Elaine Howley

1 week ago | health.usnews.com | Elaine Howley |Aviva Patz

Key Takeaways About one-third of American adults are chronically sleep deprived, and many have turned to white noise to improve their sleep quality. White noise is a static-like sound that helps with sleep by creating a steady auditory environment that masks disruptive background noise. Some people prefer pink, brown or another color of ambient noise to promote sleep.

3 weeks ago | health.usnews.com | Elaine Howley |Aviva Patz

Key Takeaways Several areas of the brain are involved in listening to and processing music, and for people with dementia, some of these areas may still be intact even after the disease has taken other memories and abilities. Music therapy has been shown to reduce agitation and improve mood, memory, communication, social connection and quality of life. Many assisted living communities, memory care centers and nursing homes provide music therapy as part of their support services for older adults.

2 months ago | health.usnews.com | Elaine Howley |Aviva Patz

Getty ImagesFood, nutrition, health and wellness are all bound up together inextricably. But for people who have eating disorders, the simple act of eating a healthy, satisfying meal can become an overwhelmingly distressing affair. There are several types of eating disorders, and across the board, these diseases are difficult to recover from. Especially anorexia nervosa, which has the highest mortality rate among all psychiatric disorders.

Mar 3, 2025 | health.usnews.com | Elaine Howley |Aviva Patz

Getty ImagesFor many seniors – including the more than 66 million Americans who are beneficiaries of Medicare, the federal health insurance program primarily for older adults – age-related cognitive decline is a common problem. A 2024 study in JAMA Network Open found that more than 10% of Medicare beneficiaries had diagnoses that suggested they had or were likely to have some form of dementia.

Feb 26, 2025 | health.usnews.com | Elaine Howley |Aviva Patz

Getty ImagesYour eyes, like every other part of your body, are unfortunately subject to the ravages of time. As we age, vision and eye health often decline. One of the most common changes that occurs with age is the development of cataracts. According to data from the National Eye Institute, about 68% of Americans aged 80 and older have cataracts, and rates are increasing every year. Read on to learn what cataracts are, the causes and symptoms of cataracts and what to expect from cataract surgery.