Sunny outlook may speed stroke recovery Jun 17, 2008
This greater independence translates to requiring less help with activities of daily living such as bathing and preparing food, report Dr. Glenn V. Ostir of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and colleagues. Being as independent as you can is very, very important for people recovering from a stroke, Ostir told Reuters Health, and it also makes a big difference in quality of life for the families of stroke survivors. (MSNBC -- Health)
U.S. FDA Approves Requip(R) XL(TM), the First and Only Oral Once-Daily Non-Ergot Dopamine Agonist for Parkinson's Disease Jun 14, 2008
"Many patients require multiple doses of one or more medications to control their Parkinson's symptoms, which makes taking their medicines correctly and at the right times challenging. In addition, patients with Parkinson's disease may have trouble completing routine activities of daily living and self-care," said clinical investigator Rajesh Pahwa, M.D., professor of Neurology and director of the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center at the University of Kansas Medical Center in... (PR Newswire)
Use Of Bright Lighting May Improve Dementia Symptoms For Elderly Persons Jun 12, 2008
"In elderly patients with dementia, cognitive decline is frequently accompanied by disturbances of mood, behavior, sleep, and activities of daily living, which increase caregiver burden and the risk of institutionalization," the author write. These symptoms have been associated with disturbances of the circadian rhythm (the regular recurrence, in cycles of about 24 hours, of biological processes or activities). (Science Daily)
Disturbed Rest-Activity Rhythms Strongly Associated With Mortality Rates In Older Men Jun 12, 2008
All models were controlled for multiple potential confounders, including age, race, alcohol, health status, impairments in activities of daily living scale, and common medical conditions. The results showed that men with the lowest amplitude (i. (Science Daily)
Adding Light Eases Behavioral Problems of Dementia Jun 12, 2008
"This has a strong impact on their quality of life. The favorable effects are not limited to cognition, but also include strong effects on mood and functional limitations in activities of daily living.". The benefits may even surpass those of cholinesterase inhibitors such as Aricept, which are commonly prescribed to limit cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients, the authors stated. (MEDLINEplus)
A happy graduate takes his diploma and hugs a nurse Jun 10, 2008
She has returned to her activities of daily living as well as other activities that she enjoys such as church, shopping and family gatherings. Moore s story was only one of the many success stories celebrated at the graduation. (Thomaston Times, GA)
Yuma Rehab Hospital awarded Excellency recognition Jun 9, 2008
Occupation therapy involves retraining the upper limbs, dealing mainly with the arms and activities of daily living, or ADL. That includes feeding, grooming, bathing, toileting, upper and lower body dressing and management of a brace worn either on the arms or legs and how to take them off and properly put them back on. "We have proven patient outcomes for the treatment of stroke. We can help people in Yuma achieve the most complete recovery possible. Even years after the stroke, we have new... (Yuma Daily Sun, AZ)
Bladder and Dementia Therapy May Be Incompatible Jun 6, 2008
According to the researchers, the combination of drugs affected older adults who started out with higher levels of function in routine activities of daily living such as dressing, personal hygiene, going to the bathroom, getting out of bed, eating and being able to get around the nursing home. Specifically, they found that, in people who initially were most capable of performing routine activities of daily living and were not taking the bladder drug, functioning declined by an average of 1. (MEDLINEplus)
3 years later, knees made for dancing Jun 5, 2008
Postoperatively, the main issues for patients were pain, difficulty with the activities of daily living, and the time it took to recover their independence. "Patients really struggled with having to be a bother to others," Jacobson said. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Venting your pressure cooker Jun 3, 2008
In modern society, we ve adapted that fight or flight response to the activities of daily living, she said. And according to Hecker, that constant state of arousal for prolonged periods of time wears on a body. (Montana Standard, MT)
Acupuncture reduces pain and dysfunction in head and neck cancer patients after neck dissection Jun 1, 2008
Both groups were evaluated using the Constant-Murley scale, a composite measure of pain, function, and activities of daily living. Pain and mobility improved in 39 percent of the patients receiving acupuncture, compared to a 7 percent improvement in the group that received usual care. (EurekAlert!)
Elderly In Long-term Care Setting Suffer Depression More Than Those Cared For At Home May 10, 2008
They are still at home and independently able to complete some activities of daily living, such as bathing, cooking or feeding themselves, whereas a long-term care patient may not be able to do all of these tasks, Shapuras said. Shapuras and Egan presented the findings of their study, Comparison of Depression in Elders Who Receive Home-Health Care to Elders Residing in a Long-Term Care Facility, at ISU s 12th annual Undergraduate and Graduate Research Showcase, and received first place in the... (Science Daily)
Commonly used medications associated with impaired physical function in older adults May 4, 2008
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. Older adults who take drugs designed to block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine including common medications for incontinence, high blood pressure and allergies are more likely to be dependent in one or more activities of daily living and to walk slower, according to new findings from researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and colleagues ... In the GEMS study, the researchers sought to determine the effects of taking multiple anticholinergic drugs on... (EurekAlert!)
