Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Geriatrics for May 2018. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative Improves Care Delivery
THURSDAY, May 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Introducing the Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative (CPC), a health care delivery model developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), improves primary care delivery but does not reduce Medicare spending enough to cover care management fees, according to a study published online May 23 in Health Affairs.
No Consistent Cardiovascular Benefit Seen for Supplements
THURSDAY, May 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The data on popular supplements show no consistent cardiovascular benefit, according to a study published in the June 5 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Variables ID’d to Predict Height Loss in Postmenopausal Women
THURSDAY, May 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A set of commonly available variables may be useful in predicting the five-year risk of height loss ≥1 inch in postmenopausal women, according to a study published online May 7 in Menopause.
Review IDs Exercise ‘Dose’ That May Improve Cognition in Seniors
THURSDAY, May 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For older adults, exercise is associated with improved cognition, with exercising for at least 52 hours over a six month period for about an hour each session associated with improved cognitive skills, according to a review published online May 30 in Neurology: Clinical Practice.
ASHP: SVP, Injectable Opioid Shortages Threaten Patient Care
THURSDAY, May 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The widespread shortages of injectable opioids and small-volume parenteral (SVP) solutions are jeopardizing patient care and placing a strain on hospital operations, according to a report published by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
ACS Updates Colorectal Cancer Screening to Start at Age 45
WEDNESDAY, May 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening should begin at age 45 for people at average risk, according to updated guidelines from the American Cancer Society published online May 30 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Older Adults Often Reluctant to Set Up Secure Patient Portal
WEDNESDAY, May 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — About half of older adults report having set up a patient portal, according to survey results from the National Poll on Healthy Aging.
Annual Health Care Expenditure Higher for Hypertensive Patients
WEDNESDAY, May 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Individuals with hypertension have a higher annual adjusted incremental expenditure of $1,920, according to a study published online May 30 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Senior CA Patients Also Benefit From Palliative Radiotherapy
WEDNESDAY, May 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — All patients with painful bone metastasis should be referred for palliative radiotherapy to relieve the pain, regardless of age, according to a study published online May 23 in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology.
Recommendations Developed for Improving Women’s Health Care
WEDNESDAY, May 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women face unique health challenges across their lifetimes, and policies should be implemented to improve their health outcomes, according to a position paper published online May 29 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
CDC: Outpatient Rehab Rates Suboptimal for Stroke Survivors
WEDNESDAY, May 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In 2015, 35.5 percent of adult stroke survivors used outpatient rehabilitation, up from 31.2 percent in 2013, according to research published in the May 25 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Associative Memory Test Aids Prediction of Dementia Risk
TUESDAY, May 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Among older adults with a minor decline on a screening test for cognitive ability, an additional three-minute test of associative memory can improve identification of patients at increased risk of developing dementia over the next several years, according to a study published in the May/June issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Gaps in Care Post Discharge for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
TUESDAY, May 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are considerable gaps in follow-up care for patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) who have been discharged from the hospital, according to a study published online May 25 in JAMA Network Open.
New Hypertension Guideline Discussed for Older Adults
TUESDAY, May 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Clinicians caring for older adults with hypertension should be mindful of the specific blood pressure (BP) goals proven to reduce cardiovascular disease events, while adopting the new 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) hypertension guideline, according to an article published online May 20 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Insomnia Found to Be Common but Mild in Older Adults
TUESDAY, May 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insomnia is common in older community-dwelling adults, but usually mild, according to a study published online May 21 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Increase in Tx Candidates With 2017 Hypertension Guidelines
FRIDAY, May 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association hypertension guideline is associated with an increase in the proportion of adults recommended for antihypertensive treatment compared with the 2014 guideline, according to a study published online May 23 in JAMA Cardiology.
CDC IDs Outbreak Trends Tied to Treated Recreational Water
FRIDAY, May 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Outbreaks associated with treated recreational water with confirmed infectious etiology are usually caused by Cryptosporidium, Legionella, or Pseudomonas, according to research published in the May 18 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
CPAP Use May Improve Sexual QOL in Those With Sleep Apnea
FRIDAY, May 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Successful continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use for obstructive sleep apnea may be associated with improved sexual quality of life (QOL), according to a study published online May 24 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Congress Approves Bill Expanding Private Care for VA Patients
THURSDAY, May 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients served by the beleaguered Veterans Affairs health system may have wider access to private care, thanks to a bill approved Wednesday by the Senate. President Donald Trump is known to support the bill, which now awaits his signature.
Social Isolation Tied to Worse Heart Failure Outcomes
THURSDAY, May 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Greater perceived social isolation is associated with an increased risk of death and health care use among patients with heart failure, according to a study published online May 23 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Global Variation in Personal Health Care Access and Quality
THURSDAY, May 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable global variation in personal health care access and quality, according to a study published online May 23 in The Lancet.
12 County-Level Factors Affect Individual Well-Being in U.S.
WEDNESDAY, May 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Twelve county-level factors, including social and economic, clinical care, and physical environment, explain the majority of variation in resident well-being in the United States, according to a study published online May 23 in PLOS ONE.
