Feds tell nursing homes to use vaccinated staff or lose funding: Providers cry foul
By
Danielle Brown
Aug 19, 2021
President Joe Biden announced late Wednesday afternoon that U.S. nursing homes must use workers vaccinated against COVID-19 or risk losing vital Medicare and Medicaid funding. Providers immediately criticized...
Having a good listener in one’s life may help slow cognitive decline: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 18, 2021
Older adults who have regular interactions with active listeners are more likely to have cognitive functioning that contradicts evidence of dementia-related brain changes, a new study finds.
Arthritis drug Actemra in short supply as demand for use in COVID ramps up
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 18, 2021
Demand for Actemra IV has skyrocketed due to the latest wave of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, drugmaker Genentech says. In the past two weeks alone, orders for the drug shot up to 400% of pre-COVID...
Memory loss may linger eight months after mild coronavirus infection, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 17, 2021
The results suggest that COVID-19 may not really be a mild disease, no matter its course, investigators say. They also raise the question of whether current home-treatment strategies are optimal for long-term...
Boosters on the way: LTC residents, healthcare workers may top fed’s list after CDC approves 3rd shot
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 16, 2021
The Biden administration has secured 100 million COVID-19 vaccine doses as part of a strategy to provide additional shots to already vaccinated priority groups this fall, investigators have been told....
Diabetes drug turned weight loss med spurs cost-benefit concerns for docs
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 13, 2021
The high price tag and lack of coverage for high-performing anti-obesity drug Wegovy begs the question of what the benefits of weight loss are worth to insurers and patients.
California nursing home visitors must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 12, 2021
The state is requiring that all indoor visitors to skilled nursing facilities and other healthcare settings prove full vaccination or negative SARS-CoV-2 test results. Facility operators must have a plan...
Seniors who become dizzy soon after standing risk a fall: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 11, 2021
Older patients should be routinely evaluated for a symptomless cause of chronic dizziness that can raise the odds of a fall within 12 months, investigators say.
NIH highlights decade of Alzheimer’s advancements tied to small business investments
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 11, 2021
A new paper showcases the results of 11 years of federal investment in dementia research, including advancements in care intervention, diagnostics and therapeutics.
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, Aug. 11
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 11, 2021
Proposed bill ‘great first step’ toward addressing long-term care workforce challenges … CMS offers new Section K assessment and coding training for SNF providers … ‘POLST is more than a code...