Clinical

Gait and cognitive decline

Gait slowing and cognitive decline have a lot in common, especially the hippocampus, according to U. Pitt researchers. Read More »

Mayo: Residents with Parkinson’s need melanoma screenings

Those with the movement disorder are nearly four times more likely to have skin cancer in their history, while those who have had skin cancer may have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease, a new study finds. Read More »

Diabetes and dementia risks

A medication for type 2 diabetes called metformin is the subject of a study exploring the possible effects of the drug on the development of dementia. Read More »

States must beef up LTSS for boomers

AARP concluded in a recent report that states are improving long-term services and supports (LTSS) but aren’t keeping pace with growing demand.  Read More »

Roche acquires mySugr in diabetes management deal

The two companies have been partners since 2014, and are now combining their efforts in diabetes disease management. Read More »

Retirement community tub source of Legionnaires’ disease

Two residents in a Florida retirement community tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease. Read More »

Putting humanity in healthcare

A new interdisciplinary minor will focus on healthcare at the intersection of medicine and healing.  Read More »

Staffing shortage prompts shutdown

A Good Samaritan rehabilitation unit has closed because it has had trouble filling and maintaining necessary nursing levels. Read More »

Study: MS can affect social cognition

The brain deterioration associated with multiple sclerosis can hinder a person’s ability to interact with an accurate social context, says a new study in Neurology journal. Read More »

Teaching seniors how to prevent falls

An Iowa program uses evidence-based findings to help seniors stay independent longer and avoid falls.  Read More »

Artery health related to diet

New research has found aging blood vessels is more of a reflection of a sedentary culture than genetics, suggesting healthy aging is possible.  Read More »

The chronic illness of isolation

Social isolation and loneliness can have such serious effects on mental and physical health that experts are calling them “the new smoking.” Read More »

Mobility aids increase falls risk with dementia

Researchers examine the likelihood of falling when people with dementia use a cane or walker.  Read More »

Substance abuse among older adults

What’s the profile of a drug abuser? Unfortunately, one of the age groups seeing increased opioid misuse is age 50-64. Read More »

Pneumonia antibiotics often ineffective, study finds

A new study found nearly one in four adults with pneumonia did not respond to prescribed treatment. Read More »

Getting a lift

Hoyer lifts may help staff feel more secure about resident transfers, but blogger Kathleen Mears feels more uncomfortable and less independent when she can’t stand on her own two feet.  Read More »

The many faces of Alzheimer’s

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is difficult. Atypical forms of the disease can be even more challenging to identify, requiring different assessment tools and interventions. Read More »

American Heart Association and home care startup partner for heart and stroke care

A startup home care company, Honor, is joining forces with the American Heart Association to bring front-line research and protocols to patients at home. Read More »

Calif. health plan tackles senior isolation

Loneliness and isolation affect almost half of adults over age 65, yet few clinical programs address them head on as medical factors that affect treatment outcomes. Read More »

Recurrent falls linked to foot pain, posture

Researchers found increased recurrent falls can be attributed to foot pain and flat feet.  Read More »

Closing the gap on end-of-life care wishes

When it comes to the last stage of life, there’s a big difference between what people say they want and what they do about it, notes a new Massachusetts survey. Read More »

Drug-resistant bacteria on hand—and in the nursing home

A new review shows that, on average, 27 percent of nursing home residents had multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) on them, highlighting the importance of infection prevention programs. Read More »

Pixie Scientific launches UTI sensor pads

The infection-detecting pads monitor for urinary tract infections and send an alert to care teams. Read More »

Argentum honors caregiver heroes

The annual awards recognize excellence in providing care and resident quality of life. Read More »

Raising my voice

Resident blogger Kathleen Mears speaks about what it’s like to get laryngitis and why it’s especially scary and difficult as a quadriplegic.  Read More »

Will RUGs be swept under the rug?

A new advanced rule-making notice from CMS seems to indicate that Resource Utilization Groups (RUGs) may be headed for big changes, especially for SNF therapy billing. But, what will replace them? Read More »

Medicaid, Medicare and Mary Jane

Surprise—states that have legalized medical marijuana have far lower Medicaid and Medicare Part D prescription costs for certain chronic conditions, say recent studies. Will this get CMS' attention? Read More »

Physical therapy: Experience vs. equipment

Physical therapists must balance high-tech tools with acquired tricks of the trade to help patients get better, and stay better. Read More »

Existing med shows promise for Parkinson’s

An old drug may be the newest treatment for advanced Parkinson’s disease.  Read More »

Clinical app for diabetes goes commercial

Digital health company WellDoc has launched a consumer version of its diabetes management platform and has partnered with Samsung to help more people with the chronic condition. Read More »