 |
 |
Because diabetic neuropathy varies greatly in its onset, affecting some patients and not others, researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center used a genomewide association study of 5,168 patients to determine whether there are genetic factors that either protect patients from developing the condition or predispose them. Their findings may form the basis for the formulation of a pharmaceutical approach to prevention.
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.
— Kate Jackson, editor |
 |
 |
Genetic Marker Linked to Increased Risk of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Researchers from Joslin Diabetes Center, using a genomewide association study (GWAS), have identified a genetic factor linked to the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This finding suggests a new target for preventive therapies. The research has been published online and will appear in the August print issue of Diabetes.
While neuropathy—which causes pain or numbness in the legs and an increased risk of foot ulcers—is a major problem for many people with diabetes, there is significant variability in its onset: Some people develop this complication, and others do not, says Alessandro Doria, MD, PhD, MPH, a study senior author and director of the molecular phenotyping and genotyping at Joslin Diabetes Center and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston. “Therefore, we wanted to see if we could discover genetic factors that predispose people with diabetes to developing this complication vs being protected from it.”
For this study, researchers used a GWAS approach. This analysis is used to find disease-associated variants throughout the genome. A GWAS for diabetic peripheral neuropathy was carried out in 5,168 participants from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes clinical trial—4,384 with evidence of peripheral neuropathy and 784 without.
After screening millions of small variations of the genome sequence (genetic variants), the study identified a region on chromosome 2q24 as having a powerful impact on the risk of peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes. While the precise mechanisms are not known, there were some hints that the genetic variants in this region may act by affecting a nearby sodium channel regulating the transmission of sensory signals in peripheral nerves.
Full story » |
|
 |
 |
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Damage — Clinical Implications Following Cardiac Surgery
Injury to this critical region after cardiac surgery can lead to life-threatening complications. To ensure early diagnosis and proper management, speech language therapists need to be aware of the risks, symptoms, and treatment strategies. Read more »
Individualized Diets for Older Adults
A custom approach can improve overall health and quality of life in long term and postacute care. Read more »
Exercise and Dementia — Does Physical Activity Provide Cognitive Benefits?
While some research indicates exercise has a positive effect on cognitive function in individuals with dementia, other studies have failed to find clear benefits. Read more » |
|
 |
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 2019 issue is our Fall Showcase. Email a sales representative to be part of this unique advertising opportunity.
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! |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
Is Your Loved One in a Nursing Home? Here’s Why You Should Be Alarmed
According to a Los Angeles Times report, relaxed oversight of the nursing home industry and governmental obfuscation concerning poor records of care are putting patients at risk. Pennsylvania senators Bob Casey and Patrick J. Toomey issued a report indicating that 400 nursing homes had been cited by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services but not publicly named for providing substandard care.
Complex Surgeries Often Don’t End Well for Seniors
Relative to the general population, individuals 65 and older account for a disproportionate number of surgeries in hospitals as well as other surgical procedures. Among the growing number of operations being performed on older adults are those once believed to be too risky for the age group, and the outcomes are worse than for younger patients. The New York Times looks at what’s being done about it.
Alzheimer’s Has Larger Impact on African Americans
The Albany Herald reports on the discrepancy between the rates of Alzheimer’s disease in Caucasians and African Americans, the latter being twice as likely to develop the disease. The report looks at efforts to understand the disparity and the obstacles to effective research.
Families Use Apps to Track Relatives With Dementia
Technology has changed the way families keep tabs on loved ones, with tracking apps becoming increasingly popular. But what happens when these technologies fail? The Wall Street Journal looks at the downside of the use of dementia tracking devices. |
|
 |
Healthycell Bioactive Gel
A new product takes aim at two problems associated with vitamin supplements: They’re often poorly absorbed and typically come in a pill form, which many consumers find difficult to take. Healthycell is launching Bioactive Gel, a new brand of microgel supplements that deliver micronutrient particles that can be quickly and effectively absorbed in the digestive tract. The first product in the line is Bioactive Multi, which offers a broad spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, plus phytonutrients, botanical antioxidants, and prebiotics. Learn more »
Aculief Wearable Acupressure
For patients who suffer from migraines, Aculief Wearable Acupressure relies on the body’s own endorphins to relieve pain. A simple band worn between the thumb and index finger, it provides pressure to the LI4 acupressure point. Learn more » |
|
|
