Bone formation appears to be controlled by serotonin, a chemical previously known mainly for its entirely separate role in the brain, researchers are reporting. Osteoporosis affects 10 million Americans over age 50. It results in bone loss, and its hallmark is fragile bones that break easily. But in a paper published online Wednesday in the […]
Bone Finding May Point to Hope for Osteoporosis Read More »
A new federal rule gives states sweeping authority to charge premiums and higher co-payments for doctors’ services, hospital care and prescription drugs provided to low-income people under Medicaid. The rule is expected to save money for the federal government and the states. But public health experts and even some federal officials predicted that many low-income
New Medicaid Rules Allow States to Set Premiums and Higher Co-Payments Read More »
“For the depressed public, it should be another reason to take one’s symptoms seriously and look for treatment,” said study co-author Stephen Kritchevsky, director of the Sticht Center on Aging at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. People with depression were twice as likely as others to gain visceral fat — the kind that surrounds
Depression Leads to Internal Body Fat in 70-Somethings, Study Suggests Read More »
Recent studies show that elderly patients taking Avandia, or also known as rosiglitazone, have a 15% higher death rate than those taking a similar drug Actos, also known as pioglitazone. Specifically, the drug appears to increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes or other cardiovascular events. While additional research is suggested by the medical community,
Diabetes Drug Linked with Higher Risk of Death in Elderly Read More »
With the economic crisis growing in the federal government, there has been quite a buzz recently on the issue of whether adult children should be required by law to support elderly parents who require assistance to pay for necessities like food, clothing, shelter and medical attention. In fact, as a technical matter, 30 states in
Given the recent election results, many experts are now thinking that there may be enough votes in the legislature and executive branches to pass a bill that will prohibit Mandatory Binding Arbitration. This would be a welcome protection for residents of nursing homes and long term care facilities, who are often the unfortunate victims of
November Elections May Open Door to Changes in Mandatory Arbitration Provisions Read More »
Alzheimer’s Disease is not just a disease of the elderly. A little less than one percent of its victims are between ages 40 and 55. Click this link to read The Wall Street Journal article about early onset Alzheimers’ effect on young families.
When Alzheimer's Hits at 40 Read More »
North Carolina adheres to a harsh rule which excludes experts in medical negligence cases from testifying to breaches of the standard of care unless they can show familiarity with the standard of care in the community where the alleged malpractice occurred or a similar community. This rule of exclusion has resulted in numerous dismissals of
A recent study by researchers at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in Maryland reveals that enhanced oral hygiene dramatically reduces the risk of pneumonia in elderly nursing home residents. Specifically, the study shows that mechanical oral hygiene (tooth brushing) has a preventative effect on mortality from pneumonia. Approximately one in 10 cases
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that by the end of 2008, a new 5 star rating system will be added to their website. Similar to the system used to rate hotels, the 5 star ratings will be used to assist residents and their families in determining the quality of care
Medicare and Medicaid announces new "5 star" rating system for Nursing Homes Read More »