CDC: No Change in Level of Uninsured in U.S. in 2017
TUESDAY, May 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overall, 9.1 percent of individuals in the United States were uninsured in 2017, which was not significantly different from the level in 2016, according to a report published online May 22 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Centers for Health Statistics.
From 2008 to 2014, Prostate Cancer Testing, Treatment Down
TUESDAY, May 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Fewer men are being screened for, diagnosed with, and treated for prostate cancer, according to a study published online May 21 in Cancer.
Exercise Modifies Predisposition to Obesity After Menopause
TUESDAY, May 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physical activity modifies the association between the body mass index (BMI) genetic risk score (GRS) and BMI, according to a study published online May 16 in Menopause.
Patterns of Potential Misuse Help Assess Risk of Opioid Overdose
MONDAY, May 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patterns of potential opioid misuse are positively associated with subsequent opioid overdose, according to a study published online May 22 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Robust Immune Responses for Herpes Zoster Subunit Vaccine
MONDAY, May 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Recipients of the herpes zoster subunit vaccine (HZ/su), consisting of varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein E (gE) and AS01B Adjuvant System, develop robust immune responses, according to a study published in the June 1 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Risk of Dementia Up for Older Adults With Lowest Wealth
MONDAY, May 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The risk of dementia is increased for adults in the lowest versus the highest wealth quintile, according to a study published online May 16 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Starting Exercise Even in Older Age Cuts Heart Failure Risk
MONDAY, May 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Increasing patients’ physical activity is an effective strategy to lower future risk of heart failure, according to a study published in the May issue of Circulation.
Semaglutide Found to Be Effective Against Type 2 Diabetes
MONDAY, May 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Semaglutide is safe and effective for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, according to a review published online May 13 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Language Used in Medical Record Can Affect Patient Care
FRIDAY, May 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Stigmatizing language used in medical records to describe patients can influence medical students and residents in terms of their attitudes towards the patient and their clinical decision-making, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Acute Kidney Injury in Hospital Ups Risk of Later Heart Failure
THURSDAY, May 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Acute kidney injury (AKI) is independently associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, especially heart failure, after hospital discharge, according to a study published online May 17 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
U.S. Nursing Home Costs Due to Diabetes Vary Greatly by State
THURSDAY, May 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Diabetes-attributable nursing home costs are substantial, but vary greatly across the nation, according to a study published online May 14 in Diabetes Care.
Seafood Recommended 1 to 2 Times/Week for Cardiac Benefit
THURSDAY, May 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — One to two servings of seafood per week is recommended for cardiovascular benefits, according to an American Heart Association science advisory published online May 17 in Circulation.
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Aerobic + Strength Exercise Doesn’t Slow Cognitive Decline
THURSDAY, May 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An aerobic and strength exercise program does not slow cognitive impairment among people with mild-to-moderate dementia, according to a study published online May 16 in The BMJ.
Nonprofit Manufacturer Could Keep Generic Drug Costs Down
WEDNESDAY, May 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A nonprofit manufacturer could help keep generic drug prices down and maintain their supply, according to a perspective piece published in the May 17 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Sleep Apnea Rarely Investigated in Older Adults
WEDNESDAY, May 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A high risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common among older adults but is seldom investigated, though when it is investigated, it is almost always confirmed, according to a study published online May 9 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Best Practices Developed for Use of EHR to Enhance Patient Care
WEDNESDAY, May 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Best practices have been developed for using electronic health records (EHRs) to enhance patient-centered care, according to an article published online in Medical Economics.
Study IDs Factors Linked to Quality of Life With Dementia
MONDAY, May 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Good relationships, social engagement, better every day functioning, good physical and mental health, and high-quality care are linked to better quality of life (QoL) for patients with dementia, according to a review published online May 8 in Psychological Medicine.
Anxiety Levels Tied to Bone Mineral Density Post-Menopause
MONDAY, May 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Anxiety levels are associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk in the lumbar spine and femoral neck among postmenopausal women, according to a study published online May 7 in Menopause.
Rate of Deaths From Falls in Seniors Up From 2007 to 2016
MONDAY, May 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2007 to 2016, the rate of deaths from falls among older adults increased by an average of 3.0 percent per year, according to research published in the May 11 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Resistance Exercise May Reduce Depressive Symptoms in Adults
FRIDAY, May 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Resistance exercise training (RET) is associated with reduced depressive symptoms among adults, according to a meta-analysis published online May 9 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Fx Risk Should Be Monitored in Bisphosphonate Drug Holiday
FRIDAY, May 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis, taking a bisphosphonate (BP) drug holiday is associated with increased risk of fracture for patients with lower femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) or T scores, according to a recent study published in Endocrine Practice.
Malnutrition Is Associated With Poor Prognosis in Heart Failure
FRIDAY, May 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients with heart failure frequently have malnutrition, which is associated with increased mortality, according to a study published online May 9 in JACC: Heart Failure.
FDA Targets Clinics Offering Unapproved Stem Cell Therapies
THURSDAY, May 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has launched legal action to stop two stem cell clinics from providing unapproved treatments that have caused serious, long-term harm to some patients.