Dual Treatment Of Incontinence And Dementia Associated With Functional Decline May 3, 2008
The combination of drugs affected older adults who started out with higher levels of function in activities of daily living such as dressing, personal hygiene, toileting, transferring, bed mobility, eating and being able to get around the unit. The results were published online by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society and will appear in a future print issue. (Science Daily)
Take (Long-Term) Care May 2, 2008
It's the kind of ongoing help you need when you can't handle activities of daily living, such as bathing, eating or dressing. It can take place in your home, assisted-living facilities (residences with services that monitor your health and provide your meals) or nursing homes. (SmartMoney)
Disease-Modifying Drug May Slow Alzheimer's Disease May 2, 2008
In patients with mild Alzheimer's disease, the 800-mg dose of tarenflurbil was significantly better than placebo in slowing the decline in activities of daily living and global function, but it did not slow the decline in cognitive ability ... Patients with mild Alzheimer's disease who received tarenflurbil 800 mg during both the initial and extension phases had significantly lower rates of decline in activities of daily living, global function, and cognition than did patients initially treated... (MEDLINEplus)
Computer Game Helps COPD Patients Breathe Better, Study Shows Apr 17, 2008
If patients can be taught to translate these breathing techniques from the computer game to activities of daily living, they could potentially greatly improve their quality of life. "We are conducting a follow-up clinical trial to compare computerized breathing feedback with other unique methods of pulmonary rehabilitation," said Dr. Collins. (Science Daily)
Community Commendables Apr 15, 2008
Eaton Pharmacy carries a full supply of Durable Medical Equipment and equipment such as long-handled reachers and other necessary items to assist with activities of daily living. For those Wellesley residents in need, many of these items are available at Wellesley Friendly Aid because of generous donations made by companies such as Eaton Pharmacy and by individual citizens of Wellesley. (Wellesley Townsman, MA)
Care Center celebrates patient recovery Apr 10, 2008
She is now able to walk with the assistance of a walker and complete other activities of daily living, including feeding and self-care, with minimal assistance. Anderson's passion has allowed her to overcome some of the serious challenges of Guillain-Barre syndrome. (Louisville Winston County Journal, MS)
Graham Hospital Home Health honored for 25 years of service Apr 9, 2008
These services are delivered at home to recovering, disabled, chronically or terminally ill persons in need of medical, nursing, social, or therapeutic treatment and/or assistance with the essential activities of daily living. For more information about Graham Hospital Home Health and the services provided, call 309-647-4088. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
ASCRS to participate in and co-fund study on post-lasik quality of life with US FDA Apr 8, 2008
Simply defined, quality of life refers to a patients ability to perform the activities of daily living, everything from driving, daily routine, family life, career and sports performance, to personal appearance, after LASIK. While the FDA reports that nearly all patients are satisfied with their procedure, the study will seek to qualify LASIKs benefits and provide greater understanding of the very few patients whose expectations are not met with the procedure, with the goal of identifying ways... (EurekAlert!)
