Metformin may prevent a common cause of vision loss in aging
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 01, 2021
The diabetes drug metformin may protect against age-related macular degeneration, a potentially blinding condition for which there appears to be no effective preventive measures, researchers contend.
Makers of newer vaccines tout advantages as trial results and approvals announced
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 01, 2021
Two drugmakers say their vaccines, which include J&J’s one-dose candidate, are effective against new coronavirus variants, while AstraZeneca’s vaccine is now approved for adults across the...
A nap’s benefits: Afternoon snooze tied to better memory in older adults
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 01, 2021
A new study has found significantly better cognitive function results in older adults who take a regular afternoon nap. But “unintentional” nappers didn’t perform as well on word recall,...
Clinical briefs for Monday, Feb. 1
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 01, 2021
Advocates make fresh plea for prioritizing independent living in COVID vaccination clinics … Eli Lilly to test its approved antibody therapy against new COVID variants … FDA extends review for Biogen’s...
Nurses union to FDA: Mask decontamination never should have been OK’d
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 29, 2021
The reuse of N95 respirators and other single-use PPE is unsafe, according to the lead hygienist of National Nurses United. The union is heartened by President Joe Biden’s promise to use the Defense...
GAO: Nursing homes unlikely to use point-of-care COVID tests in states that question accuracy
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 29, 2021
A disconnect between federal and state or local policies has a direct effect on POC antigen test use in these settings, according to a comprehensive report released Thursday by the U.S. Government Accountability...
A first: Mammography screening guidelines issued for older breast cancer survivors
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 29, 2021
The guidance, developed by a national panel of experts, aims to correct the inconsistent use of mammography in this population, especially when life expectancy is limited, the authors say.
Clinical briefs for Friday, Jan. 29
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 29, 2021
Nursing assistants now can be certified to administer meds in assisted living … California patient dies soon after COVID-19 vaccination; investigations underway … COVID vaccine rash harmless, doctors...
Drinking alcohol is a valued pastime for some long-term care residents, but purposeful policies can keep the practice from becoming a moral, logistical and legal quagmire for facility operators, say forensic...
Veterans more likely to lose a limb to chronic disease than battle, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 27, 2021
An analysis of health records from veterans up to age 76 show that peripheral arterial disease and diabetes are prevalent in amputees, while trauma is rarely a cause of amputation.