4/22
Geriatrics
A new vision for the Population Aging Research Center
A new vision for the Population Aging Research Center
For more than 25 years, PARC has been a hub for work on disparities in aging and mortality. Co-directors Hans-Peter Kohler and Norma Coe, who took over in July, want to expand its reach.
Aging and the costs that come with it
Aging and the costs that come with it
As a high school student, junior Darcey Hookway spent time volunteering on a dementia ward at a local hospital. “The social aspect of their condition really struck me,” says Hookway, who is from London. “They struggled immensely with social isolation. And now with COVID exacerbating that more than ever, I think that’s a huge detriment to their health.”
Middle-aged individuals may be in a perpetual state of H3N2 flu susceptibility
Middle-aged individuals may be in a perpetual state of H3N2 flu susceptibility
Individuals’ immunological imprint from early childhood infection likely lessens the virus’ severity, but does not prevent infection.
An improv class that enriches the mind and soul, even remotely
An improv class that enriches the mind and soul, even remotely
The Penn Memory Center’s Cognitive Comedy program gives people with memory impairments and their caregivers a no-pressure space to think creatively, socialize, and be part of a community.
Social distancing and dying alone
Social distancing and dying alone
COVID-19 has led to drastic changes in how hospitals provide end-of-life care to patients and their families. With strict no-visiting limitations in place in an effort to stem contagion, patients have been dying alone.
Long-term use of muscle relaxants has skyrocketed since 2005
Long-term use of muscle relaxants has skyrocketed since 2005
Penn Medicine researchers found the drugs were prescribed disproportionately to older adults, often concurrently with opioids, despite warnings against this dangerous combination.
Responding to challenges of older adults with COVID-19
Responding to challenges of older adults with COVID-19
Researchers draft a model for transitional care for an aging community transitioning from a hospital back to the community post-COVID.
Can Yelp reviews identify better skilled nursing facilities?
Can Yelp reviews identify better skilled nursing facilities?
A new study suggests that hospitals, payers, and patients might learn something useful about the quality of skilled nursing facilities by checking online Yelp reviews.
Virtual palliative care doctors are a ‘bright spot’ in dark times
Virtual palliative care doctors are a ‘bright spot’ in dark times
An initiative to provide virtual palliative care for nursing home patients, their families, and staff in a group of West Philadelphia nursing homes is providing comfort in the best and safest way possible during the pandemic.
Negative financial shock increases loneliness in older adults
Negative financial shock increases loneliness in older adults
The conclusions hold even after accounting for changes in chronic health conditions and functional limitations, religious service attendance, and relationship strain.
In the News
The New York Times
Apparently healthy, but diagnosed with Alzheimer’s?
Jason Karlawish of the Perelman School of Medicine says that amyloid is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s in the same way that smoking is a risk factor for cancer.
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KFF Health News
Who will care for older adults? We’ve plenty of know-how but too few specialists
Lisa Walke of the Perelman School of Medicine says that artificial intelligence represents a great frontier for developing products to help older adults live independently at home.
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CNN
Have this talk with your parents now to reduce heartache later
A 2017 study of 800,000 Americans by the Perelman School of Medicine found that only 29% had completed a living will detailing their care wishes and only 33% had designated a health care power of attorney.
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Wired
A new blood test may predict your Alzheimer’s risk. Should you take it?
Jason Karlawish of the Perelman School of Medicine cautions that the uncertainty of learning one’s Alzheimer’s risk from test results might be difficult for some people to handle.
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Men’s Health
How saunas benefit your brain
Jason Karlawish of the Perelman School of Medicine says that saunas aren’t a silver bullet for dementia but might represent one of several combined ways to counteract it.
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The Scientist
Integrate and innovate with NGS and multiomics
A group of researchers from Penn found that protective pathways involved in healthy aging are disabled to initiate epigenetic changes that drive Alzheimer’s disease.
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