Elderly living better, but some racial, ethnic groups lag behind

There are more Americans aged 65 or older than any time in history, and they are living longer, healthier and in more comfort. But, by some measures, up to one in four elderly Americans in some racial and ethnic groups are not sharing equally in this better life.

Theater groups help seniors shine brighter

When Nona Bingham of Portland, Oregon, retired from her job as a supermarket clerk at age 65, she enrolled in oil painting and ceramic classes to keep busy. When that wasn't enough, she added a theater group.

Federal report recommends stricter U.S. nursing home guidelines

A new federal study is recommending stricter guidelines for U.S. nursing homes because many of them are so understaffed they may be endangering their patients.

Contentment still possible for Alzheimer's patients

From World Alzheimer's Congress 2000 reports to the Clinton administration's pledge of $50 million in increased funding for research, encouraging news about future treatments for Alzheimer's disease has multiplied in recent days.

Alzheimer's research continues to show promise

At the World Alzheimer Congress held this week in Washington, D.C., researchers reported a belief that they've finally cracked some of the mysteries of the disease.

Scientists suspect a gene for Alzheimer's disease

The discovery of a possible genetic link to Alzheimer's disease could lead to more and better treatments for the devastating illness, scientists say.

New drug moderates problems for later-stage Alzheimer’s patients, researchers report

A new drug from Germany moderates physical and mental disabilities of patients with later-stage Alzheimer's disease, researchers said Wednesday.