Geriatrics/Aging
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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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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. -
Educate yourself to manage care for growing senior population
As the baby boomers reach retirement age, the senior population in this country is growing by leaps and bounds. -
Spanish pain brochure explains symptoms
In response to an increasing demand for Spanish-language resources to educate Hispanic Americans about all aspects of chronic pain, the Baltimore, MD-based American Pain Foundation has produced a free brochure available in Spanish and English titled "Explain Your Pain." -
Media training essential for all spokespeople
Editor's note: This is the second of a two-part series that looks at effective media relations. This month, we look at tips and strategies for handling media relations during a crisis. Last month, proven strategies that result in media coverage of hospice events, services, and announcements were described. -
Leadership conference focuses on volunteers
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) has announced July 30 to August 3, 2012 as the dates for the 2012 Volunteer Leadership Virtual Conference. Hosted on-line, the educational program is exclusively focused on hospice volunteerism.