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Another Look At Supplements

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read your recent response to a question about the efficacy of brain supplements. You note there is a paucity of published data, and that there is “no consistent evidence” that supplements help, except perhaps vitamin E. Fair enough. However, the lack of data may indicate simply that there is too little information, rather than the conclusion that supplements do not help. I do not believe the medical community has yet tested adequately the impacts of combined strategies to address dementia over time. It appears likely that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias ...

Too Much Togetherness Puts Pressure on Happy Relationship

DEAR ABBY: I have been in a relationship with a wonderful man, “Andy,” for two years. I couldn’t ask for a better partner. We are both divorced with children, and they get along like brothers and sisters. Even though our marriages ended, mine wasn’t an ordeal. My ex and I both knew it wasn’t working anymore, and we still get along pretty well. But Andy and his ex-wife never got along and argued for 18 years, and herein lies the problem. He gives me no space — ever. I have discussed it with him numerous times, and his response is, “Well, I have never been this happy, ...

The Kidneys Perform a Necessary Life Function

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 83-year-old white male. I am overweight and have high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. I recently have been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney failure. I’m told that I have three strikes against me with these health issues, and there is not much hope in saving my kidneys from further damage. I’m told its inevitable that I will be headed for dialysis. I feel that I’ve been given a death sentence! Is there any hope for me? — D.M.S. ANSWER: There is always hope. The kidneys filter toxins from the blood, and are necessary for life. In cases of complete ...

Mom Pressured to Teach Native Language to Daughter

DEAR ABBY: I came to this country 30 years ago, at 16. My parents were very abusive and neglectful, so my uncle in the U.S. took me in. I have worked with therapists, and my mind is clear about my past. I now have a 14-year-old daughter. I do not speak to her in my native language. It is not very good at expressing love and caring, and has more emphasis on strict hierarchy and obedience. There are many things I cannot convey in my native language. One must understand the huge cultural difference between my native country and the U.S. In addition, I do not want to force my ...

Chopped Cranberries

Dear Heloise: If you need chopped cranberries to make cranberry bread and you don’t have a food processor, just put all the wet ingredients into a blender, mix, then add the cranberries for a pulse or two. So easy! — Margaret, La Mirada, Calif. VEGETABLE CHOWDER WITH BEER Dear Heloise: You had a soup recipe that sounded strange when I read it, but I made it and it was terrific! It called for beer and cheese as I recall, but I have forgotten the name of the soup. Could you reprint that recipe? — Patty G., Stowe, Vt. Patty, I love this recipe too! Vegetable Chowder With Beer ...

Wife Grapples With Family’s History of Sexual Dysfunction

DEAR ABBY: When my husband and I were first married, I had no idea why his mother and sisters were so hostile. When they started treating our children the same way, my husband finally addressed the issue. We moved out of town, and he finally told me that when he was in his teens and early 20s, he had had sex with all of them, which was why they didn’t like me. After an estrangement of many years, he has now started talking to his mother and sisters again. His mother is now in her 70s. It breaks my heart that he is talking to people he had sex with, but he says it is OK because they ...