FDA advisers support full approval of Paxlovid for at-risk older adults
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2023
The antiviral drug Paxlovid should receive full FDA approval to treat COVID-19 in older adults at risk of severe outcomes, the advisers decided in a Thursday vote.
Initial symptoms of dementia predict speed of progression, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2023
No matter the type of underlying brain changes, the first cognitive symptoms of dementia help predict long-term functional outcomes, researchers report.
Clinical briefs for Friday, March 17
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2023
FDA silent on question of spring COVID boosters, as other countries push ahead … COVID vaccine efficacy against BA.4/5 hospital stay fell from 68% to 36% after 4 months: study … Latest omicron variant...
Clinical briefs for Thursday, March 16
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2023
J&J adds heart warning to its COVID-19 vaccine fact sheet … Under pressure, Novo Nordisk may lower insulin prices up to 75% … Delirium leads to disability in hospitalized seniors: study … Physical...
Floor swabs an early warning sign of COVID-19 outbreaks, researchers say
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2023
A 14-month program in 10 long-term care facilities has found that floor swabs accurately detect a COVID-19 outbreak days before it is identified by staff members.
Clinicians missing ‘critical’ step in Alzheimer’s diagnoses, 2023 report finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2023
Clinicians are not proactive in engaging patients on the subject of memory concerns, missing a key chance for timely diagnosis and early treatment, finds an Alzheimer’s Association report released...
CMS: Seniors to benefit as feds slash Medicare Part B co-insurances for 27 drugs
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2023
A provision of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will slash Medicare Part B co-insurances for 27 drugs between $2 and $390 per average dose beginning April 1. Certain vaccine cost-sharing will also be...
Medicare costs could soar with availability of new obesity drugs, experts say
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 15, 2023
If efforts are successful to expand Medicare Part D to cover these drugs, premiums could soar, according to economists with Vanderbilt University and the University of Chicago.
End-of-life care stable during pandemic, but spiritual care lacking for some: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 15, 2023
Dementia and the pandemic did not have a significant impact on caregivers’ overall ratings of care quality. But people with dementia were more likely to have unmet spiritual needs.
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, March 15
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 15, 2023
Bill would require senior living communities to recognize essential caregivers … Home oxygen groups request continued flexibilities at PHE’s end … Medicare enrollment has surged among kidney failure...