 |
 |
A recent study provides evidence that there’s a dual benefit to cataract surgery—improved vision and a reduced risk of dementia. Results from the Adult Changes in Thought study, reported in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that subjects who had cataract surgery, compared with those who did not, had a nearly 30% lower risk of developing dementia from any cause, as well as of Alzheimer’s disease specifically.
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 |
 |
 |
Better Vision and Better Cognitive Health
Cataracts affect most older adults at risk for dementia, and now researchers are finding strong evidence that cataract surgery is associated with a lower risk of developing dementia.
The Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study is a long-standing, Seattle-based observational study at Kaiser Permanente Washington of more than 5,000 participants older than 65. Based on the longitudinal data of more than 3,000 ACT study participants, subjects who underwent cataract surgery had nearly 30% lower risk of developing dementia from any cause compared with those who did not. This lowered risk persisted for at least a decade after surgery. Cataract surgery was also associated with lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease dementia specifically. The results were reported in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Lead researcher Cecilia Lee, MD, and associate professor and Klorfine Family Endowed Chair in ophthalmology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, says the observational study adjusted for a number of potential confounders, yet still yielded a strong association.
“This kind of evidence is as good as it gets in epidemiology,” Lee says. “This is really exciting because no other medical intervention has shown such a strong association with lessening dementia risk in older individuals.”
The mechanisms by which cataract surgery and lessened dementia risk are associated was not determined in this study. Researchers hypothesize that people may be getting higher quality sensory input after cataract surgery, which might have a beneficial effect in reducing the risk of dementia.
“These results are consistent with the notion that sensory input to the brain is important to brain health,” says coauthor Eric B. Larson, MD, MPH, a principal investigator of the ACT study, and senior investigator at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute.
Full story » |
|
 |
Minimally Invasive Testing for Alzheimer’s Disease
A newly available, accurate, minimally invasive test for the definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can put patients on the right care path sooner and reduce economic burden. Read more »
Elder Suicide
Suicide risk in assisted living facilities is an underrecognized but growing concern. Read more »
Age-Tech Grows Up: A New Era of Smarter Home Care
The advent of modernity has brought about the current global population aging crisis, but advances in technology can also provide solutions. Read more » |
|
 |
A Concerning Consequence of COVID
Research published in the journal Open Forum Infectious Diseases indicates that those 50 and older who’ve had mild cases of COVID-19 are 15% more likely than others to develop shingles, a risk even greater for older patients who were hospitalized as a result of COVID-19 infection. The Washington Post reports on the study.
A Grief Unrecognized
As Ed Yong points out in an article for The Atlantic, COVID has become the third most common cause of death in the United States over the last two years. That, he says, means “it is also the third leading cause of grief in the United States.” He reports on the impact of this vast and sometimes prolonged grief.
Bias in Medical Notes
Researchers who analyzed more than 48,000 hospital admission notes from a Boston medical center discovered that words have impact. They found that stigmatizing language was more commonly used for Black patients than for white patients, the consequence of which may be bias and inadequate care. Science News reports on the research published in JAMA Network Open.
Patient Views on the New Alzheimer’s Drug
Are patients clamoring to take the newest Alzheimer’s drug? While advocates are trying to persuade Medicare to pick up the $28,000 annual cost for Aduhelm, patients have mixed feelings. Kaiser Health News reports on the range of opinions. |
|
|
|
 |
Improving Digital Experiences for People With Parkinson’s
Havas Creative has launched the first web browser technology to compensate for hand tremors. Staybl improves access to digital experiences for people living with Parkinson’s disease and those with other essential tremor conditions. Learn more »
First Integrative Platform for Cognitive Health
Together Senior Health’s Moving Together program is the first integrated digital therapeutics and cognitive health platform dedicated to reducing the impact of memory loss, Alzheimer’s and dementia while helping to relieve stress for their caregivers. The evidence-based platform improves cognitive health through movement, body awareness, community, emotional well-being, and a sense of purpose to help people with cognitive decline remain independent while reducing isolation. Learn more » |
 |
 |
 |
Set up Job Alerts and create your online Résumé
to let potential employers find you today! |
|
 |
Have a product or service you want to market to geriatricians, other physicians and the geriatric care team of professionals who treat aging patients? Are you a recruiter looking to fill the many geriatric professional openings within a facility, physician practice, or academic institution? Then utilize the reach of Today's Geriatric Medicine to accomplish your marketing goals and fill any open positions.
A resource for professionals looking for new opportunities, as well as those physicians just curious to see what's out there, our Physician Recruitment Center gives physician recruiters a powerful tool to fill partnership opportunities, academic appointments, and hospital staff positions. To support your product marketing or recruiting needs, email our experienced account executives today at sales@gvpub.com for more information or call 800-278-4400! |
|
|
