When physicians list the complications that come with having diabetes, they mention heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, possible blindness and amputations, neuropathy and even depression.

What isn't routinely mentioned, if it is talked about at all, is periodontal disease, a serious gum infection that causes tooth loss in adults.

The number of people living past age 65 is increasing steadily. Today, seniors are healthier, more active and more independent than their parents were. Better health care and safety have reduced the chance of early deaths.

Alzhei-mer's disease is the most common cause of dementia - causing 50 to 70 percent of dementia cases. Alzheimer's is now considered to be the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. Nearly half of people over age 85 may have Alzheimer's. There is a lot that is not understood about the causes of Alzheimer's.