Falls may be an Alzheimer’s precursor, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 14, 2020
Early brain changes may be the culprit when an older person with no signs of cognitive decline has a fall, researchers say. Such falls tend to occur about five years before memory loss and confusion arise.
Falls, disability in seniors with Afib tied to lower anticoagulant use
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 30, 2020
Fully 82% of seniors with atrial fibrillation in a new study experienced falls and functional disabilities. The rate of anticoagulant use decreased as the number of problems rose, researchers found.
Evidence fails to support vitamin D screenings in asymptomatic adults, task force finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 24, 2020
Vitamin D treatment in adults with low levels but no symptoms of deficiency has no effect on most health outcomes, including fractures, depression and diabetes, a new analysis shows.
High-dairy diet cuts fractures by a third across 60 long-term care facilities
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 16, 2020
A boost in milk, cheese and yogurt consumption for thousands of residents over two years was tied to a significant drop in falls and fracture incidence, investigators say.
NIH falls prevention study shows no difference from usual care
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 09, 2020
A managed, individualized prevention plan did not appear to affect the length of time to a new, serious fall. The study involved 5,000 at-risk adults.
Clinical Briefs for Thursday, June 4
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 03, 2020
Hospice use is highest in assisted living settings, study finds … Bio-inspired shoe grips may help seniors keep their footing, say Harvard engineers … Pentagon official says COVID-19 vaccine a ‘reasonable’...
Key factors can help predict fear of falling, prevent consequences
By
Alicia Lasek
May 21, 2020
A set of identifiable factors can help to predict which seniors will develop a fear of falling — and who might benefit most from interventions, say investigators.
Specialists issue sound advice for reducing falls
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 14, 2020
Good hearing helps seniors stay balanced when other senses are less reliable, say otolaryngologists.
Vision problems common in Parkinson’s; screening prevents falls, doctors assert
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 13, 2020
Parkinson’s patients carry a heavy burden of eye disease, but treatment can help improve daily function, say researchers.
CDC notes sharp rise in falls-related deaths, offers tips
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 08, 2020
Elderly individuals account for the greatest rise in a growing number of deaths from fall-related traumatic brain injuries, according to a new report.