New frailty score reflects an older person’s full spectrum of strength
By
Kristen Fischer
Oct 27, 2023
A new study encourages clinicians to look at frailty on a continuum instead of a black-and-white approach. Authors of the study created a new score to help them assess how strong or weak a person may be....
Social pursuits may protect frail seniors from new disabilities: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 08, 2023
Engagement in group social activities appears to protect frail seniors from developing new disabilities and help avert untimely death, investigators say.
Diets high in red meat tied to later frailty; other protein sources may help reduce risk
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 15, 2021
Older women who habitually consume red meat are more likely to be diagnosed with frailty. But replacing one serving a day with another protein source substantially reduces risk, according to a new study.
‘Pragmatic’ heart failure rehab benefits frail seniors, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
May 27, 2021
Physical dysfunction problems often are overlooked in the care of older, frail patients with acute heart failure. But these patients find greater functional and quality of life benefits from early, transitional,...
Growing evidence of vaccine efficacy in long-term care fills gap left by COVID drug trials
May 26, 2021
Frail and elderly adults were systematically excluded from COVID vaccine trials. But now there are enough original studies involving long-term care residents to begin understanding how COVID vaccination...
Residents with self-care disability less likely to receive cancer treatment
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 05, 2021
Many nursing home residents do not receive cancer-directed treatment, and they are even less likely to do so if they have a self-care disability, according to a new study.
Evidence clear for vaccinating people with Parkinson’s — but caution advised in frail elderly, experts...
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 04, 2021
A “cautious approach” to COVID-19 vaccination may be best for the very frail with Parkinson’s who reside in long-term care settings, a panel of neurologists contend. But for most with Parkinson’s,...
POLST form triples odds that residents’ treatment wishes are known: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 23, 2020
Nursing home residents who had Physician’s Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment significantly increased the likelihood that their treatment preferences were documented in their medical record, a statewide...
Shingles vaccine effective and safe in frail individuals, analysis shows
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 18, 2020
Shingrix was “highly effective” in reducing the risk of herpes zoster (shingles) and associated illnesses for all frailty subgroups studied.
Frail seniors good candidates for health technology training and support, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 06, 2020
When they do use the internet, frail seniors are more likely to gain health information and advice, according to investigators. This may explain why some of these elders have adapted to virtual care during...