News of the Week
Observations About Some Things That Caught My Eye
One in three Alzheimer, dementia cases tied to modifiable risk factors
McKnight’s - Midlife obesity, physical inactivity and low education are the three most prominent modifiable risk factors associated with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRDs), according to a study published online May 9 in JAMA Neurology.
Observation - I can see being able to modify obesity and physical activity but education puzzled me a bit. Obviously, disadvantaged populations without access to education have always been more vulnerable to health issues and medical access. Is lack of education impacting poor decision making? Not sure and this short article does not explain fully.
Justice Department and EEOC Warn Against Disability Discrimination
DOJ - The Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today each released a technical assistance document about disability discrimination when employers use artificial intelligence (AI) and other software tools to make employment decisions.
Employers increasingly use AI and other software tools to help them select new employees, monitor performance, and determine pay or promotions. Employers may give computer-based tests to applicants or use computer software to score applicants’ resumes. Many of these tools use algorithms or AI. These tools may result in unlawful discrimination against people with disabilities in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
CARE CONVERSATIONS – WHEN AND HOW TO HAVE THEM
Sixty and Me - Having care conversations about preparing for aging with mom or dad can be challenging. Heck, having them with a spouse is not a breeze either. Topics like finances, insurance, wills, estate planning, living situations, care and treatment plans are tough. Yet, the sooner you have them, the better.
Observation - I will reprint this article in full in one month.
Seniors’ early deaths jumped 17% from 2019 to 2020, new report finds
McKnight’s - Early deaths among seniors increased 17% between 2019 and 2020, according to America’s Health Rankings Senior Report issued Monday by United Health Foundation. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed significantly to the increase, but so too did a 147% increase in drug-related deaths and a 13% increase in suicide.
Last year, the World Health Organization identified social isolation and loneliness as a growing global health crisis. Approximately, one-third of adults are lonely and a quarter of adults 65 and older are considered socially isolated.
Observation - something we have been reiterating here and one reason we started Sage Stream.
Caregiver discrimination lawsuits are on the rise
BenefitsPro - The 50% of caregivers who do disclose their caregiving status at work too often face discrimination because of a pervasive stigma that caregivers cannot meet their job responsibilities. After all, what employer doesn’t want to hire “ideal” workers or have high expectations about their performance—individuals who always show up on time, have no restrictions on the hours they can work, and don’t take unpredictable time off. While federal law does not recognize caregivers as a protected class and there is currently no federal law that specifically prohibits employment discrimination based on caregiving status, there are several laws that determine how employers may and may not treat the family caregivers in their employ.
Observation - This is not at all surprising. Most people do not want to self-identify for these reasons.
Dementia experts share six ways to reduce risks of condition 'by a third'
Daily Record - Exercise, having purpose, check your hearing, diet, stress, sleep!
Observation - want these same points made in a more inspiring way? Check out my keynote - The Meaning of Life!
Obesity set to become a greater health care cost driver
Benefits Pro - “Without further reductions in per capita spending, the effect of increases in the proportion of the population which is obese may have a larger effect on health care spending,” researchers concluded. “This is particularly true because of the increase in extreme obesity. Future efforts to control obesity-related spending are likely to be most impactful if they concentrate on individuals with BMI over 40, as well as preventing individuals from progressing to high levels of obesity.”
I Had to Go Back’: Over 55, and Not Retired After All
NYT - After leaving the labor force in unusual numbers early in the pandemic, Americans approaching retirement age are back on the job at previous levels. Whether by choice or financial necessity, millions of older Americans have made the same move in recent months. Nearly 64 percent of adults between the ages of 55 and 64 were working in April, essentially the same rate as in February 2020. That’s a more complete recovery than among most younger age groups.
Religious nursing homes have more severe violations, fewer complaint-driven inspections than counterparts: study
McKnight’s - Religious nursing homes are less likely to undergo complaint-driven inspections despite being found to have more severe violations due to traditional norms that may prevent residents from reporting violations, Yale researchers found. The team used inspection data from U.S. nursing homes over a five-year period.
Observation - report those nuns and you’ll get the ruler!
How to use music with a loved one who has just been diagnosed with dementia
Music for Dementia UK - With Dementia Action Week 2022 (16th – 20th May) focussing on diagnosis, it’s important for family and carers to know how they can use music to support people living with dementia from the very beginning.
Music, in all its many forms, can help create routines for anyone living with dementia, as well as evoke memories, bring joy when they’re feeling down and create a feeling of calm if they’re agitated or overwhelmed.
