Hospital discharge pressures build as nursing homes clamor for help … Telehealth may work best as supplement to in-person care for seniors … LTC delirium screening raises odds of psychoactive prescription...
Booster shots key to protecting seniors from omicron variant, large CDC studies find
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 24, 2022
A third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines has been significantly more effective in preventing severe COVID-19 outcomes during the rise of the omicron variant than the primary doses alone, according...
State to test nursing home residents for antibodies, weigh need for 4th vax
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 24, 2022
The state of Maryland will test nursing home residents for COVID-19 antibodies in a proactive effort to determine whether or not they should be offered a fourth vaccine dose, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced...
Antipsychotics raise mortality risk in dementia no matter comorbidities, investigators say
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 24, 2022
Antipsychotics are associated with a higher risk of death in older adults with dementia, with none of the excess risk due to the drugs’ interactions with cardiovascular comorbidities or diabetes,...
Clinical briefs for Monday, Jan. 24
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 24, 2022
Debate over visitor access rages as more states require vaccination … Alzheimer’s Association, Joint Commission launch effort to improve memory care in assisted living, nursing homes … Nursing home...
AARP calls on nursing homes to require COVID-19 boosters for residents, staff
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 21, 2022
COVID-19 infections are at an all-time high among residents and staff and resident death rates are rising. Now is the time to “get shots in arms,” AARP leaders urged operators.
Remdesivir cuts risk of severe COVID-19 by 87 percent in non-hospitalized patients
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 21, 2022
The results suggest that remdesivir (brand name Veklury) could be used to treat outpatients early in the disease course, researchers say. The drug currently is authorized for use only in hospitalized COVID-19...
Two hours of weekly exercise helps patients with Parkinson’s maintain mobility
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 21, 2022
Patients with early-stage Parkinson’s disease extended their physical and cognitive abilities with a modest amount of moderate exercise each week, a new study finds.
Clinical briefs for Friday, Jan. 21
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 21, 2022
More nursing homes require COVID-19 tests of visitors; families are complaining … HHS to funnel $103 million into healthcare worker training, retention … Scientists project end to omicron wave, but...
CDC: Prior infection plus vaccination tied to lower COVID-19 case rates
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 20, 2022
A new public health study suggests not only that vaccination protects against developing severe illness, but that surviving a bout with COVID-19 prevents reinfection, investigators say.