Dementia decline could be slowed by antiseizure meds in some cases, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 05, 2022
The results revealed profound early decline among dementia patients with active seizures, including worse cognitive and mental health, and daily functioning.
Vision impairment, blindness affect 66 percent of nursing home residents in study
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 29, 2022
Vision impairment and blindness were linked to morbidity in a study across 74 facilities. But corrective lenses may play a big role in improving resident outcomes, researchers say.
Beta blockers may reduce mortality in patients with heart disease and dementia
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 21, 2022
Beta blocker therapy is associated with significantly lower short- and long-term mortality rates among all patients with a common type of heart failure, investigators say.
OIG urges CMS to evaluate home health use of telehealth
By
Diane Eastabrook
Oct 21, 2022
The Office of Inspector General has urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to evaluate how the use of telehealth affected the quality of home healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.
First human trial of Pfizer’s bivalent booster finds shot safe, effective
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 14, 2022
New data from a trial in humans shows that the omicron-adapted COVID-19 booster made by Pfizer and BioNTech is safe and effective in older adults, according to the drugmakers.
Survey: Overuse of constipation drugs suggests need for more clinician input
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 07, 2022
Half of patients who use over-the-counter drugs for constipation do not use them as recommended, and many do not discuss their problem with a physician, a new survey finds.
Study finds 57 percent of previously healthy COVID survivors have lasting cardiac issues
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 19, 2022
Cardiac symptoms may linger for at least a year in some patients who recover from mild cases of COVID-19, researchers have found.
New U.S. poll shows high incidence of arthritis, reliance on medication for pain
Sep 13, 2022
A notable proportion of seniors rely on prescription drugs to manage their arthritis pain, but haven’t discussed the health risks with their clinicians, researchers report.
Most nursing homes lack tech capacity to communicate with clinical partners
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 09, 2022
Fully 68% of facilities surveyed nationwide were unable to communicate electronically with external partners, including clinics, labs or pharmacies, researchers from the Columbia University School of Nursing...
Vaccines slash risk of ‘long COVID’ symptoms by up to 80%: study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 09, 2022
Patients who are vaccinated against COVID-19 are much less likely to report having long-term effects of the disease, investigators report.