Hardly a day goes by without a story on television, in the
newspaper, or on the Internet about new medical research
findings. You might hear about a new drug to treat Alzheimer’s,
a promising “cure” for cancer, or a breakthrough discovery in
Parkinson’s disease. Or you might see articles about particular
foods or dietary supplements that are said to promote health or
prevent or slow the course of illness. Should you try to get
these drugs for a family member who is sick? Should the person
change his diet? Take more vitamins? It’s confusing when
research findings are contradictory. Conflicting health news
stories—for example, drinking a glass or two of wine is good or
bad for you, taking vitamin A may prevent one form of cancer but
cause another to worsen—leave everybody, caregivers and health
professionals alike, wondering what to do next. It is possible
to find your way through the massive amounts of information and
misinformation and make informed decisions about your health,
and the health of your loved on