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A recent study indicates that for patients diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism, treating the condition with the typical bisphosphonate therapy designed to strengthen bones actually increased the risk of fractures. The findings should reduce the appeal of bisphosphonate treatment as an alternative to parathyroid surgery in these patients. 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. — Barbara Worthington, editor For Treating a Leading Cause of Osteoporosis, Surgery Is Better Than Usual Medications While osteoporosis usually results in the process of normal aging, another leading cause of the bone-loss disease is a condition called hyperparathyroidism, in which the parathyroid glands release an excessive amount of a hormone that regulates the body’s calcium levels. Doctors commonly treat hyperparathyroidism using a class of prescription drugs called bisphosphonates, including alendronate (marketed under the brand name Fosamax) and ibandronate (Boniva), which are supposed to strengthen bones. A recent study led by scientists at UCLA found that those drugs actually increase the risk of fracture, meaning that taking them is worse than doing nothing at all to treat the condition. The research also revealed that patients who undergo surgery to remove the overactive parathyroid glands have fewer subsequent bone fractures. Full story » Managing Difficult Behaviors in Dementia Successful strategies employed in addressing undesirable dementia behaviors include ensuring needs are met, using reassuring language, changing environments, and engaging in soothing activities. Caregivers must employ patience and persistence to identify clues to undesirable actions. Read more » Tai Chi Intervention Reduces Fear of Falling Specialized interventions can help to reduce older adults’ fear of falling, which can result in reducing the incidence of falls. Read more » Pain Management in Hospice Care Pain control, one of the central goals of hospice care, is a top priority in end-of-life care, and the use of opioid medications is often crucial in alleviating physical discomfort. Read more »   For Treating a Leading Cause of Osteoporosis, Surgery Is Better Than Usual Medications Managing Difficult Behaviors in Dementia Tai Chi Intervention Reduces Fear of Falling Pain Management in Hospice Care Report Analyzes Hospital ‘Near Misses’ in Alzheimer’s Patients How to Stop Overprescribing Antibiotics Few Families Prepared for Cost of Alzheimer’s Care Medical Team Studies Use of Effective but Sometimes Risky Stroke Drug tPA Geriatrics Consult With Rosemary Laird, MD Tech & Tools Report Analyzes Hospital ‘Near Misses’ in Alzheimer’s Patients An article in The Philadelphia Inquirer notes the critical need for hospital health care professionals to assess patients’ cognitive status. How to Stop Overprescribing Antibiotics Several studies indicate that simple and inexpensive strategies can be implemented to reduce physicians’ inclination to prescribe antibiotics, according to an article in The New York Times. Few Families Prepared for Cost of Alzheimer’s Care Few families are prepared to handle the costs associated with caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease. An article in The Columbus Dispatch describes one such family. Medical Team Studies Use of Effective but Sometimes Risky Stroke Drug tPA According to an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, the benefits and risks associated with administering tissue plasminogen activator to stroke patients continue to prompt controversy. Have a question you want answered by one of our experts? Send your question to TGMeditor@gvpub.com and it may be featured in an upcoming e-newsletter or print issue.

The nation's top employers and recruiters of geriatric care professionals advertise in Today's Geriatric Medicine magazine and post their job openings on AlliedHealthCareers.com. Check out the most recent opportunities that have been submitted by employers across the country! Geriatrician—Reading Health System, West Reading, PA Geriatrician—Essentia Health, Detroit Lakes & Park Rapids, MN Geriatrician—Main Line Health, Philidelphia, PA Geriatric Physician—Mercy Health, Lake Michigan BE/BC Geriatrician—Carle Physician Group, Champaign-Urbana, IL BE/BC Geriatrician—Greenville Health, Greenville SC Physician, Psychologist, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant IPC Healthcare, Nationwide Identify and Treat Patients’ Depression As I sit across from my patients, hearing about their loss and loneliness, witnessing their pain, limited mobility, and dependency, it’s easy to understand why many people believe depression is a natural part of the aging process. It is not. Depression is a medical illness that if left untreated, leaves older adults at increased risk for serious negative health impacts or death. It is not fully understood why the elderly are more susceptible to late-life depression. The aging process leads to hormonal changes that can affect sleep and body rhythms, which may play a role. In addition, the presence of other illnesses, especially thyroid disease, dementia, chronic pain states, or having multiple chronic illnesses can contribute to depression. Finally, the increased presence of major life stressors such as the loss of a spouse, close friends/family, and functional and sensory abilities, is believed to contribute as well. No matter the cause, elders who develop depression are at increased risk for further health complications. Continue reading » 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. Coming up in our September/October issue is our Fall Risk Showcase. Contact sales for more information. 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, e-mail our experienced account executives today at sales@gvpub.com for more information or call 800-278-4400!   A Secure, Anonymous Résumé Bank Job Alerts Sent to Your E-mail ChloraDerm ChloraDerm, a product for wound and catheter site protection, is a film dressing that includes the Chlorhexidine Advantage. It’s a safe colophony- and acid-free chlorhexidine matrix, the company says, that improves outcomes while lowering costs. ChloraDerm is used to cover and secure primary dressings and protect wounds caused by percutaneous medical devices and achieves >4 Log10 reduction against yeasts, combating the negative results of extended use of intravenous catheters, which can lead to bloodstream infections. Learn more » Quikiks Quikiks offers a new shoe option for older adults prone to falls. Made of a slip-resistant polyurethane bottom sole and all leather or leather and synthetic mesh uppers with antimicrobial lining and a gel-cushioned orthotic insole, they promote arch support. They feature a patented “Step-in-Go” hands-free mechanism in the linking with a spring-loaded hinge. This rotates the rear portion of the shoe to create a large entryway for the foot. As the user steps into the shoe, the rear portion closes. To remove the shoe, the user strikes the heel on the floor. Learn more » Set up Job Alerts and create your online Résumé to let potential employers find you today!