“Many views on aging based on misconceptions, survey finds”

Many views on aging based on misconceptions, survey finds,” by Alicia Lasek, McKnight’s LTC News

“Among the survey highlights:

  • Nearly 40% of respondents are not aware that certain prescription medications can impact cognition, and only half know that certain medicines should be avoided as a person gets older.
  • Most older people have multiple chronic conditions, take five-to-10 medications daily, and experience some level of disability.
  • More than 40% mistakenly believe that it is normal for people to get depressed as they age.
  • Few respondents are doing any activities designed to improve mobility. However, people are taking measures to prevent falls, such as holding on to handrails and wearing sensible shoes. Women take these measures more often than men.
  • Only half say their doctors and other care providers have done a ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ job at using an age-friendly approach.
  • Patients who have six or more conditions are more likely to rate their providers’ care as ‘fair’ or ‘poor.’

The survey is available to download through WebMD.”

LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform):

If the research linking lifestyle with dementia risk is right, we’re in for a much worse Alzheimer’s epidemic than previously anticipated.