Virtual reality shows promise in managing psychosocial disorders in older adults
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Apr 26, 2023
Fully immersive virtual reality is an emerging and promising therapeutic tool to manage psychosocial disorders in older adults, investigators report.
Psychiatric disorders may raise risk of COVID-19 re-infection: Research
By
John Hall
Apr 19, 2022
Fully vaccinated COVID-19 survivors with a history of certain psychiatric disorders may be pre-disposed to reinfection, researchers from the San Francisco Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System and the...
Seniors with late-onset depression have poor treatment response
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 15, 2022
About one fifth of the patients aged 65 and older with first-time depression did not respond to antidepressant treatment during a one-year study period.
Pandemic safety measures raised seniors’ risk for depression, anxiety, analysts say
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 05, 2022
Older adults who stayed at home and practiced social distancing during the pandemic were more likely to experience mental health problems, including twice the risk of depressive symptoms, a new study finds.
Residents’ lack of energy may signal malnutrition; full assessment advised
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2021
In a study of 13 nursing homes, fully 43% of residents reported that they lacked energy, and 12% were malnourished. The two problems were significantly linked, investigators say.
Screen older adults for pandemic-related mental health concerns, researchers say
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 29, 2021
Twenty percent of older poll respondents reported worse mental health, including sleep troubles, depression and anxiety. Screening for symptoms and ensuring accessible treatment will help prevent long-term...
Clinical briefs for Tuesday, May 11
By
Alicia Lasek
May 11, 2021
Dementia diagnoses and mental health service use drop among elders during pandemic … Alzheimer’s patients’ depression scores rose after pandemic lockdown … Fully 71% of U.S. seniors now vaccinated...
Half of hospitalized COVID survivors have symptoms 4 months later, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 22, 2021
Discharged patients who underwent a comprehensive physical exam at 4 months had fatigue, loss of physical function, sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment, investigators report.
Resident poll reveals pandemic’s emotional toll: Frail elders need ‘something to live for’
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 02, 2020
A direct poll of nursing home residents in 36 states reveals a “drastic” reduction in social activities and a steep increase in reported loneliness. “Innovative distance socializing” may help address...
Seniors report more virtual contact, worse mental health during pandemic lockdowns
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 31, 2020
Mental health took a hit, but seniors seemed to be adapting to shelter-in-place conditions this spring, a new study finds. More than half spent more time socializing remotely, and most used internet technology...