Health department salutes its Home Health Division Apr 7, 2008
Homemaker Services Homemaker and homemaker-companion services are available to persons needing companionship and help with activities of daily living. Trained homecare assistants can help with cooking, meal planning, errands, light housekeeping, budgeting, transportation, laundry and assistance with personal care needs. (Kewanee Star Courier, IL)
Mutual Funds &Personal Finance Apr 5, 2008
The insurance industry calls those needs activities of daily living. They include getting dressed, eating, washing and going to the bathroom. (Investors Business Daily)
Diamondbacks Spring Spotlight: Doug Davis Apr 4, 2008
"If he wasn't a pitcher, he'd be back to normal duties and activities of daily living very quickly. Because of the exertion that he puts out in his job ... it's going to be a bit longer.". A return to normalcy for Davis doesn't mean a return to overwhelming stuff. (Arizona, TheInsiders.com)
A race everyone wins Mar 30, 2008
"The money is for the basic activities of daily living. They tell us it changes their life.". r r r. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
With Alzheimer's, It Takes a Family Mar 27, 2008
their children are often involved in caring for loved one. For sandwich caregivers, the problem is even more acute. (Health-Finder)
Hip replacement technique helping at St. Francis Mar 21, 2008
He was left with a severe arthritic joint and debilitating pain, and was having difficulty with basic activities of daily living and walking. "After my accident four years ago, they didn't want to do a total hip replacement because I was too young," Jones said. (Maryville Daily Forum, MO)
Elder Law: Keeping mom at home Mar 21, 2008
Elders, or disabled adult family members over the age of 16, that need assistance with three Activities of Daily Living (ADL s), and are financially eligible for MassHealth (Medicaid in Massachusetts) are eligible. Activities of daily living are bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (this means from bed to wheelchair), ambulating, and eating ... Elders who are wandering, verbally or physically abusive, resisting care, or have socially inappropriate or disruptive symptoms only need help with... (Malden Observer, MA)
Women at Higher Risk of Abnormal Burn Scars Mar 21, 2008
They noted that burn scars "have been associated with anxiety, social avoidance, depression, a disruption in activities of daily living, the onset of sleep disturbances and all of the consequent difficulties in returning to normal life after physical rehabilitation.". HealthDay. (MEDLINEplus)
Summary for Patients Mar 18, 2008
It may be noticeable to the individual or to other people, but it does not severely impair activities of daily living. Few studies examine the frequency and course of mild cognitive impairment in older adults. (Annals of Internal Medicine)
Paradoxical Alzheimer's Finding May Shed New Light On Memory Loss Mar 17, 2008
AD results in dementia and memory loss, seriously affecting a person's ability to carry out activities of daily living. AD costs the U.S. 148 billion annually, in addition to untold family suffering. (Science Daily)
Medivation's Dimebon(TM) Stabilizes Behavioral Symptoms in Alzheimer's Disease Patients, Resulting in Reduced Caregiver Distress Mar 16, 2008
These endpoints spanned all of the most frequently studied aspects of Alzheimer's disease: cognition and memory, overall clinical function, activities of daily living and behavioral problems. Importantly, on every endpoint studied, the benefits of Dimebon over placebo at one year were stable or greater when compared to benefits at six months. (PR Newswire)
Caregivers Wanted Mar 16, 2008
CNAs are those who work most directly with the residents in activities of daily living bathing them, dressing them, doing their hair. Nurses are responsible for duties such as patient assessment, wound care, administering medications and communicating with doctors. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Knockout Head Injuries Found to Cause Loss of Brain Tissue Mar 6, 2008
3 million Americans, or about 2 percent of the U.S. population, need help to perform activities of daily living as a result of their brain injuries. Reuters Health. (MEDLINEplus)
How To Live To 100: Remain Independent, Avoid Disability, Research Suggests Feb 14, 2008
Seventy two percent of the male centenarians and 34 percent of the female centenarians in this "survivors-of-disease" group (centenarians who developed age-related diseases prior to age 85) scored in the independent range on the Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index at the age of 97 or older. According to the researchers, for a significant proportion of people surviving to extreme old age, compression of disability, rather than morbidity is a key feature of their ability to live such long... (Science Daily)
Is LTC Insurance a Good Idea? Jan 29, 2008
Long-term care refers to help with what insurers call the "activities of daily living" - bathing, dressing, eating, and moving - associated with injuries, strokes and mental deterioration like Alzheimer's disease ... Long-term care refers to help with what insurers call the "activities of daily living" - bathing, dressing, eating, and moving - associated with injuries, strokes and mental deterioration like Alzheimer's disease. (Townhall.com)
Disrespecting our elders Jan 20, 2008
With or without advocates, elders and others facing a loss of independence due to illness, cognitive or physical disability, or just normal age-related changes should know to request an "activities of daily living" assessment. This is most often administered by an occupational therapist, and identifies what assistance is necessary to manage the critical tasks of health maintenance, medication management, safety, self-care, and household and community living skills. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Helping wounded troops gain trauma injury pay Jan 8, 2008
The trauma can leave them dependent on others to perform activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, toileting or feeding themselves for extended periods ... Of nearly 3700 Army TSGLI claims rejected by the VA, about 90 percent involve claims of members lost ability to perform activities of daily living ... It used to require evidence that members were completely dependent on others for two or more activities of daily living for 30 to 120 days. (Petersburg Progress Index, VA)
Congestive heart failure leads to greater disability, nursing home admissions Jan 8, 2008
They were found to be much more likely to have difficulties with activities of daily living, such as grocery shopping and walking across the room ... People with CHF were much more likely to have difficulty with activities of daily living. (EurekAlert!)
