Flu could make a comeback in US this season, CDC report suggests
By
Kristen Fischer
Feb 06, 2024
After the winter holidays, flu activity fell in the United States, but another peak could be on the horizon, according to a report published recently by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...
Report ties higher lung cancer, COPD to weaker smoking laws
By
Kristen Fischer
Feb 06, 2024
States that have the highest rates of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease are the same ones that have less-restrictive smoking laws, according to a new report.
PEPPER’s pause doesn’t wipe out prospects for nursing home self-monitoring
By
Kimberly Marselas
Feb 06, 2024
Federal regulators have suspended a key tool used by some nursing homes for internal auditing, but experts cautioned providers not to let the stoppage hinder their compliance efforts.
Mild COVID-19 can bring on insomnia, especially in those with anxiety or depression
By
Kristen Fischer
Feb 05, 2024
Insomnia following a COVID-19 hospitalization already was well known among the medical community, but a new study finds that mild COVID-19 infections also are linked to the sleeping problem — especially...
Amyloid buildup, small vessel disease tied to cognitive function in older adults with type 2 diabetes
By
Kristen Fischer
Feb 05, 2024
Scientists don’t have all the answers when it comes to understanding the link between diabetes and cognitive decline, especially when it comes to biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease.
The RAC is back, increasing scrutiny in a complex nursing home audit environment
By
Kimberly Marselas
Feb 05, 2024
Audits of skilled nursing providers are likely to increase this year, with a growing number of federal and state recovery audits adding to specialized compliance reviews announced last year.
Ensign adds states and courts managed care but legal issues threaten
By
Kimberly Marselas
Feb 02, 2024
The Ensign Group is pursuing a double-pronged expansion, building out relationships with managed care partners as it also plans to build up holdings in its newest market.
PALTC annual conference kicks off March 9 in San Antonio
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 02, 2024
The annual conference for the association dedicated to medical directors in post-acute and long-term care runs March 9-11 in San Antonio.
Exercise loosely linked to better cognitive ability in older age: report
By
Kristen Fischer
Feb 02, 2024
Exercise is linked to having better cognition later in life, although there is not a strong tie between staying active and improved cognitive ability, according to a new analysis of multiple studies.
Stroke makes dementia risk about 3 times higher within first year, data show
By
Kristen Fischer
Feb 02, 2024
People who have a stroke may have a higher risk for developing dementia. In fact, the risk for dementia was the highest in the first year post-stroke and stayed high in the subsequent 20 years.