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According to the American Lung Association, Medicaid coverage for lung cancer screening of individuals at high risk varies. To help those who are eligible access screenings for the leading cancer killer, the association has teamed with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center on educational initiatives to improve coverage in state Medicaid programs for low-dose CT screenings.
In addition to reading our e-newsletter, be sure to visit Today’s Geriatric Medicine’s website at www.TodaysGeriatricMedicine.com, where you’ll find news and information that’s relevant and reliable. We welcome your feedback at TGMeditor@gvpub.com. Follow Today’s Geriatric Medicine on Facebook and Twitter, too.
— Kate Jackson, editor |
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States Must Do More to Ensure People at High Risk Can Be Screened for Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, yet coverage of screenings for individuals at high risk for lung cancer varies across state Medicaid programs, according to a new report released by the American Lung Association. To ensure those eligible can access lifesaving lung cancer screenings, the American Lung Association and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have partnered on educational initiatives to improve coverage for recommended low-dose CT lung cancer screenings in state Medicaid programs.
According to the report, “Lung Cancer Screening Coverage in State Medicaid Programs,” 31 Medicaid fee-for-service programs cover lung cancer screening, 12 programs do not provide coverage, and eight states did not have information available on their coverage policy. The analysis also found that Medicaid programs varied in the eligibility criteria they used for screening as well as whether they required prior authorization.
“Lung cancer is called the quiet killer, as it has few early symptoms and is oftentimes caught too late,” says American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer. “Coverage for screening with low-dose CT is critical, and this analysis will advance our work to ensure those eligible with state Medicaid coverage have access to this lifesaving screening.”
Full story » |
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Sepsis: When Infections Turn Deadly
Sixty-five percent of sepsis cases in American hospitals involve older adults, who not only suffer more often than do younger patients but also are more severely affected. Greater awareness and education are key to preventing the infections that cause sepsis. Read more »
Positional Vertigo — An Easy Fix at Any Age
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, the cause of one-half of all cases of dizziness in older adults, affects balance and contributes to fall risk. Simple head maneuvers can bring relief. Read more »
Upper Age Limits in Clinical Trials — Research Data Lacking With Older Adults for Evidence-Based Medicine
One-half of all clinical trials have precise upper age limitations, and others restrict participation of older adults. When older people are excluded from clinical trials and other research, how can geriatricians determine the best course of treatment for patients? Read more » |
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Scientists Discover Two Rare Genes Linked to Alzheimer’s
Newsweek reports on research published in JAMA Network Open identifying two rare genetic variants linked with Alzheimer’s disease. Corresponding author Lindsay Farrer, PhD, tells the magazine that she hopes as a result of the study new tests will be developed that might help predict Alzheimer’s risk and contribute to the discovery of new treatments.
Rolled Joints for Aching Joints? More Seniors Using Cannabis
Baby boomers are increasingly turning to medical marijuana to relieve pain, improve sleep, and ease other problems associated with aging. According to Gary Small, MD, a professor of psychiatry and aging at UCLA, the most rapidly growing faction of cannabis users are those 65 and older. According to the Los Angeles Times, there’s also a corresponding increase in hospital visits due to side effects, particularly those associated with ingestion of edible cannabis.
No Link Between Diet and Dementia? Not So Fast
Studies about the influence of nutrition on dementia have produced conflicting results. One recent study, according to CNN, challenged the notion that midlife nutrition influenced dementia risk, but some experts are taking issue with the study, noting its limitations and cautioning against dismissing the importance of food in relation to brain health.
Mushrooms May Reduce the Risk of Memory Problems
Could reducing risk of mild cognitive impairment be as easy as eating mushrooms several times a week? The New York Times reports that researchers in Singapore found that older men and women who ate more than two five-ounce portions of mushrooms each week reduced their risk by more than half compared with those who ate less than one portion. They theorize that antioxidants in the mushrooms may counteract the buildup of proteins in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. |
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Swift Skin and Wound
According to research from McGill University Health Centre and McGill University, Swift Skin and Wound, a new wound care app, can improve patient outcomes. The app measures and tracks the progression of skin wounds more accurately, eg, foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. It can be used remotely and allows providers to take and share wound measurements that are more accurate than those taken using a ruler. Learn more »
Innovo
Innovo is a noninvasive wearable device that treats the root cause of stress urinary incontinence in women. Approved by the FDA to treat pelvic floor weakness, Innovo is a handheld transcutaneous electrical stimulation device that attaches to a garment. According to research, after 12 weeks of use, 87% of users were dry or nearly dry. Learn more » |
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