Using machine learning algorithms to guide rehabilitation planning for home care clients Dec 21, 2007
Data were collected with the RAI-HC assessment system, in which the Activities of Daily Living Clinical Assessment Protocol (ADLCAP) is used to identify clients with rehabilitation potential. For study purposes, a client is defined as having rehabilitation potential if there was: i) improvement in ADL functioning, or ii) discharge home. (BioMed Central)
Watch out for that old 'lunge and chop' move Dec 20, 2007
ACE said it was hoped that the new study would encourage people to incorporate functional strength training into their workout programs so they can "safely and effectively perform their various activities of daily living.". Good advice. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Stroke Rehab Technique Has Lasting Results Dec 13, 2007
Improvements were seen in social participation, activities of daily living, and overall physical function, Wolf said. Wolf said the restraint therapy can be used on about 30 percent of stroke patients -- or those with mild to moderate impairment. (MEDLINEplus)
Md. courts may allow medical state aid for many seniors Dec 10, 2007
Although Brown, who also suffers from heart disease, arthritis and cataracts, needs help with many ordinary activities of daily living and supervision to make sure she doesn't hurt herself, she does not require constant care by a nurse or doctor. "Mom has no idea she's on medication unless you give it to her," Byus said. (SunSpot.net)
Public gets a look as health center for elderly closer to opening day Dec 8, 2007
"If we can keep their strength, independence, ADLs (activities of daily living), and all their functions working right, it's just better for everybody.". Sign-ups in early '08. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Making a world of difference Nov 27, 2007
"We're getting very sick and debilitated patients who require therapy in order to get back to their normal activities of daily living, but we look at the whole patient," he said. "Sometimes a patient with a knee problem will have additional problems, so we have to take a holistic approach to treatment.". (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Obesity can cause disability in elders: Study Nov 27, 2007
The more obese, the greater the risk," lead researcher Dawn Alley was quoted as saying. In fact, Alley of the University of Pennsylvania and her fellow researchers came to the conclusion after analysing data from a national survey at two different time points. The researchers looked at the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys for 1988 to 1994 and for 1999 to 2004. In all, they evaluated the obesity disability link for nearly 10,000 adults aged 60 and older. While 23.5 per cent of... (Hindu)
Increase In Disability Found Among Older, Obese Adults Nov 20, 2007
Researchers estimated the risk of functional and activities of daily living (ADL) impairment - the inability to move from a bed, dress, or eat - for normal weight, overweight, and obese populations for both time periods, and evaluated trends in the relationship between obesity and disability over time. Results revealed that obesity increased by 8. (Science Daily)
Long-Term Manifestations of Stroke Nov 19, 2007
Additionally, occupational therapists can assist stroke patients with fine motor skills and activities of daily living, particularly when the arm is affected. If the ability to swallow has been impaired, speech therapists can help retrain the throat muscles and determine which foods are safe to swallow. (Suite101.com)
Alzheimer's Patients Unresponsive to Antipsychotics Nov 17, 2007
Patients in the placebo group actually showed significantly higher functioning than patients in each of the second-generation antipsychotic groups on a test that assessed activities of daily living. While there were no statistically significant differences among the treatment groups in net health benefits, the investigators say, placebo treatment was most often superior to the second-generation antipsychotic drugs on net health benefit analysis, with probabilities ranging from 50 percent to 90... (MEDLINEplus)
Socioeconomics Key Factor in Disability Disparities Nov 15, 2007
Culture-specific programs to boost physical activity and stabilize weight "may prove to be efficient strategies not only for reducing rates of disability in activities of daily living but also for lowering racial/ethnic disparities in disability," Dr. Dorothy D. Dunlop of Northwestern University in Chicago and colleagues conclude. Minorities represent the fastest-growing sector of the US elderly population, Dunlop and her team note in the American Journal of Public Health. (MEDLINEplus)
Robotic aids for elderly, disabled Nov 14, 2007
" Cleo Cabuz, vice president of engineering for Honeywell Life Safety, which is already deeply involved in the tele-health business, said the company is intrigued by the idea of in-home devices that interpret a person's ability to perform activities of daily living. "Is the person getting out of bed and doing the normal routine, having an adequate level of activity, or is that increasing or decreasing. Something like that reflecting on the general well-being of a person is very important to us,... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Obesity Leaves More Americans With Physical Limitations Nov 7, 2007
The researchers looked for difficulties in two disability assessments: functional impairment and activities of daily living (ADL) ... Activities of daily living are more basic skills, such as the ability to feed and dress yourself. (Health-Finder)
Enfield woman will head restorative nursing program when Phoenix Rehab opens Oct 27, 2007
