The use of blood-pressure drugs is linked to a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and a reduced likelihood of entering a nursing home, Boston University School of Medicine researchers found.
New palliative care ethical guideline released
Jul 01, 2008
Palliative care workers are allowed to sedate some patients with intractable pain at the end of life–but only as a last-resort measure, according to a new ethical guideline approved by the American...
Consultant pharmacists group forms for-profit subsidiary
Jun 13, 2008
The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) this week announced the launch of ASCP Ventures, Inc., a for-profit subsidiary of ASCP.
Alzheimer’s drugs offer promise of treatment for other diseases
Jun 12, 2008
Drugs used to potentially treat Alzheimer’s disease may lead to advancements in the treatment of other afflictions, according to the Mayo Clinic.
OIG: Payment problems remain for Medicare Part D drugs in nursing homes
Jun 10, 2008
Two reports from the Office of Inspector General found problems with respect to the Medicare Part D program and nursing homes. One pertained to continuing payment obstacles while the other said that nursing...
Commonly used drugs can quicken cognitive decline in elderly, reports say
May 07, 2008
Anticholinergics – a group of drugs commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, urinary incontinence and acid reflux – may cause a more rapid decline in cognitive...
Study: Ibuprofen reduces risk of Alzheimer’s disease
May 07, 2008
Study subjects who took ibuprofen for at least five years registered a 40% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research. Some medicines in the same non-steroidal anti-inflammatory...
Pay attention: Ritalin might aid in elderly fall prevention
Apr 29, 2008
Ritalin, a drug commonly prescribed to improve children’s concentration in school, might have a new function in preventing falls among the elderly, according to new research.
Reform could buy ailing Medicare some time
Apr 03, 2008
Changing the rules surrounding Medicare Advantage plan pay rates could stave off Medicare insolvency by 18 months, an actuary with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services told a House subcommittee...
Report: Part D bills would pinch providers
Mar 28, 2008
Legislation that requires Medicare Part D plans to pay pharmacists within 14 days could take money away from nursing homes and Medicare Advantage plans, according to the Pharmaceutical Care Management...