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A recent brain scan study indicates that alteplase, a drug that breaks up blood clots in the brains of stroke patients, could potentially be used more pervasively yet without increased risk. The drug is the sole treatment for a stroke caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain.
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— Barbara Worthington, editor |
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Stroke Patients Benefit From Clot-Busting Drug
A drug that breaks up blood clots in the brains of stroke patients could be used more widely than at present without increased risk, a brain scan study suggests.
It had previously been thought that giving the drug to people with signs of early damage in the brain caused by a stroke would increase the chances of their suffering a bleed on the brain, which can be fatal.
The study is the first to show that early tissue damage seen in brain scans does not necessarily indicate an increased risk of bleeding. Patients with early tissue damage from strokes are less likely to make a full recovery, but they can benefit from receiving the drug, researchers say.
The drug, called alteplase, is the only treatment for a stroke caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain.
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Lifestyle Influences Brain Health
As baby boomers age, more emphasis than ever is being placed on brain health to combat Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The article examines brain games’ effectiveness and outlines a memory program used to improve brain fitness. Read more »
Treating the Elder Life Crisis
Elder life crisis, which often manifests in older patients in their later years, is characterized by feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom. Physicians must learn to identify and address the condition. Read more »
Embracing Residents’ Sexuality
Within health care settings and senior living communities, sexuality can be regarded as a delicate topic, but discussions on the topic can help staff anticipate residents' sexual needs. Read more » |
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Feces Turns Out to Offer a Miracle Cure
Fecal transplants have gained favor with physicians and patients eager to end recurring bouts of C diff, according to an article in the Indianapolis Star.
The Doctor’s White Coat: Attire to Retire?
Has the time come for physicians to eliminate the white coats from their wardrobes? Studies suggest they’re dangerous bacteria carriers, reports Philly.com.
Learning to Say No to Dialysis
It’s important to consider more conservative alternatives than dialysis to treating kidney disease, as outlined in a recent article in The New York Times.
Report Finds Many Alzheimer's Patients Not Told of Diagnosis
A recent report notes that many Alzheimer’s patients’ physicians fail to disclose the diagnosis to patients, according to an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. |
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Kanega Watch
UnaliWear announces the market preview of its first wearable technology that provides advanced support for seniors to guard against wandering and provide support for falls and medication reminders. The wearable Kanega watch is the first of its kind to use an easy speech interface rather than buttons, use cellular and Wi-Fi technology, and update medical information without human input. The watch goes wherever the wearer goes and has its own technology so no smartphone or home-based system is needed. Kanega’s technology helps prevent the wearer from getting lost while driving or walking. It also makes a connection with pharmacies to automatically bring nightly medication updates into the watch. It features a continuous welfare check and fall detection. During an accident or medical emergency that leaves the wearer unable to move or speak, the watch notifies the monitoring operators for help. Learn more »
Avancen
Avancen MOD Corporation has introduced the MOD Medication On Demand Device to the postacute sphere. The bedside oral pain medication dispensing system has been used in acute care and involves a physician prescribing medication and the device being programmed. The wireless patient-controlled oral pain management system provides hospitals, health care professionals, and patients a better way to manage pain. The wireless device delivers multiple benefits to users and providers, including improved quality of care and increased patient satisfaction. Patient pain scores, dates of dispensing, and reassessment scores are stored in a database. The system allows patients to retain better control of their own pain management and eases nursing workflow, the company says. Learn more » |
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