Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Geriatrics for September 2020. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
COVID-19-Related Hospital Death Up With Psychiatric Diagnosis
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Patients with any prior psychiatric diagnosis have an increased risk for COVID-19-related hospital death, according to a research letter published online Sept. 30 in JAMA Network Open.
Hospital Admissions Not Related to COVID-19 Fell in Early 2020
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Non-COVID-19 hospital admissions decreased considerably with the onset of COVID-19, with declines generally similar across patient demographic subgroups from February to April 2020, according to a report published online Sept. 24 in Health Affairs.
Disparities in CVD Burden Increasing Between Richest, Poorer
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There are substantial and increasing disparities in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among the highest-resource group and the remainder of the U.S. population, according to a study published online Sept. 25 in JAMA Network Open.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Linked to Increased T2DM Risk
TUESDAY, Sept. 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Regular use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online Sept. 28 in Gut.
Lockdown Tied to Worsening of Musculoskeletal Conditions
TUESDAY, Sept. 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Early stages of the U.K. COVID-19 lockdown had negative consequences for people with musculoskeletal conditions, according to a letter to the editor published online Sept. 22 in Rheumatology: Advances in Practice.
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New FDA Applications for Opioids Often Based on Short Trials
TUESDAY, Sept. 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — New drug applications (NDAs) for prescription opioids for pain have been based on pivotal trials of short or intermediate duration, often in narrowly defined pain populations, according to a study published online Sept. 29 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Private Health Plans Pay Hospitals 247 Percent of Medicare
MONDAY, Sept. 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — During 2018, prices paid to hospitals by privately insured patients averaged 247 percent of what Medicare would have paid, according to a study from the RAND Corporation.
Hydroxychloroquine Tied to Heart Problems Prior to Pandemic
Plant-Based Diets Increase Odds of Healthy Aging 
High Levels of Perimenopause-Related Symptoms Seen in Younger Women 
Depression Tied to Having More Physical Health Conditions 
2008 to 2017 Saw Increase in Prevalence of Seniors Free From Disabilities 
Digital Technology Linked to Lower Rates of Cognitive Decline in Adults Older Than 50 
Air Pollution Exposure Negatively Impacts Some Domains of Cognitive Performance 
17 Modifiable Risk Factors Shared by Stroke, Dementia, and Late-Life Depression 
Older Adults Have Low Knowledge of RSV Disease and Vaccine Eligibility 
