Seniors’ sense of smell weakens, but not their enjoyment of food, researchers find
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 13, 2021
The sense of smell declines with age, but this loss doesn’t happen across the board, a new study shows. The findings may help care providers improve the meals and dining experiences of older adults in...
Trinity Health mandates COVID-19 vaccine for employees, contractors
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Jul 13, 2021
Trinity Health has more than 117,000 employees in 22 states. Employees at most locations will be required to submit proof of vaccination by Sept. 21, but some locations will set their own deadlines.
Clinical briefs for Tuesday, July 13
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 13, 2021
FDA to add warning of rare nerve condition to J&J COVID-19 vaccine … Biden combats drug pricing in executive order; imports from Canada a possibility … Neurologists issue ethical guidance for dementia...
CDC says COVID-19 vaccine boosters not yet necessary, while Pfizer seeks approval for third dose
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 12, 2021
Fully vaccinated Americans do not need a COVID-19 booster shot at this time, according to federal health officials. But Pfizer has asked to offer a third dose of its current vaccine and is developing an...
Biden executive order targets hearing aid access, affordability
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 12, 2021
The order calls for HHS rules that would allow over-the-counter sales of hearing aids. Most people must visit a specialist or doctor for access to the devices — a needless and costly barrier, according...
FDA calls for investigation into its approval of controversial Alzheimer’s drug
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 12, 2021
The acting chief of the Food and Drug Administration has called for an investigation into the events leading up to the approval of Biogen’s brain plaque-clearing dementia drug aducanumab (Aduhelm).
Clinical briefs for Monday, July 12
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 12, 2021
Judge rejects claim that Zostavax caused man’s shingles eight years later … Get blood sugar under control early in type 2 diabetes to cut odds of these poor outcomes: experts … Arthritis drug reduces...
FDA limits use of new dementia drug Aduhelm to mild cognitive impairment only
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 09, 2021
The FDA’s new label restricts Aduhelm’s use to Alzheimer’s patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, drugmaker Biogen announced Thursday.
Docs ignore EHR nudges to deprescribe dementia-linked drugs: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 09, 2021
An attempt to encourage reduced use of anticholinergics failed to win the attention of physicians and patients, according to a new study.
Hospital surges tied to lower COVID-19 survival rates; cases rising mostly in the unvaccinated
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 09, 2021
Surges accounted for about 1 in every 4 U.S. COVID-19 hospital deaths through Oct. 2020, analysts say. This trend continued even as more effective treatments became available.