Less older Americans have disabilities; infection-related hospitalizations linked to heart failure; illegal opioid distribution and $5.4 million fraud scheme – Morning Medical Update

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Two-thirds of older Americans are free of any disability

A study published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus by University of Toronto researchers found that the percentage of Americans aged 65 and older without disabilities rose from 61% in 2008 to 65% in 2017. Analyzing data from 5.4 million survey respondents, the study determined that if disability-free rates had remained at 2008 levels, an additional 2.07 million seniors would have had serious disabilities in 2017. The research also revealed that the gender gap in disability prevalence closed over the decade, with notable improvements among those aged 75 and older, while little change was observed among the 65- to 74-year-old Baby Boomers.

Infection-related hospitalizations linked to increased risk of heart failure

A National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded study found that adults hospitalized for severe infections, including respiratory illnesses or sepsis, were more than twice as likely to develop heart failure years later. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the research followed 14,468 adults aged 45-64 for up to 31 years, revealing a 2.35 times higher risk of heart failure among those with infection-related hospitalizations.

The study highlighted a nearly threefold increased risk for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which is more common in older adults and has limited treatment options. Researchers emphasized the importance of infection prevention, including vaccines and proper hygiene, and suggested future studies could explore integrating infection history into heart failure risk assessments.

Physician sentenced to over seven years for illegal opioid distribution, $5.4 million fraud scheme

A Louisiana physician, Adrian Dexter Talbot, MD, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for illegally distributing more than 1.8 million opioid doses and defrauding health care programs of more than $5.4 million. Talbot, owner of Medex Clinical Consultants, pre-signed prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances without patient examinations and directed another practitioner to do the same. Patients used insurance to fill prescriptions, fraudulently billing Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers. Convicted in July 2024 on multiple charges, Talbot’s case was investigated by federal agencies and prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Fraud Section.