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.
Missed opportunity: Patients fare poorly in long-term acute care hospitals
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 27, 2019
Most patients who recover in long-term acute care hospitals die within five years. Some may be missing a chance for more appropriate end-of-life care.
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...
Clinical decisions for incapacitated elders often conflict with surrogates’ wishes, finds study
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 11, 2020
While the overall amount of discord is concerning, residents from nursing homes stand out as the most likely to receive hospital care that aligns with surrogates’ goals, say investigators.
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...
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.
AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine triggers immune response in older people
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 20, 2020
The experimental vaccine was safe and well-tolerated among all 560 trial participants, including adults aged 70 and older, the company said Thursday.
Exercise may keep mild cognitive impairment from advancing to dementia
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 13, 2020
Study participants who began a weekly exercise routine after diagnosis with MCI had an 11% lower risk of progressing to Alzheimer’s when compared with people who did not exercise at all, a new study...