It also plans to determine a restorative need for residents during their stay: and to review assessments quarterly and with significant changes in condition and improvement or decline in communication, skin integrity, nutrition/hydration, cognition/behavior, swallowing/eating, activities of daily living, mobility. range of motion and elimination. (Carmi Times, IL)
Computer Game Helps Ugandan Children Recovering From Cerebral Malaria Oct 24, 2007
The research team is hoping that this intervention can help cerebral malaria-affected school-age Ugandan children improve their cognitive skills, leading to improvements for both activities of daily living and school-related learning and skill development. The program attempts to do so with the use of 33 multilevel brain-training exercises designed to help develop and remediate attention, concentration, memory, eye-hand coordination, basic numeric concepts, problem solving-reasoning skills,... (Science Daily)
Saving for long-term care is smart Oct 24, 2007
Only long-term care insurance policies help cover the day-to-day assistance you need when you have a chronic illness, disability or cognitive impairment and need help with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing or toileting. As for government programs, Medicare pays only for short periods of care and Medicaid covers only the very poor those whose assets are at or below state-required levels. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
A Plus Health Care Oct 21, 2007
Lastly, in-home personal care service meets the need for assistance with activities of daily living such as meal preparation, bathing and dressing, homemaking and meeting medical appointments. A little bit of home care can keep people at home where we all prefer to be, Carlson said. (Montana Standard, MT)
Facet Solutions Enjoys Continued Clinical Success With the Anatomic Facet Replacement System (AFRS(TM)) Oct 20, 2007
The potential for patients to maintain motion, and continue with the normal activities of daily living, is what I believe is driving the high level of interest in this trial. " Facet Solutions invites clinicians, medical facilities, and other interested parties to visit for specific information about the AFRS(TM) Clinical Trial. Facet Solutions also invites patients who are interested in learning more about the AFRS(TM) clinical trial to visit . To determine if they are eligible to participate... (PR Newswire)
Mind Exercises, Memory, and Health Oct 19, 2007
A study of 2800 seniors found that those undertaking mental exercise training reported significantly less difficulty with the activities of daily living. Sharpen your mind and exercise your brain each day by working an online crossword or Sudoku puzzle. (Suite101.com)
Anti-dementia drugs effective over long-term Oct 14, 2007
"There was a persistently slower rate of decline on all the cognitive measures and basic activities of daily living," Rountree told Reuters Health. Treatment did not affect the rate of decline on the more complex tasks, but the magnitude of the initial reduction in dementia with treatment initiation was retained over time, she added. (Scientific American)
Alzheimer's: dementia with depression Oct 13, 2007
In persons with Alzheimer's, the depression can lead to wandering, delusions, hallucinations, verbal agitation and aggression towards caregivers during the performance of activities of daily living. For persons with Alzheimer's, depressive symptoms may come and go, be less severe, not last long or reoccur as often as someone without Alzheimer's. (Marco Island Sun-Times, FL)
GOING GENTLY INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT Oct 4, 2007
"Senior citizens should have all the information that they need to make the best decisions about the most appropriate long-term care option for them. It would be unfortunate if, after a long and productive life, our seniors were left to fend for themselves having exhausted their assets in order to pay for health care, prescriptions and assistance with the activities of daily living. That is why I believe that government has an obligation to protect and serve those elderly citizens who are unable... (Pennsylvania Northeast Business Journal, PA)
Nursing homes not the only option, A 'continuum of care' now available Oct 4, 2007
"The individual's home is a place where we can provide some pretty intense services to keep them there as long as possible." In addition, home care attendants offer non-medical services in areas of home support such as assistance with the activities of daily living, feeding, cooking and vacuuming to help people function better within their homes. Other alternatives include domiciliary care facilities, which provide supervised living arrangements in a home-like setting. (Pennsylvania Northeast Business Journal, PA)
Disturbed Sleep Linked To Poorer Daytime Function In Older Women Oct 3, 2007
Neuromuscular performance measurements included gait speed, chair stands and grip strength, while functional limitations were assessed as self-reported difficulty with one or more of six instrumental activities of daily living ... "Women with objective measures of poor sleep had more trouble performing independent activities of daily living. These results held up even after adjustment for multiple confounders and other explanatory variables.". (Science Daily)
Exercise, supplements boost seniors' strength Oct 3, 2007
"If we can make patients -- who are getting older -- stronger and able to maintain their activities of daily living, it will not only lead to improved quality of life for older people but health-care savings as well," he said. The study has been published in the journal "PLoS ONE.". (Xinhuanet, China)
Does Your Mood Take A Nosedive Each November? Oct 2, 2007
In contrast, the headband works as the individual goes about activities of daily living. Halaris said that another version of SAD affects a person only in the summer months, but it is less common. (Science Daily)
