Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Advanced wearable technology improves support for people with dementia and their caregivers

A new pilot study assesses how caregivers use advanced wearable technology to support people with dementia, finding that it reduces emotional strain and increases caregiver satisfaction. The technology, called Theora Care, provides a wearable device and smartphone application that alerts caregivers when the person has wandered.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateFeb 3, 2025

JAMA study integrates palliative and dementia care for patients and caregivers

The IN-PEACE randomized clinical trial integrated palliative care with state-of-the-art dementia care, cutting in half emergency department visits and hospitalizations among participants. This innovative approach benefited African American individuals and those with lower incomes the most, offering cost savings to the healthcare system.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJan 29, 2025

D-CARE study finds no differences between dementia care approaches on patient behavioral symptoms or caregiver strain

The D-CARE study found no differences in patient behavioral symptoms or caregiver strain between health system and community-based care approaches. However, comprehensive care improved caregiver self-efficacy, which remained consistent throughout the 18-month period.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 29, 2025

Preventing clinical depression: Early therapeutic interventions offer protection

Researchers found that participants who received early therapeutic interventions were significantly less likely to develop clinical depression within the first year. The interventions, which typically lasted six to twelve sessions, reduced symptoms and lowered the risk of depression by 42% in the first six months.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 8, 2025

‘Sandwich carers’ experience decline in mental and physical health

A new study by UCL researchers has found that people who care for both their children and older family members – known as 'sandwich carers' – experience a significant decline in both mental and physical health. The study, which analysed data from around 2,000 sandwich carers, highlights the need for better support and resources to help...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPublic Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2025

Caregiving stress linked to high blood pressure in younger Black women

A new study finds that caregiving stress in younger Black women is associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension. The research team followed the health of more than 3,500 Black adults and found that those reporting moderate or high caregiving stress were more likely to develop hypertension.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalHypertension·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

Caregivers experience decline in well-being

A new study from the University of Zurich analyzed data from over 28,000 caregivers and found that longer caregiving periods lead to a consistent decline in life satisfaction, emotional health, and anxiety. Women were particularly vulnerable to these negative effects.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPsychological Science·TypeSurvey·DateNov 27, 2024

People with migraine at high risk of depression during pandemic

A recent longitudinal study from the University of Toronto reveals that older adults with migraine are at a substantial increase in risk of depression during the pandemic. Increased family conflict, difficulties in accessing healthcare, and caregiving responsibilities were associated with higher risks of depression among this population.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Pain Research·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2024

Language comprehension impacts medical prescriptions for Ontario's long-term care Francophone, Allophone residents: uOttawa study

A new study by uOttawa highlights the importance of providing culturally and linguistically concordant care to avoid inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotics. Francophone and Allophone residents are more likely to experience inappropriateness compared to English-language patients.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalBMC Geriatrics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 15, 2024

Psychological distress in adults and caregivers about food allergy is widespread and unrecognized, finds Aston University-led research

A study of over 1,329 adults and 1,907 caregivers found that two-thirds of adults with food allergies and three-quarters of adult caregivers reported psychological distress related to food allergy. The biggest barrier to access to psychological help was cost, highlighting the need for free or low-cost support.

SourceAston University·JournalAllergy·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2024

Online insomnia treatment can help caregivers get much-needed rest, study suggests

A study suggests that online insomnia treatment, SHUTi, can provide meaningful relief for caregivers struggling with sleep difficulties. The program showed promising results in improving sleep quality and reducing stress among high-intensity caregivers, those shouldering the greatest responsibilities in caring for their loved ones.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 2, 2024

ABM releases position statement on breastfeeding in emergency situations

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has released comprehensive guidelines for protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding in emergency situations. The recommendations aim to safeguard the health and well-being of infants in disasters and conflicts by ensuring safe nutrition and immune protection.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 27, 2024

Telemedicine improved doctors’ quality of patient care during COVID pandemic, new study shows

A new study from Binghamton University found that telemedicine enhances the quality of patient care and increases physician satisfaction. The study analyzed data from 10,302 physicians nationwide and identified key features such as videoconferencing and electronic health records integration that contributed to improved outcomes.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Informatics·TypeSurvey·DateSep 23, 2024

Lack of workplace support after medication errors can worsen outcomes among healthcare professionals

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that inadequate organisational support after medication errors increases turnover intentions and absenteeism among healthcare professionals. The study highlights the need for cultivating a more supportive work environment to mitigate negative work-related outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·TypeSurvey·DateSep 6, 2024

Parents’ eating behaviour influences how their children respond to food, according to new research at Aston University

A new study at Aston University found that parents' eating styles can shape their children's eating behavior, with parents who exhibit 'avid' or 'avoidant' eating patterns more likely to pass on similar traits. The research suggests that parents can help create a healthy food environment by modeling balanced eating habits.

SourceAston University·JournalAppetite·TypeObservational study·DateAug 12, 2024

‘Baby talk:’ Decoding how children’s vocal and cognitive cues sway adults

Researchers found that adults prioritize cognitive cues over vocal signals when evaluating a child's intelligence or negative emotions, while vocal cues dominate for assessing happiness or helplessness. This study provides insights into the complex dynamics of caregiver-child interactions and their evolutionary roots.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateAug 6, 2024

Stress-related cell damage linked to negative mental and physical health effects among caregivers

Researchers at Rice University found that chronic stress impacts cellular health, leading to decreased energy levels and increased inflammation, which can result in dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other health problems. Caregivers with less leftover cellular energy experience fewer positive emotions and have lower physical functioning.

SourceRice University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Duke-NUS study reveals high use of physical restraints in home care for older adults with dementia

A new Duke-NUS study found that nearly half of caregivers reported using physical restraints on family members with advanced dementia living at home. The study highlights the need for better guidance and support to prevent the use of restraints, which can impact older adults' physical and psychological health.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeObservational study·DateJun 17, 2024

Most older adults don’t know about resources that can help them navigate aging & caregiving

A new poll reveals that most older adults are unaware of available resources to help them navigate aging and caregiving. Only a small minority have used programs like Area Agencies on Aging, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, and long-term services and supports. The findings highlight the need for more awareness about these se...

Mason CARES intervention reduces stress and feelings of burden of family caregivers of older adults with dementia

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology found that a 9-week online stress management intervention program for family caregivers reduced caregiver burden scores by 15%. The program provided education and strategies to manage stress, including self-care techniques like breathing and meditation.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·DateMay 29, 2024

Babies babble squeals and growls in clustering patterns observable from birth through the first year, suggesting this active vocal exploration is important to speech development

Researchers analyzed 130 English-learning infants' vocalizations and found significant cluster patterns of squeals and growls, indicating active play and sound practice. These findings suggest that infant vocal category exploration is a fundamental pathway for language development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024