Record U.S. COVID surge reaches America’s oldest populations … Large study shows COVID antibodies may wear off … Treat insomnia and depression together in elders with asthma, researchers say...
‘We want more tests, not less’: HHS doubles down on COVID antigen testing
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 27, 2020
Testing is critical to keeping the coronavirus in check in long-term care facilities as U.S. case counts trend back upward, said Adm. Brett Giroir, M.D. Federal agencies continue to deliver antigen tests...
AstraZeneca’s COVID vaccine boosts immune response in older adults
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 27, 2020
The experimental vaccine also reduced the risk of adverse events in older study participants, the drugmaker reports.
Smell test may be health status tip-off in seniors
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 27, 2020
Clinically diagnosed olfactory dysfunction was strongly linked to five-year mortality among adults aged 65 and older — but not in those aged 40 to 64.
Clinical briefs for Tuesday, Oct. 27
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 27, 2020
Universal mask-wearing could cut 130,000 U.S. COVID deaths by March, study finds … Hard physical labor ups dementia risk; ‘good’ activity has reverse effect … Surgery may help bridge the breast...
COVID trial vaccines may be inadequate, some FDA advisors fear
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 26, 2020
The current vaccine trials may be too focused on mild rather than severe disease, some advisors contend. But their arguments got pushback in a meeting streamed on the agency’s YouTube channel.
Painkiller use tied to higher mortality after outpatient surgery in seniors
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 26, 2020
Clinicians should be aware of preoperative opioid exposure levels to ensure older patients’ safe recovery, and to help determine the dosage of post-surgical painkillers, researchers say.
Clinical briefs for Monday, Oct. 26
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 26, 2020
Researchers identify why night shift work causes internal clock confusion … Shortages of staple drugs grow … ‘Not just a nursing home issue’: COVID a challenge in affordable senior housing: LeadingAge...
LTC, community pharmacies vie for role in federal COVID vaccine initiative
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 23, 2020
Nursing home and assisted living operators should talk with their existing pharmacy provider about their capability to participate in the federal government’s new COVID-19 vaccine delivery program,...
Omnicare’s Jim Love: COVID vaccine delivery will mirror CVS flu clinic program
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 23, 2020
CVS Health will apply its experience with onsite flu vaccination and COVID-19 testing to its new role as a partner in the federal government’s long-term care COVID-19 vaccination efforts, Omnicare President...