Damage to inner ear helps explain increased falls risk in Alzheimer’s
Mar 11, 2022
Study participants who had vestibular impairment — or damage to the inner ear’s balance system — were 50% more likely to fall than their peers who had normal function, researchers found.
New behavior management guidelines support person-centered dementia care
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 18, 2020
Properly addressing the distress that underlies dementia-related behaviors is key to improving quality of life and preventing rapid decline in these patients, according to new guidance from leading dementia...
Mental disorders increase risk of dementia later in life
By
Amy Novotney
Feb 17, 2022
Preventing and treating mental health disorders earlier in life might reduce or delay the risk of cognitive decline, according to a new study.
Only half of medical residents consistently complete SNF discharge summaries for patients, survey finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 18, 2021
Medical residents don’t appear to know as much about transitioning patients to post-acute care as they say they do, a new survey finds. With discharges to post-acute care expected to spike, closing this...
Exercising three times a week improves memory in older adults, study finds
By
Caroline Szachnowski
Feb 22, 2022
In a recent study, University of Pittsburgh psychologists found that exercising three times a week is linked to episodic memory retention in older adults.
New definition of “pain” considers the elderly
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 17, 2020
For the first time in 40 years, a global authority has revised its clinical definition of pain, recognizing those who can’t describe their experience verbally.
CMS must refine data on antipsychotic drug use in nursing homes, OIG says
By
Alicia Lasek
May 07, 2021
The Minimum Data Set should not be CMS’ sole source for determining the number of nursing home residents using antipsychotic drugs, according to a new report from HHS’ Office of the Inspector General.
Dementia risk rises with younger age of type 2 diabetes onset: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 30, 2021
The odds of dementia in later life are greater the younger an adult is when diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, investigators say. But prediabetes and late-life diabetes diagnoses are not linked to subsequent...
Despite PPE, healthcare workers face greater risk of positive COVID-19 test
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 04, 2020
Frontline providers with access to “adequate” personal protective equipment are three times more likely to test positive for the coronavirus than the general public. The rate rises to fivefold among...
Surgery may accelerate Alzheimer’s in at-risk patients, scientists contend
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 22, 2021
Memory test scores were significantly worse nine months after surgery in study participants who had markers of Alzheimer’s brain plaques, but no sign of dementia before surgery.