Alzheimer’s drug donanemab finds late-stage trial success, safety concerns
By
Alicia Lasek
May 04, 2023
The experimental drug donanemab appears to halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and slow certain measures of clinical decline, new trial data show.
Eli Lilly expects Medicare about-face on Alzheimer’s drugs coverage
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 23, 2023
New data on Lilly’s experimental drug donanemab may influence CMS’s restrictive stance on coverage of this and other amyloid-busting Alzheimer’s treatments, a company executive says.
Survey: U.S. neurologists would prescribe Leqembi if fully approved
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 12, 2023
A “healthy proportion” of surveyed neurologists have already begun prescribing the treatment, and nearly all said they planned to do so if traditional FDA approval is granted.
Benefits of Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi persist when treatment is halted, trial shows
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 09, 2023
A relative slowing of cognitive decline continues for up to two years in patients who stop taking the recently authorized drug, clinical trial data reveal.
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 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...
VHA to cover new Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi, despite CMS’s restraint
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 14, 2023
The Veterans Health Administration will provide coverage for the recently approved drug lecanemab (Leqembi) to qualified veterans with early Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a surprise move considering...
Nursing homes reimagine frontline roles, seek smoother regulatory pathways
By
Kimberly Marselas
Feb 22, 2023
In the wake of a historic shortage of nurses and assistants, America’s nursing homes have been forced to get creative when it comes to hiring, scheduling and retaining workers.
CMS to begin audits for schizophrenia coding, says citations will affect quality ratings
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 19, 2023
The agency will start auditing nursing homes this month to determine whether residents’ schizophrenia diagnoses are accurate and appropriately coded. A pattern of inaccurate coding may result in a quality...