Latest KFF Health News Stories
Prescribing Opioids To Seniors: It’s A Balancing Act
An expert geriatrician says the benefits for the patient, such as alleviating pain and maintaining independence, must be weighed against the possible risks. Her motto: ‘start low and go slow.’
Por qué es tan difícil hallar una cura para el Alzheimer
A pesar de una tasa de fracaso de 99%, científicos que investigan el Alzheimer están avanzando con cientos de experimentos -y un gran impulso en dinero federal- para tratar de revertir una enfermedad mortal que los ha desconcertado por décadas.
Trying To Solve The Alzheimer’s Puzzle
Alzheimer’s researchers hold onto hope after another promising trial ends in disappointment.
Drug Prices, Opioids, And Obamacare: A Conversation With Assemblyman Jim Wood
Wood, who chairs the Assembly Health Committee, lays out his priorities for 2017.
Inside Hospital, Families Find Refuge With Recliners, Tissues And Cake
More hospitals, including Montefiore Medical Center in New York, are setting up support centers to help stressed-out family members cope.
Alzheimer a los 40: científicos estudian la “mutación de Jalisco”
Investigadores están estudiando a familias de los Estados Unidos y México, portadores de una mutación genética que los hace desarrollar Alzheimer a edad temprana, con la esperanza de encontrar tratamientos para frenar este mal.
Keeping Lonely Seniors Company Can Help Keep Them Healthy
Little Brothers, which operates in San Francisco and several other cities, sends volunteers to brighten the lives of isolated elderly people, helping to reduce the risk of serious illness.
Early Alzheimer’s Gene Spells Tragedy For Patients, Opportunity For Science
Researchers are studying families from the U.S. and Mexico for clues to how Alzheimer’s develops in young patients, with the hope of finding treatments and even cures for the more common form of the disease.
Fear Of Deportation, Hate Crimes Reportedly Threaten Mental Health Of Young Californians
Teachers and health professionals report post-election depression, anxiety and stress in young immigrants and minorities.
Aging And Addicted: The Opioid Epidemic Affects Older Adults, Too
Using opioids to treat pain in seniors has been common, and that has led some to dependence disorders in later life.
Senate Approves Landmark Mental Health Bill As Part Of 21st Century Cures Act
The U.S. Senate passed a landmark bill to help millions of Americans suffering from mental illness.
Free Clinics Aim To Fill VA’s Shortfalls In Mental Health
A billionaire hedge fund manager, whose son served in Afghanistan, has opened a chain of clinics to tend to the psychological needs of veterans
Signed Out Of Prison But Not Signed Up For Insurance, Inmates Fall Prey To Ills
States that expanded eligibility for Medicaid have failed to enroll large numbers of a significant group that stood to benefit: ex-inmates.
Medicaid Coverage For Addiction Treatment Varies Dramatically
States can set their own rules about these benefits for Medicaid enrollees and a study shows wide disparities. But researchers say a repeal of the health law’s expansion could derail progress.
Legislation To Improve Mental Health Care For Millions Sails Through House Vote
Sponsors of Congressional action up for vote Wednesday have championed mental health changes since the 2012 Newtown shootings.
Solos y envejeciendo: quién cuida a los adultos mayores sin familia
Cada vez más adultos mayores se encuentran solos en una etapa de la vida en la que necesitan la ayuda de un ser querido. Esfuerzos nacionales buscan crear nuevas redes sociales para apoyar a esta población.
Alone And Aging: Creating A Safety Net for Isolated Seniors
As numbers of vulnerable seniors without relatives rise, groups call for new efforts to navigate declines in physical and mental health.
Clinics Help Keep People With Serious Mental Illness Out Of ER
Providing regular care at a Texas clinic prevents patients from cycling back to the hospital in a psychiatric crisis.
Dementia Rates Decline Sharply Among Senior Citizens
Education and better heart health may deserve credit.
Surgeon General Murthy Wants America To Face Up To Addiction
More people struggle with alcohol or drugs than have cancer, and 1 in 5 Americans binge drink. It all costs the nation $420 billion a year. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says we know how to help.
