Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 17, 2026 Subscribe to The Advocate: www.advocatenews.net Savvy Senior by Jim Miller What Causes Dizziness and How to Fix It If this is something that occurs on a regular dizzy spells from time to time but I’m not sure what causes it or what I should do about it. --Dizzy Donna Dear Donna, Whether it’s a moment of lightheadedness or the room-whirling sensation of vertigo, dizziness can be very unsettling. As many as 30 percent of people older than 60 experience dizziness at some point, about 50 percent after age 85. This unpleasant sensation only rarely signifies a serious medical condition. But it can knock you off balance, leading to falls and injuries. That’s why anytime you feel dizzy, you should lower yourself to a safe, seated position. Here’s a brief rundown of what typically causes dizziness and what you can do to fix it. What Causes Dizziness One of the most common causes of dizziness and vertigo in older adults is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear, which play a role in balance, become dislodged. BPPV is more likely as we get older because wear and tear can cause the crystals to shift out of place. The resulting dizziness is generally triggered by changes in head position. People with BPPV often complain that the room spins when they roll over in bed, get into or out of bed, tip their head back, bend over, or make other quick head movements. These episodes usually last only a minute or two, but they may happen intermittently over a period of time. A drop in blood pressure may also cause dizziness, even fainting, especially when changing position from sitting or lying down to standing. This so-called postural hypotension is often the result of problems with blood pressure medication. basis, you need to be evaluated by your doctor. Certain sedatives, antidepressants, cough and cold medicines, and antibiotics can lead to dizziness, too. Dehydration may be another culprit in postural hypotension. Staying hydrated is extremely important for balance, blood pressure, and general well-being. Declines in vision and hearing (including ear infections and impacted earwax) may also affect your balance. When to Call a Doctor Occasional dizziness that lasts only for a few seconds is probably no cause for worry, but you should still let your doctor know. If it persists for several minutes or more or keeps happening, call your doctor right away. Sudden dizziness or loss of balance, along with facial drooping, trouble speaking, nausea, and vision or hearing disturbances can signal a stroke. If this happens call 911. Treatment for Dizziness If your doctor thinks you have BPPV, they can teach you the Epley maneuver, where you turn your head and body in ways that move ear crystals back into place. For medication related dizziness, your doctor can change your medication or dosage to reduce the side effects. For persistent problems, your doctor can check for infections, balance disorders, and more serious issues, such as tumors, congestive heart failure, an irregular heart rhythm, and conditions like Parkinson’s disease. If none are found, your doctor may recommend vestibular rehab, which may help with dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems. Anxiety and depression can also cause dizziness in some people. Treating this may ease your lightheadedness. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Dear Savvy Senior, What can cause dizziness in older adults? I have Senator Lewis announces Virtual Office Hours for April S tate Senator Jason Lewis will be holding Virtual Office Hours on Tuesday, April 21, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. This will replace his regularly scheduled Virtual Office Hours on April 20, due to the celebration of Patriots’ Day. Any constituent of Senator Lewis is welcome to attend Office Hours, with no appointment necessary, to discuss any personal issue or legislative feedback with the Senator and his staff. Virtual Office Hours are held on Zoom. Each constituent meets privately with the Senator during the Zoom session. To join the meeting, please visit SenatorJasonLewis.com, use the following link address or enter the meeting information on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/ j/83854164671?pwd=eWZWQWU0VkZjcE9XSXl5Rk1BRVd5Zz09 Meeting ID: 838 5416 4671 Passcode: 234270 Senator Lewis also holds regular in-person Office Hours in each community of the district (Malden, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield and Winchester). For further information or any questions, visit SenatorJasonLewis.com or contact his State House office at 617-7221206 or Jason.Lewis@masenate. gov. Malden Public Library lecture honors Architect H.H. Richardson J oin us on Monday, April 27, at 7:00 p.m. for a lively talk on the life and times of Henry Hobson Richardson, architect of the Malden Public Library. The one hour talk “H.H. Richardson Remembered: Networking and Connecting” will be presented by local scholar Dee Morris. Henry Hobson Richardson (1838-1886), one of America’s first master architects, designed several local buildings that provide a vivid understanding of his greatness. They include Medford’s Grace Episcopal Church (1868), Boston’s Trinity Episcopal Church (1877) and the Malden Public Library’s Converse Memorial Building (1885). To gain a better sense of Richardson himself, some highlights of his life will be explored in relationship to these three important works. Dee Morris is a scholar and educational consultant specializing in the 19th-century history of Greater Boston. She is the author of “A Brief HistoH.H. Richardson (public domain) ry of Somerville,” “Medford: A Brief History” and “Boston in the Golden Age of Spiritualism: Séances, Mediums & Immortality.” Her goal is help us all connect to our civic ancestors. For more information call 781-324-0129 or check out other upcoming events at www. maldenpubliclibrary.org
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