What is Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s symptoms first appear later in life. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 6 million Americans, most of them age 65 or older, may have dementia caused by Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, but recent estimates indicate the disorder may rank third, just behind heart disease and cancer, as a cause of death

The Play Lab is led by Lisabeth DiLalla, PhD, a developmental psychologist at the SIU School of Medicine, and is home of the Southern Illinois Twins, Triplets and Siblings Study (SITSS). The lab focuses on preschoolers and the development of peer interactions and parent-child interactions from early childhood through adolescence.There are several research projects underway at the Lab. The SITSS primarily focuses on preschoolers, with various projects encompassing the development of peer interactions and parent-child interactions from preschool through adolescence.

SIU Medicine’s team of head and neck endocrine surgeons have specialty training in the diagnosis and management of thyroid and parathyroid diseases. To provide the highest level of care to our patients, SIU Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery works very closely with our SIU endocrinology, pathology and radiology partners. Comprehensive care requires consideration and evaluation of all of the structures and functions associated with the thyroid and parathyroid glands. At SIU Medicine, we offer the full complement of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques required for the diagnosis and

November is National Healthy Skin Month, and SIU Medicine staff believe the more you know the more you’ll glow. Here are five tips from our board-certified dermatologists to keep the body's largest organ healthy and radiant. 1. Wear sunscreen. You guessed it: Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) that’s at least 30 is one of the best ways to keep your skin healthy. Sunscreen protects you against ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which accelerates skin aging, causes wrinkles and increases your risk of skin cancer. Remember to reapply every 2 hours or after

SPRINGFIELD, IL – A new report describes the impact of COVID-19 on the existing rural opioid epidemic and identified opportunities to treat opioid addiction and reduce fatalities in rural Illinois. “The opioid epidemic continues to hurt rural regions in Illinois and the pandemic has worsened the economic and social factors that lead to opioid misuse,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, Chair, SIU Medicine Department of Population Science and Policy. “We need to invest in new strategies and resources that prevent, treat and build appropriate systems of recovery for those struggling from the opioid epidemic

SPRINGFIELD, IL – A new report describes the impact of COVID-19 on the existing rural opioid epidemic and identified opportunities to treat opioid addiction and reduce fatalities in rural Illinois. “The opioid epidemic continues to hurt rural regions in Illinois and the pandemic has worsened the economic and social factors that lead to opioid misuse,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, Chair, SIU Medicine Department of Population Science and Policy. “We need to invest in new strategies and resources that prevent, treat and build appropriate systems of recovery for those struggling from the opioid epidemic

The prostate is a gland that surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine leaves the body. Often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate means the gland has grown larger. Nearly all men will experience an enlarged prostate as they grow older. Symptoms Men who have an enlarged prostate, or BPH, may experience: Dribbling at the end of urination Inability to urinate Incomplete urination Inability to control your bladder, or bladder leakage Need to urinate 2 or more times per night Pain with urination Strong and sudden urges to urinate Weak urine stream Treatments

The prostate is a gland that surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine leaves the body. Often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate means the gland has grown larger. Nearly all men will experience an enlarged prostate as they grow older. Symptoms Men who have an enlarged prostate, or BPH, may experience: Dribbling at the end of urination Inability to urinate Incomplete urination Inability to control your bladder, or bladder leakage Need to urinate 2 or more times per night Pain with urination Strong and sudden urges to urinate Weak urine stream Treatments

Beginning the week of Nov. 8, current SIU Medicine patients five years and older are eligible to receive a vaccine to protect them against COVID-19. SIU Center for Family Medicine will be vaccinating community children as well as SIU Medicine patients. Appointments for your child to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will be available at the following days and times: SIU Pediatrics in Springfield (400 N. 9th) 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays SIU Center for Family Medicine in Springfield (4th and Carpenter) 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon Fridays SIU Pediatrics in Decatur (400 W. Hay) Normal business