Lymphoma, Leukemia Survivors Have Increased Health Care Use
WEDNESDAY, May 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Survivors of lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have increased use of health care services versus a normative population, according to a study published online April 26 in Cancer.
Psychological Therapies May Help Older Adults With Chronic Pain
WEDNESDAY, May 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For older adults with chronic pain, psychological interventions have small benefits, including reducing pain and catastrophizing beliefs, according to a review published online May 7 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Coaching to Up H2O Intake Does Not Slow eGFR Decline in CKD
WEDNESDAY, May 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Coaching to increase water intake does not significantly slow the decline in kidney function among adults with chronic kidney disease, according to a study published in the May 8 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Surgery for Hip Fx Cuts Mortality in NH Residents With Dementia
WEDNESDAY, May 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For nursing home (NH) residents with dementia and hip fracture, surgical hip fracture repair is associated with lower mortality, according to a study published online May 7 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
USPSTF: Decision to Undergo PSA Screening Should Be Individual
TUESDAY, May 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the decision to undergo periodic prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer should be an individual one for men aged 55 to 69 years. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement, published in the May 8 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Regulatory Requirements Drive Dissatisfaction With EHRs
TUESDAY, May 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Regulatory requirements are likely to be an important aspect of physician dissatisfaction with electronic health records (EHRs) that is driving burnout, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online May 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Approaches to Firearms for Persons With Dementia Discussed
TUESDAY, May 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Approaches to addressing the potential complications of owning firearms for persons with dementia (PWD) are presented in an article published online May 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Cancer Incidences and Burden Expected to Shift in HIV-Positive
MONDAY, May 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The cancer burden among persons living with HIV (PLWH) is projected to shift by 2030, according to a study published online May 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Folic Acid May Cut Stroke Risk in High-Risk Hypertensive Patients
MONDAY, May 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Hypertensive patients may lower their stroke risk with folic acid supplements, according to a study published in the May 15 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Pharmacists Can Play Role in Identifying Frailty
FRIDAY, May 4, 2018 (HealthDay News) — As the number of older people in the United States continues to increase, pharmacists and health care professionals need to recognize and address the health care challenges associated with age, including frailty, according to an article published in Drug Topics.
Many Organizations Not Meeting Trial Reporting Requirements
FRIDAY, May 4, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many organizations are not meeting the trial registration and results reporting requirements clarified by “The Final Rule,” which had a compliance date of April 18, 2017, according to a study published online May 1 in BMC Medicine.
Study IDs Pain Descriptors for Varying Stages of Low Back Pain
FRIDAY, May 4, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Varying pain descriptors may be useful when evaluating patients with different stages of low back pain (LBP), according to a study published online April 30 in PAIN Practice.
Physical Therapy Helps Recover Arm Function in Chronic CVA
FRIDAY, May 4, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physical therapy promotes the recovery of arm function and neuroplasticity in all chronic stroke patients, according to a study published online April 25 in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
Five Strategies to Reduce Acute Care for Cancer Patients ID’d
THURSDAY, May 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Five major strategies exist for reducing acute care for patients with cancer, according to a review published online April 17 in the Journal of Oncology Practice.
Sleep Duration Linked to Health-Related QoL in Kidney Disease
THURSDAY, May 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Sleep duration is associated with health-related quality of life among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a study published online May 3 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Systemic Inflammation at Midlife May Up Risk of Later Frailty
THURSDAY, May 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Those with systemic inflammation during midlife are more likely to have age-related frailty, according to a recent study published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A.
Older Adults Agree Sex Is Important Part of Relationships
THURSDAY, May 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most older adults agree that sex is an important part of a romantic relationship at any age, according to the National Poll on Healthy Aging.
Frequency of Sauna Bathing Linked to Reduced Stroke Risk
WEDNESDAY, May 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For adults, frequent sauna bathing is associated with reduced risk of future stroke, according to a study published online May 2 in Neurology.
DRESS Prototype Promising for Persons With Dementia
WEDNESDAY, May 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For persons with dementia, a prototype intelligent system, the DRESS prototype, can provide automated dressing support by identifying incorrect dressing scenarios, according to a study published in the April-June issue of JMIR Medical Informatics.
Palliative Care Consult Can Cut Hospital Costs in Seriously Ill
WEDNESDAY, May 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For hospitalized adults with serious illness, receiving a palliative care consultation (PCC) is associated with a reduction in hospital costs, according to a review published online April 30 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Doctors Generally Confident With Deprescribing for Elderly
TUESDAY, May 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physicians are generally comfortable with deprescribing for elderly patients, although there are several barriers to deprescribing, according to a study published online April 22 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Practices Should Be Aware of Correct Way to Fire Employees
TUESDAY, May 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physicians should be aware of the correct protocol for, as well as the laws involved in, firing employees, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
Early Readmissions More Preventable Than Later Ones
TUESDAY, May 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Early general medicine readmissions are more likely than late readmissions to be preventable with hospital-based interventions, according to a study published online May 1 in the Annals of Internal of Medicine.
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