New research using reconstructed exposure histories suggested a clear association between heavy metal exposure, including lead, and Parkinson's disease. For a period of time, lead was a common ingredient in paints and other building materials. Studies also suggest that it does not take a great deal of toxic metal to store in the bone and cause health issues later in life.
Yach, D., et.al. (2006). "Epidemiologic and Economic consequences of the Global
Epidemics Of Obesity and Diabetes." Nature. 12 (1): 62-66.
One of the most visible issues facing older adults is obesity. Medical doctors, scholars, researchers are all in agreement that there is a complete link between what we eat and drink, and the consequences to our overall health. One need only look in the newspaper, magazines, grocery store aisles, or pop-up ads to see thousands of ads for diet pills, diet aids, etc. -- one need only look at the increasing demographic of vitamin and supplement stores and offerings to see that American's are rabid for something to bring quick results and better health (Fumento). Are there negatives to healthful eating? Older adults are particularly vulnerable since they tend to exercise less and are typically on a fixed budget.
Zalaquett, C.P. And A. Stens. (2006). "Psychosocial Treatments for Major Depression
in Older Adults." Journal of Counseling and Development....
84(2):192-205.
Elderly individuals have many potential reasons to be depressed ranging from society's
perception of them to their own self-opinion. The health of a person also begins to decline as they age which reinforces the depressed state of mind. The elderly deserve our
respect and support through their physical and emotional difficulties because we would not be around if not for them. The
diagnosis and
treatment of
depression in the elderly may not be a simple task, but it is one that deserves more attention and further advancement.
REFERENCES
Boseman, J. And L. Victor. (2008). "Aging Americans and Diabetes: A
Public Health
and Clinical Response." Geriatrics. 59 (4): 14-17.
Gan, W., et.al., (2011). Long-Term Exposure to Traffic-Related
Air Pollution and the Risk of Coronary
Heart Disease Hospitalization and Mortality. Environmental Health Perspectives. 119 (4): 501-16.
Nemerogg, C. (2007). The Curiously Strong Relationship Between Cardiovascular
Disease and Depression in the Elderly. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 15 (2): 217-33.
Rinker, A.G. Jr. (January-February 2009) Recognition and perception of elder abuse by prehospital and hospital-based care providers. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 48 (1) 110-115.
Weisshopg, M., et.al., (2010). Association of Cumulative Lead Exposure with Parkinson's Disease. Environmental Health Perspectives. 118 (11): 1609-21.
Yach, D., et.al. (2006). "Epidemiologic and Economic consequences of the Global
Epidemics Of Obesity and Diabetes." Nature. 12 (1): 62-66.
Zalaquett, C.P. And A. Stens. (2006). "Psychosocial Treatments for Major Depression
in Older Adults." Journal of Counseling and Development. 84(2):192-205.
