Geriatrics/Aging
RSSArticles
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The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Fractures, Falls, and Bone Mineral Density
The authors of this systemic review, random-effect meta-analysis, and trial sequence analysis suggested that vitamin D supplementation does not have clinically significant effects on bone mineral density or the prevention of fractures or falls.
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Dementia Updates for Primary Care Providers
The diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have changed in recent years, with a growing focus on pathologic and genetic biomarkers. The diagnosis itself now is divided into three distinct stages: the preclinical stage, mild cognitive impairment, and clinical AD. Dementia is a common and growing problem that is associated with significant caregiver burden and immense cost. A growing focus on disease prevention and management of risk factors in mid-life is vital to attempt to mitigate the daunting impact of this illness on patients, caregivers, and the healthcare system as a whole.
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Alzheimer’s Disease: What the Primary Care Physician Needs to Know
This article explores current medical approaches to Alzheimer’s dementia, the most common subtype of the known dementias or neurocognitive disorders. Preventive treatment is at the forefront of efforts to defeat this progressively impairing disorder; but to be effective, intervention must start well before symptoms begin. The role of the primary care provider in initiating vigorous and early preventive measures and applying appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions at each stage of disease progression is reviewed and discussed.
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Acupuncture and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review of a Meta-Analysis
According to Zhou’s recent research, acupuncture is a safe option that may be effective at improving cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease when used in conjunction with certain pharmaceutical treatments.
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Statin Use and Cognitive Effects: Not a Brain Drain
Despite earlier concerns by the FDA about adverse effects of statins on cognitive functioning, a meta-analysis of data from more than 28,000 patients enrolled in 18 randomized, placebo-controlled trials of statin therapy failed to show a causal relationship between treatment and adverse neurocognitive effects for patients with and without cognitive impairment.
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Study shows issues with discharge instructions
Patients and their caregivers sometimes have difficulty recalling details of their discharge instructions, a new study finds. -
Personalize protection of patient health information to improve employee education
A hospice can have encryption on all devices that include patient information as well as a full set of policies and procedures regarding the protection of patient information, but staff education is critical to ensure safety of data, says Brian Payne, chief executive officer at Winston-Salem Hospice and Palliative CareCenter in North Carolina. -
Survey of medical records demonstrates effectiveness of POLST
According to newly published research, a program created to communicate the treatment preferences of those with advanced illness or frailty ensures those preferences are honored 94% of the time. The Program, called Physicians Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST), was launched in Oregon almost 20 years ago. -
Encrypt laptops and smartphones to prevent data breaches
In April 2010, the laptop computer of a hospice nurse in the Chicago area was stolen. The theft of a mobile device is not that unusual. -
Parents less likely to choose supportive care
Parents are more likely to choose aggressive chemotherapy for their children who are in the palliative stage of cancer than the health care professionals caring for the children, according to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.