Ask The Expert

Understanding stroke

Q. I have several questions about stroke – what are the main risk factors? What are the common signs of stroke? How common is a stroke? Why is it important to call 995 for an ambulance?

Co-ownership of property

Q. What is the difference between co-ownership as joint tenants or as tenants-in-common?

Root canal treatment

Q. Is root canal the root cause of chronic degenerative disease? Is this true or just a myth? Is the treatment a safe or viable option to save our teeth?

Getting more hunched/curved

Q. I feel I am getting more hunched/curved in my back – what can I do about it?

Protect yourself against the haze

Q. With the haze, can you share some tips on how older adults can protect themselves?

Ad-hoc help for fragile elderly

Q. Are there any relevant agencies/voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) that provide ad-hoc services such as accompanying fragile elderly for medical appointments, visiting markets and parks, etc. Some elderly may not need to hire a full-time helper but just need some help when they go out, especially if they are on a wheelchair.

Joint treatment

Q. Is glucosamine tablets better or transdermal creams?

Skin growths

Q. What is the difference between a callus, corn, blister and wart?

Pillow talk

Q: Is it true that as we age, we don’t need that much sleep?

Juggling multiple medications

Q: I am having a hard time juggling multiple medications. Can you give me tips on how best to deal with this problem?

Difficulty in swallowing

Q. My mother has a condition called dysphagia. Can you explain what that it?

Conditions that mimic Alzheimer’s disease

Q. What are some conditions that tend to be mistaken as Alzheimer’s disease?

Preventing gastric cancer

Q. How can your diet help to prevent gastric cancer?

Broaching a test for Alzheimer’s

Q. How does a family member best broach the subject of a memory test (to test for Alzheimer’s) to a loved one who may or may not have the condition?