Early vaccination sped up decline in COVID infections, study in Genesis facilities finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 20, 2021
Nursing homes that administered shots early in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout experienced a lower rate of new infections compared to later-vaccinating sites. The results underscore the efficacy of the drugs...
Untracked COVID: Nursing home workers have died at twice the rate of hospital workers
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 09, 2021
Nursing home care providers have the sad distinction of accounting for a large proportion of healthcare workers’ COVID deaths, according to new 2020 data that was not tracked by the U.S. government....
Deep sleep may buffer against memory loss in those with Alzheimer’s brain changes: study
By
Alicia Lasek
May 05, 2023
Deep sleep may help build cognitive reserve, increasing resilience against the effects of beta-amyloid brain changes, investigators report.
Excessive daytime sleepiness predicts mortality in nursing home residents
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 16, 2023
Excessive daytime sleepiness predicts both mortality and the presence of age-related comorbidities in the long-stay nursing home population, investigators report.
CMS: Seniors to benefit as feds slash Medicare Part B co-insurances for 27 drugs
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2023
A provision of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will slash Medicare Part B co-insurances for 27 drugs between $2 and $390 per average dose beginning April 1. Certain vaccine cost-sharing will also be...
Diabetes indicators improve with use of health incentives, CDC study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 10, 2022
Incentivizing patients to follow a lifestyle modification program helps them to improve a full range of diabetes-related health measures, according to a new meta-analysis.
Need for liver transplants soaring among older Americans
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 19, 2021
The number of older Americans needing liver transplants has skyrocketed, with some of the increase due to rising cases of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a fatty liver disease that can cause liver...
Long-term care facility docs vs. aides: CDC study finds wide vaccination gulf
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 03, 2021
There is a 30% difference in COVID-19 vaccination coverage between LTC physicians and facility aides, CDC reports. And rates among aides are lowest in zip codes where vulnerability to poor health outcomes...
Repeat falls less likely when older adults receive cognitive training, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
May 17, 2023
Repeat falls are 31% less likely over a 10-year period when older adults receive speed of processing training, new findings show.
The impact of chronic disease and the inequitable burden of COVID-19 must be addressed as the U.S. moves into a new pandemic phase, two experts contend.