Reinventing aged care
15 April, 2019 by Dan Levitt*For many elderly, the thought of entering a nursing home is akin to going to jail. But is it possible to reinvent the aged-care sector? The answer is yes.
Govt trial to help elderly navigate aged care
06 March, 2019Three new trial programs have been launched, offering face-to-face help to the elderly and their families across Australia and in selected rural areas.
Exercise protects against Alzheimer's
12 February, 2019A new study has found evidence that exercise produces a hormone that helps protect against Alzheimer's disease.
Bedsore practice could constitute abuse: study
11 February, 2019The practice of 2-hourly repositioning of residents in aged-care facilities to prevent bedsores is ineffective and could be an unintentional form of abuse.
Blood test predicts Alzheimer's 16 years ahead
24 January, 2019For those who've inherited Alzheimer's disease genes, a simple blood test will identify if they have the disease — 16 years before symptoms show.
Drawing, not writing, improves memory
14 December, 2018For the elderly, taking up drawing will do more to enhance their memory retention than writing. Even if they're not very good at it.
Preventing medication-related harm in the elderly
03 December, 2018 by Dr Natalie Soulsby*Each year 230,000 people are admitted to hospital, and many more experience reduced quality of life, due to adverse side effects from medicines.
Appendix removal reduces Parkinson's risk up to 25%
14 November, 2018Scientists have found that having your appendix removed early in life significantly reduces the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
Redressing quality and safety in aged care
13 November, 2018 by Ramon Z Shaban*, Julie E Potter^Mandating patient-to-staff ratios is only one step required to improve quality and safety in aged care. Addressing the issues in our existing model is the next.
Eye scan detects early Alzheimer's
02 November, 2018Two studies have shown that the small blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye are altered in patients with Alzheimer's.
Skincare tips for the aged skin
02 November, 2018The skincare routine of an older patient will be significantly different than that of a younger patient; this is why it is important for medical professionals to be aware of the differences when providing recommendations for someone with skin-related issues.
Does herpes cause Alzheimer's?
20 October, 2018There's new evidence that the herpes virus can cause Alzheimer's, and that antiviral drugs can drastically reduce the risk of senile dementia.
1 in 2 women will develop dementia/parkinsonism/stroke
05 October, 2018A Dutch study estimates that without prevention strategies, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men will be diagnosed with dementia/parkinsonism/stroke.
Antipsychotics overprescribed in aged care
27 September, 2018Research shows that more than 80% of aged-care residents with dementia receive psychotropics, even though only 20% might benefit from them.
Stroke doubles dementia risk
06 September, 2018Having a stroke not only increases the risk of dementia by over 50% but also increases the risk for those with a history of stroke by 70%.
