Geriatrics
From the Journals
Advance care planning codes not being used
Few physicians are taking advantage of Medicare payment codes that reimburse them for discussing end-of-life planning with patients.
Commentary
Boosting Alzheimer’s trial participation via Medicare Advantage ‘memory fitness programs’
Dr. Richard J. Caselli comments on a new initiative from the Global Alzheimer’s Platform (GAP) Foundation.
From the Journals
Blood-based signature helps predict status of early AD indicator
By analyzing as few as four proteins, a machine learning-derived test can predict the status of CSF amyloid beta1-42.
From the Journals
The dangers of dog walking
Leashed dogs are leading more and more elderly people to the emergency department.
Latest News
Delaying antibiotics in elderly with UTI linked to higher sepsis, death rates
Older patients who were prescribed antibiotics immediately after a UTI diagnosis had the best outcomes in a large study.
Conference Coverage
Opportunities missed for advance care planning for elderly ICU patients
SAN DIEGO – Most ICU patients older than age 65 years had no documented advance care planning.
Conference Coverage
Noncardiac surgery has 7% covert stroke rate in elderly
HONOLULU – Covert strokes were linked with a doubled rate of cognitive decline in older patients after noncardiac surgery.
News from the FDA/CDC
FDA issues warnings to companies selling illegal Alzheimer’s treatments
The FDA targeted more than 58 products.
From the Journals
Exercise type matters for fall prevention among elderly
Balance and functional exercises are best at preventing falls.
From the Journals
Novel plasma biomarkers may predict preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
The approach will need to be validated and translated “to a simpler automated platform suitable for wider utility.”
From the Journals
Statins cut vascular events in elderly patients
Analysis challenges current practice of discontinuation after age 75 years.