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In this Issue
On AgingWellmag.com
Integrating Palliative Medicine With Dementia Care
Aggressive medical interventions for elders' acute illness may not only be of limited value but also may be an overall detriment. Read more »

Catheter Conundrum: Reducing Unnecessary Placement
Physicians and hospital staff may need to reevaluate urinary catheterization procedures to reduce infection and other complications stemming from it. Read more »

Physicians as Supplement Supervisors
Physicians must evaluate the supplements older patients may be using for their role in nutritional adequacy and in conjunction with patients’ prescribed medications. Read more »
 
Editor's E-Note
Glaucoma is an insidious disease known to rob aging patients of their eyesight. Although several pharmacologic and surgical interventions can be successful in treating glaucoma, it sometimes advances to the point where patients experience blindness.

But researchers have begun to explore the disease from a different perspective. What if the source of glaucoma is neurologic? Researchers are examining the possibility that glaucoma results from the brain’s nerve cells degenerating and dying like the deterioration that occurs in Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s.

The new paradigm has resulted in glaucoma treatments designed to focus on the damage to nerve cells known as retinal ganglion cells that are vital to the ability to see. These cells connect the eye to the brain via the optic nerve. If neurogically based research is successful, it may be possible not only to prevent glaucoma but also to restore the vision to patients who have lost their eyesight.

In addition to reading our e-newsletter, be sure to visit Aging Well’s website at www.AgingWellmag.com, where you’ll find news and information that’s relevant and reliable. We welcome your feedback at AWeditor@gvpub.com. Follow Aging Well on Facebook too.

— Barbara Worthington, editor
E-News Exclusive
Glaucoma: Neurologic Disorder or Eye Disease?

 A new paradigm to explain glaucoma is rapidly emerging, and it is generating brain-based treatment advances that may ultimately vanquish the disease known as the “sneak thief of sight.” A review in Ophthalmology notes that some top researchers no longer think of glaucoma solely as an eye disease. Instead, they view it as a neurologic disorder that causes nerve cells in the brain to degenerate and die, similar to what occurs in Parkinson’s disease and in Alzheimer’s.

The review, led by Jeffrey L. Goldberg, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Miller School of Medicine’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute at the University of Miami, describes treatment advances that are either being tested in patients or are scheduled to begin clinical trials soon.

Full Story »
Other Aging News
Baby Boomers at Risk for Hep C
The threat of hepatitis C among baby boomers is surprisingly high, according to an article posted at MSNBC.com.

Shift From Nursing Home to Managed Care at Home
An emerging model of care may allow older patients to remain in their own homes while receiving the medical and social services offered in nursing homes, according to an article in The New York Times.

Experts Urge Wider Sharing of Heart-Care Decisions
Before recommending life-saving heart devices, it’s important for physicians to discuss treatment goals and possible outcomes with patients, according to a recent article in USA Today.

Small-Picture Approach Flips Medical Economics
According to an article in The New York Times, accountable care organizations can reduce the cost of treating patients while effectively maintaining their health.
Ask the Expert
Have a question you want answered by one of our experts? Send your question to AWeditor@gvpub.com and it may be featured in an upcoming e-newsletter or print issue.
Crest Fall Fighter
Fall Management
Crest Fall Fighter Fall Management products are designed to help elders avoid falling. Fall Fighter Chair and Bed Monitors feature spring and pad alarms that alert caregivers of a patient’s movement or self-transfer that may create an immediate fall risk. The alarm automatically resets when a patient returns to the pad and can quickly be muted via a reset button. A battery cover hides the device controls and can be secured to prevent tampering. Different color LED displays indicate low battery and active status. Learn more »

Pen-X
Pens at a nurses’ station in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other facilities are often used dozens of times per day by healthcare professionals. To combat the spread of bacteria such as MRSA, staph, and C diff, Pen-X offers a no-tip tabletop or wall-mounted pen sanitizer. Simply dipping a pen into the Pen-X solution quickly sanitizes it, killing 99.9% of germs. It dries in seconds and doesn’t affect a pen’s writing ability. Learn more »

Janska Wellness Wear
Comfort and easy fit are key to clothing design at Janska Wellness Wear. Ideal for patients with limited mobility, the clothing line features easy-on, easy-off garments of soft Polartec fleece that promote dignity and confidence. The oversized buttons are safe for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and simplify caregivers’ tasks. Fabrics are durable, washable, and wrinkle and odor resistant and are suitable for treatment. Learn more »
 
Conferences Previews & Wrap-Ups
Physician Recruitment CenterACP Internal Medicine
2012 Preview, AGS Annual Scientific Meeting Preview , AMDA Conference Wrap-Up

ACP Internal Medicine 2012 Preview

The American College of Physicians’ (ACP) Internal Medicine 2012 will be held April 19 to 21 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Conference highlights include an array of clinical skill activities, hospital medicine educational sessions, networking opportunities, and several planned special events.

With more than 7,000 attendees expected, the conference provides industry-supported symposia, CME credit opportunities, educational sessions, and an exhibit hall featuring representatives from the areas of diagnostics, medical equipment, nutrition, pharmaceuticals, electronic medical records, and IT.

Attendees can access the latest information on topics such as diabetes, hypertension, noncoronary emergency cardiac events, deep vein thrombosis, and fall risk management.

The ACP’s Job Placement Center offers physicians a venue for looking into career opportunities through informational materials and job postings.

Read more »

We'll be exhibiting at the American College of Physicians Internal Medicine Conference in New Orleans this week! If you're attending ACP, please stop by Booth #1738 for a copy of our current issue and for a free subscription!
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