Our residents are like family in Park Regency Loveland, and we strive each day to ensure that they are able to live with the most health and happiness possible.
This is why we are so excited to see the many new studies being conducted and published in the area of geriatrics.
Here are just four of the recent developments in medicine for seniors.
New ways to detect Alzheimer's may be on the horizon due to breakthroughs in research involving simple blood tests. Three studies have been published this year that focus on types of proteins and fats in blood samples of participants. The results are promising. In fact, one test predicted a diagnosis of the disease within three years with a 90 percent accuracy. Though further tests are required, these studies offer individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer's hope for their future through early detection and treatment.
The 3D printing process has been around since the 1980s. Over the years, many scientists have thought the technology would be beneficial in the area of medical applications. However, the practice is only now becoming routine.
Though there are many potential ways to use this technology, such as creating sterile surgical instruments and customized prostheses, one of the most promising can be found in surgical planning.
By printing exact replicas of a patient's organs, doctors can study the best way to complete a surgery with as little trauma to the individual as possible before conducting the actual procedure. This preview of the body helps doctors to reduce recovery times and improve chances of success.
As one of the biggest contributors to blindness in adults aged 60 and over, glaucoma is at the center of many research studies. Since the condition is usually caused by high pressure in the eye, new treatment options focus on relieving this problem in order to prevent further damage.
MIGS, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, typically involve inserting microscopic tubes and shunts in the eye to drain away excess fluid. They have been shown to be highly successful. These procedures are completed through tiny incisions and with miniature equipment, which helps lower the chances of complications normally caused by standard glaucoma surgeries.
The Centers for Disease Control projects 40 million adults to potentially be suffering from hearing loss. Most of these individuals received this damage due to exposure to excessive noise. With the popularity of ear buds, music concerts and sporting events, the number of Americans with hearing damage is expected to climb.
In order to assist these individual in their everyday lives, many businesses have prioritized smaller, more comfortable hearing devices and new technological innovations. Some of the most popular features include rechargeable batteries, which ensure seniors no longer have to fumble with minuscule battery replacements, and tinnitus masking.
