Post Type Archives: Blog

The number of medications prescribed to treat long-term chronic conditions is rapidly increasing in the United States. Though the exact figures are staggered across various studies and research, the universal concept is a significant increase in polypharmacy and medications prescribed per person. A study by Merck Pharmaceuticals suggests nearly 40% of geriatric populations regularly take […]

After years of strenuous research and development the FDA finally approved Arexvy; the first vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Adults 60 years or older may now receive a single dose of the vaccine after consulting with their physician, as recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) immunization advisory committee. Arexvy […]

After years of advancements by the Alzheimer’s association and other foundations that help fight Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finally drafted and submitted a plan to cover new Alzheimer’s medications. Though the changes are a step towards the right direction, the plan requires many obstacles and makes it […]

Osteoporosis cases in the United States are growing every year despite the advancements in science and technology and the various medications available on the market. Though the exact numbers are unknown, osteoporosis is estimated to affect at least 13 million women by 2030. Osteoporosis also affects a majority of men, and statistics suggest roughly 25% […]

Constipation is a common disorder in long-term care patients and can occur as it’s own bowel disorder or due to common medications such as anticholinergic agents or opioid pain medications. Previous research has shown that approximately 75% of long-term care patients are chronically taking at least one medication that can cause constipation. Bowel regimens are […]

This article discusses the process by which rescue inhalers, inhaled corticosteroids + long acting B2-agonists or B2 agonists alone, could become available to patients over-the-counter (OTC). Although some may be unaware, there is currently an epinephrine inhaler (Primatene Mist) that is already available OTC. This inhaler has been previously discontinued by the Food and Drug […]

According to an article published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, many adults 60 years of age and older in the US, deal with obesity as a barrier to aging well. Being obese can lead to complications in life such as mental health problems, an increased risk of falling, a nursing home admission, and […]

Failure to identify the presence of delirium in a geriatric patient during an emergency room visit can significantly increase these patients’ 6-month mortality rate. This article goes on to discuss important issues regarding the care of our geriatric patients in this setting, such as falls and polypharmacy. These aspects of care can be easily overlooked […]

Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular events, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. The findings of studies in the past led the 2017 ACC/AHA Hypertension Guidelines to lower the blood pressure threshold from 140/90 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg. In addition, the guidelines recommend initiating antihypertensives in patients with a blood pressure between […]