The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 49 COVID patients today, same as Friday. Other significant numbers:
- 23 with the active virus today, 21 Friday
- 5 in ICU, 3 Friday
- 2 on ventilators, 3 Friday
- 26 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 28 Friday
Key points from today’s guests:
Dr. Jeffrey Burns, neurologist, co-director of the University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Center
- Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia. Dementia is a broad term that simply means cognitive changes that interfere with daily function.
- One in three people over age 85 have Alzheimer’s, the fastest growing segment of the population because we are living longer, healthier lives
- This will only grow unless we develop prevention strategies and treatments to stop it or cure it
- Not always easy to diagnose, often takes family members to be alert to changes
- Early signs include not simply misplacing keys or glasses, but misplacing things never misplaced before. Also, memory problems, repeating oneself over and over, or asking the same question or telling the same story. That’s when it’s time to get checked out.
- Nationally designated Alzheimer’s disease research center is one of 33 in the country. Memory clinic has 30 to 40 research studies at any given time.
- His research has shown exercise has a positive impact on the brain, and may help prevent Alzheimer’s
- Recent drug approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer’s, Aduhelm, but still too early to know if it will have a big benefit
- Believes next ten years will bring dramatic changes for how we treat and diagnose Alzheimer’s
Dr. Jessica Kalender-Rich, Geriatric, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, The University of Kansas Health System
- Mild Cognitive Impairment is very early stage of normal aging changes in cognition. It can affect function in some ways and can be difficult to diagnose.
- It’s important for families to keep track of older members and make note of any changes
- Mental exercises are just as important as physical exercises in helping keep our brains functioning normally
- Most older adults she deals with feel safe in being fully vaccinated and boosted from COVID
- Just because a family member has dementia does not necessarily mean you will get it
- Best advice for dealing with family or friends who may be developing dementia is to go slow and be understanding
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System
- Trends nationally show decreasing COVID cases and hospitalizations
- Monkeypox cases in U.S. holding steady at about 14,000
- Hope to know in the next two to four weeks the new recommendations for COVID booster shots
- B.A. 5 continues to be dominant variant with no other new variants of concern on the horizon
Wednesday, August 24 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Open Mics With Dr. Stites program. We will present a news conference with 13 area chief medical officers to talk about the state of COVID in the region. We’ll also find out how it’s still impacting hospitals in everything from staffing to supplies and look ahead at what to expect this fall.
ATTENTION MEDIA: Please note different link than normal:
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
Please click this URL to join. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87235817700
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