when tiny vessels under the skin rupture, allowing blood to collect into the surrounding tissue (think of it like your skin is bleeding on the inside). When caused by minor injuries or accidents—you bumped into the bed or got hit by a ball—bruises usually disappear on their own after a few weeks. But with the right self-care, you can ease pain and swelling and help speed the healing process....

Today, people generally use the terms wake and visitation interchangeably to refer to the portion of a “traditional funeral” service during which surviving family members, friends, and loved ones gather in the presence of the deceased individual to pay their respects, and to offer comfort and support to the immediate family and to each other. This interchangeable usage is particularly common in the United States and Canada. Usually held the day before the funeral service and/or interment, or the same day, this part of the modern funeral service is often conducted at a funeral home, cemetery, church or other places of worship, or another location selected by the next-of-kin when arranging the service....

There are several blood tests that may be done to help diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Examples include follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, prolactin, and other hormone level tests. However, none of these can confirm PCOS on its own. PCOS is only diagnosed once other conditions that cause similar symptoms are ruled out. Blood tests can help with that, the results of which are considered alongside those of imaging studies and a pelvic exam....

Drinking alcohol after a sobriety stint can feel like dating right after a breakup. It’s not cheating. Or is it? This story is part of a sober series that explores what sober curiosity means and how you can practice mindful drinking in your personal life. Read the rest of the stories here. That question sent me into a mental tug-of-war this spring, after ending a six-month sobriety streak. My decision to go sober was personal, as was my decision to reincorporate booze, minimally....

The Super Bowl is an unofficial holiday in the U.S., with people typically gathering together to watch the game. But that tradition can be tricky during a global pandemic. Key Takeaways Super Bowl parties are risky this year because of the potential spread of COVID-19. Experts say it’s best to stay home with your household this year and avoid gatherings.If you do attend a party, wear a mask and make sure to watch the game outdoors distanced from others....

TikTok’s viral butter board trend and reports of coffee shops returning to whole milk might signal a dairy comeback. Key Takeaways A new study found a correlation between high-fat dairy and a reduced risk of developing chronic kidney disease.Current recommendations for people with late-stage kidney disease include limiting dairy intake.More research is needed to understand why high-fat dairy may support kidney function in healthy individuals, but experts don’t recommend dairy for patients who already have kidney damage....

Adrenocortical carcinoma symptoms vary depending on what is causing them; a cancerous tumor may press on nearby structures or organs, causing pain or fullness in the abdomen, or may trigger excess production of adrenal cortex hormones—aldosterone, cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone—each of which causes their own symptoms. Some symptoms are more likely than others, and some may mimic other conditions, which is why testing and imaging are essential for eventual diagnosis. This article discusses the frequent and rare symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma, complications, and when to see your healthcare provider....

Arthritis can affect many different joints in the body, including those in the feet. The most common types of arthritis that affect the feet include osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and post-traumatic arthritis. Arthritis of the feet can have a big impact on a person’s ability to complete everyday tasks because our feet provide support, shock absorption, balance, and other functions that are important to motion. Wearing the right shoes can help ease the symptoms of foot arthritis and preserve mobility....

When you first start coughing, feeling fatigued, and noticing a low-grade fever, it can be hard to determine whether you have the common cold or bronchitis. A cold can potentially turn into bronchitis. Acute bronchitis, which lasts for seven to 10 days, is also known as a chest cold. Understanding the differences between a cold and bronchitis can help you determine what to do to get better. The most significant difference between the two is that a cold is a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract while bronchitis is a lower respiratory infection that affects the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs....

Swimmer’s ear is an outer ear infection characterized by ear pain, ear drainage, hearing loss, and itchiness of the outer ear canal. Swimmer’s ear is aptly named because it is somewhat common in swimmers. Swimming in contaminated water is a major cause of swimmer’s ear. There are a few germs that commonly cause swimmer’s ear including pseudomonas and, less often, various fungi. Even though you can contract swimmer’s ear from community pools, since most community pools and hot tubs take precautions to keep the water clean (like adding chlorine), you are more likely to get swimmer’s ear from swimming in a lake, the ocean, or another contaminated water source....

A new study on the impact of COVID-19 on gut health may present a roadmap for better understanding long COVID. Key Takeaways A new study found that people continue to shed COVID-19 in their feces for months after their infection.While it’s unlikely for people to be infected through feces, the study offers insights on how the virus may manifest in the gut and potentially other areas of the body.Wastewater surveillance is used as a method for tracking COVID-19 cases and trends....

People make plenty of jokes about being constipated, but when you’re the one dealing with it chances are you aren’t doing a lot of laughing. Irregular bowels movements can make you feel bloated and uncomfortable, and when you finally are able to use the bathroom it can hurt to pass stools that are hard. One answer is to reach for a laxative, but first try to change your eating habits. If you follow these five tips, you may find yourself back on track without a trip to the drugstore....