News

New test accurately detects Alzheimer's in its earliest stages

By Marina Lowell - Published on Saturday, 04 July 2009 15:46

There is a new test that can detect Alzheimer's disease in its earliest stages. The test measures proteins in spinal fluid that can point to Alzheimer's. It is 87 percent accurate.

Read more: New test accurately detects Alzheimer's in its earliest stages

Seniors mobility after hospitalization in question

By Kulbinder Saran Caldwell - Published on Saturday, 04 July 2009 14:35

Motivation and expectation are cited as positive influences to encourage older patients to regain their lost functional ability after hospitalization, says researchers with the Birmingham Veterans Administration Medical Center and UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham).

Read more: Seniors mobility after hospitalization in question

Addiction is a choice, not a disease

By Marina Lowell - Published on Saturday, 04 July 2009 12:58

Since the 1900s, much of the treatment and public policy for addiction has been based on the idea that addiction is a disease. Psychologist Gene Heyman has done research on choice, cognition and drug use. He found that addiction is a matter of choice, therefore it doesn't fit the clinical definition of behavioural illness. By definition, a behavioural disease is compulsive; it’s beyond the influence of reward, punishment, expectations, cultural values, personal values. It was thought that drug use starts as voluntary, and then becomes involuntary.

Read more: Addiction is a choice, not a disease

Doctors need to do a double-take when prescribing meds to seniors

By Kulbinder Saran Caldwell - Published on Monday, 29 June 2009 12:16

New research indicates that young doctors ought to ask more questions to help get a clearer picture before prescribing medication to their elderly patients.

Two new studies presented at the American Geriatrics Society's Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago focused on challenges seniors face with their prescriptions.

Read more: Doctors need to do a double-take when prescribing meds to seniors

Canadian nursing homes use restraints on a third of their residents

By Marina Lowell - Published on Monday, 29 June 2009 12:14

Statistics were gathered from five countries about the use of physical restraints and anti-psychotic medication, drugs whose use on senior citizens has become increasingly controversial.

Read more: Canadian nursing homes use restraints on a third of their residents

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