Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor announced last week that she is in the early stages of dementia. What is dementia, and how does it differ from Alzheimer’s disease? Dementia describes symptoms that include memory loss, difficulty performing daily tasks and trouble communicating. It does not have a definitive diagnosis, though it can…
Many adults ages 65 and older believe that, having reached older adulthood, they no longer need vaccines, including a flu shot. Some doubt it will help them. Others think the flu shot actually can give them the flu. Some simply have never overcome a fear of needles. And then there is confusion about which type…
Stroke continues to be a leading cause of death in Kentucky. In fact, the number of young people hospitalized due to stroke has increased 44 percent over the past decade. “The numbers are alarming,” said Gauhar Chaudhary, M.D., neurologist with Norton Neuroscience Institute. “Fortunately, most stroke risk factors can be identified and changed, treated or…
Baby boomers are leading the way again, but this time it’s with hepatitis C. People born between 1945 and 1965 are the largest group living with hepatitis C, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many people have hepatitis C and don’t know it. Getting tested is the only way to find out….
On Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Louisville-area agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration are giving you an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding your home of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your drugs for disposal to any of the sites listed. The service is free…
From adolescence through menopause, most women come up with their own unique way of dealing with their monthly menstrual cycle. Tampons or pads, pain- or bloat-relieving medication — they do whatever it takes to make their periods as tolerable as possible. But when heavy periods keep you from your regular routine, it’s time to ask…
Hollywood fad or potential game-changer for people with epilepsy? The ketogenic (keto) diet could very well be both. In recent years, celebrities and fitness bloggers have touted the keto diet as a quick way to lose weight. But as far back as the 1930s, the keto diet has been used as an epilepsy treatment. Maureen…
One field that lets you see the dramatic improvements in medical technology is radiation therapy for cancer. With improvements in visualizing cancer and other diseases without surgery, health care providers can target the disease while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue, according to Daniel J. Lococo, director of radiation oncology for Norton Cancer Institute. “For example,…
For many people, three of life’s scariest words are, “You have cancer.” According to Adam D. Lye, M.D., the good news is that advances in research, technology and treatment are taking away some of that fear and providing real hope. “Immunotherapy and targeted treatments have the potential to revolutionize the way we care for oncology patients,”…
Nearly 6 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, including more than 90,000 in Greater Louisville. Chances are you know someone with one of these diseases. “Alzheimer’s and other dementias slowly take away a person’s ability to communicate,” said Bradley S. Folley, Ph.D., neuropsychologist with Norton Neuroscience Institute. “These changes in…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over 6 months old get a flu shot before the end of October. “You need to get vaccinated now because it takes two weeks after getting the flu shot for your body to be protected,” said Evan M. Davidson, M.D., Norton Community Medical Associates…
Tad D. Seifert, M.D., neurologist and director of Norton Healthcare’s Sports Concussion Program, stands at a podium in front of about 40 athletic trainers representing different high schools and colleges across Louisville and Southern Indiana. The athletic trainers join a discussion about a National Football League (NFL) concussion case study, talking through the case and…