The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 15 COVID patients today, up from 10 yesterday. Other significant numbers:
- 7 with the active virus today, 6 yesterday
- 2 in ICU, 1 yesterday
- 0 on ventilator, 1 yesterday
- 8 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 4 yesterday
Key points from today’s guests:
Dr. Jeff Burns, co-director of the KU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and a neurologist at The University of Kansas Health System
- Alzheimer’s is often called “The Long Goodbye” because it’s a progressive disease of the brain that continues for about 10-12 years until the patient dies
- It is caused by amyloid plaque and tangles in the brain
- There is no cure only treatments that can slow some decline and some symptoms
- It can be diagnosed by some brain scans and spinal fluid testing. Big advances in diagnosing using blood biomarkers coming soon.
- A home screening test is available for Alzheimer’s that must be taken to a doctor for evaluation
- Alzheimer’s disease is different from normal age-related memory loss, where we forget names or misplace our glasses. Families are usually first to notice a real change in behavior, especially when it affects daily function and normal activities
- As one of only 31 nationally designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers in the country, has conducted extensive research, including showing exercise and diet can help prevent or control the disease
Michelle Niedens, social worker and director of the Cognitive Care Network
- Cognitive Care Network is an education and support network to help families and patients with Alzheimer’s
- Helps patients and families grab onto strategies that allow them to cope with a tough diagnosis and see a pathway forward rather than get lost in grief and hopelessness
- Pandemic hit Alzheimer’s patients and their families very hard. Many vital services had to be curtailed, increasing anxiety and depression
- Early screening and detection make a big difference in quality of life so it’s important to pay attention to behavioral changes
- “Alzheimer’s is a team sport.” It takes a team of providers and family members to support a patient
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System
- COVID case numbers and hospitalizations are still low, but are increasing
- Current COVID variants are all an offshoot of original omicron variant
- 5 to 11-year-olds can get a booster at least five months from the previous dose
Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer, The University of Kansas Health System
- Nationwide heat maps show COVID cases picking up
- New data from the CDC shows one in five people under age 65 and one in four 65 and older will develop long COVID
- Volunteer for Alzheimer’s research today. It could very well help you or your family later.
Thursday, May 26 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. Providing emergency care within seconds. Area high schools now have a backpack full of gear to help injured athletes right on the spot. We’ll be live at Blue Valley High School to show you the technology and team helping student athletes return to the field quickly.
ATTENTION: media procedure for joining:
Zoom link: https://kumc-ois.zoom.us/j/7828978628
Telephone Zoom link: 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID: 782 897 8628
TVU Grid link: UoK_Health_SDI
Restream links: Facebook.com/kuhospital
YouTube.com/kuhospital
Send advance questions to medicalnewsnetwork@kumc.edu.
