Dear Dr. Gott: I am an 85-year-old lady. I have a stinging and burning sensation when I urinate. My doctor told me it was because of my hormones and prescribed a vaginal hormone pill, which I use twice a week.

I read an article in a magazine that said women my age shouldn't use hormones because it will hasten Alzheimer's disease. Is this true?

Dear reader: Burning and stinging during urination is often a sign of a urinary-tract infection. I trust you were tested (and found to be negative) for this possibility before your physician then diagnosed vaginal atrophy due to low hormone levels. If not, I urge you to return to the doctor and request he test you.

Because I am neither a gynecologist nor a neurologist, I must defer on the subject of hormones and Alzheimer's disease.

Several years ago, there were reports that female hormone-replacement therapy may decrease the risk of dementia or cognitive decline in post-menopausal women.

Then there were reports that it could increase the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Later, studies were conducted to determine whether oestrogen could slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Dear Dr. Gott: I read in your recent column that the vaccine for shingles is not intended for people who have already had shingles and want to prevent the possibility of future outbreaks.

Please clarify this, as I had shingles about a year ago and was then given the vaccination last fall to help prevent further outbreaks. I'm only 54, thus younger than the age the vaccine is usually recommended for.

Dear reader: I stand corrected. When the article on shingles appeared in mid-May, I indicated the Zostavax injection is not intended for use by people who have already had shingles.

I should have stated it is not intended for use by people who (currently) have shingles and want to prevent future outbreaks.

This information was updated by the CDC in October 2008.

While there is no maximum age for getting the vaccine, the CDC recommends it for use in people 60 and older as a preventive. It is unclear just how long the coverage lasts, but it is predicted to be effective for at least six years. Ongoing studies will prove whether it will last longer.

People who should not get the vaccine include those with a weakened immune system, life-threatening allergic reactions, history of bone-marrow or lymphatic cancer, have active and untreated tuberculosis, severe allergies to any components of the vaccine, HIV/AIDS with a T-cell count below 200, or are pregnant or might be pregnant.

Speak with your physician to determine whether the vaccine is right for you. And thank you for pointing out the misleading suggestion.

I believe it is safe to say at this point that nothing conclusive has been found; therefore, your best option for further information is to speak to the physician who prescribed the hormone tablets.

If you are experiencing problems with memory or other cognitive facilities, make an appointment with a neurologist. He or she can also provide more information about the current status of female hormones and Alzheimer's disease.

To provide related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports "Alzheimer's Disease" and "Bladder and Urinary Tract Infections".

Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a check or money order for $2 per report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure mention the title(s).

Dr. Peter Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores, and the recently published "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook." Write directly to Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th fl., New York, NY 10016.