COVID-19 a bigger threat to seniors than pneumonia, real-world study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 09, 2023
COVID-19 is much more deadly than bacterial or viral pneumonia, causing double the mortality rate in older, hospitalized adults, investigators say.
Clinical briefs for Monday, Dec. 12
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 12, 2022
With repeal of Pentagon’s vaccine mandate, will CMS mandate remain a sure thing? … Hospital beds are 80% full nationwide, only 6% due to COVID … AHCA urges nursing homes to get involved in ’game-changing’...
Ten-year stroke mortality higher among Black Medicare recipients
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 22, 2021
A notable disparity in long-term death rates after ischemic stroke suggests that clinicians may need to take a closer look at the post-stroke recovery period — especially during the first year, researchers...
Genetic risk of teeth and gum problems tied to declining brain health
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 06, 2023
A study of brain MRIs found 43% higher microstructural damage scores in adults who are genetically prone to poor oral health.
Antibiotics use spiked in nursing homes early in pandemic, studies find
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2021
Nursing homes saw a big jump in certain antibiotic prescriptions early in the pandemic, and more than half of hospitalized COVID-19 patients received antibiotics in the first six months, researchers say.
Study pinpoints mortality risk after major surgery for frail seniors with dementia
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 29, 2022
Among frail seniors who had major surgery, 28% died in the following year. Mortality was even higher in those with dementia. The results may aid clinicians in counseling patients and their families about...
High optimism levels tied to ‘exceptional longevity’
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jun 10, 2022
Optimism appears to promote good health and long lifespans across diverse racial and ethnic groups, according to a large study using data from the Women’s Health Initiative.
Harms of overdiagnosis outweigh benefits of mammography after age 75: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 24, 2021
Overdiagnosis and overtreatment after late-life screenings may harm more older women than are helped — especially those with multiple comorbidities, investigators say.
Physical, occupational therapy tied to better resident outcomes across all PALTC settings
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 07, 2021
Most patients in post-acute care settings reap functional benefits and see reduced rehospitalization from physical therapy and occupational therapy, finds a new study across 1.4 million Medicare beneficiaries.
Head injury doubles 30-year mortality risk, deaths tied to neuro diseases: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 24, 2023
The more severe the injury, the greater the risk, investigators report. Many of these eventual deaths are linked to neurological conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.