Low-Cal Monkeys

A study now in the headlines indicates that monkeys who consume fewer calories over their lifetime live longer. The study has been underway for 20 years, and probably has at least another 10 to go. The average life-span is usually 27, so the researchers don't really know how much longer they will be at it.

The low-cal monkeys consumed 30% fewer calories daily, but their vitamin intake was comparable to the big eaters.

"Sixty-three percent of the calorie-restricted animals are still alive compared to only 45% of their free-feeding counterparts. For age-related deaths caused by illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, the voracious eaters died at three times the rate of restricted monkeys" and "monkeys that eat nearly a third less food than normal monkeys age more slowly."

The key point mentioned in the findings that is not always highlighted by the newspapers reporting this story is that consistently lower consumption of calories over a life-time actually slows the aging process. At least for monkeys....but it seems to confirm our suspicions.

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Concierge Advocate Services

Here we are talking about the concierge medical service companies that have been featured in magazines and newspapers.

These are not the concierge physicians or practices. These are not "Dr. Hank." These are high-end service companies that provide advice and open doors, but do not provide actual medical care.

When you have a special need they will pull whatever strings that need to be pulled. They get the client into the best clinic without waiting, or an appointment with the best specialist.

Fees range from a few thousand dollars a year to tens of thousands, depending on the service plan. Are they worth the price?

I provided care for an elderly gentleman who was enrolled, by his family, in one of the more prominent concierge care services. I asked one of the family members for comments.

"There were some things that the service did exceptionally well, and other areas where the provider fell a little short. The value of the service was almost entirely in the abilities of a few senior people. This particular service had an exceptional medical director, and a few highly capable liaisons to that person. The support staff beyond that, and the local representatives, really did not add much value.

"Their strong point, and the reason for having them, was that with just a well-placed phone call or two from the medical director they could move a mountain. They were able to gain entry (or more accurately, 'force' entry) to a world-class diagnostic clinic to which we otherwise would not have access. They also arranged for a senior-level medical director to make house calls.

"Their weak points were in "blocking and tackling" functions: identifying a high-quality rehabilitation clinic; personal follow-up on the member's status and care; and communication. That level of activity was delegated to staff that did not have the experience or influence to get the results one might expect. Perhaps more disturbingly, the staff did not have the same standard for 'quality care' that the likely subscriber for this service might normally expect.

"There was no doubt that the top few people were recognized professionals, but beyond that it was hit-or-miss. Additionally, subscribers should be aware that the level of service will likely vary by geographic region. Outside the Mid-Atlantic states the service suffered.

"I would still recommend that company's base-level service, however, and use it sparingly - just to make those few important calls."

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To sleep, perchance...

It's no news that as we age, many of us have increased difficulty getting a good night's sleep. As we head toward the century mark (knock on wood) it can be a real problem. Our 'circadian rhythm' starts to out of whack. For those with symptoms of dementia, sleep rhythms have been described as 'chaotic.'

Research groups at both Rensselaer Polytechnic and Case Western think that they may be able to help get the rhythms back closer to where they should be.... by using blue light. They have been testing the use of blue light indoors with favorable results.

One participant commented that she didn't know if her sleep improved, but she liked the blue bulbs so much that she got some for her own lamps, explaining "it's a beautiful light."

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