The fda has approved a higher dose of the rivastigmine transdermal system (13.3 mg/24 hours) for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Lower-dose patches were previously approved for mild-to-moderate disease. Rivastigamine is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. The transdermal system is marketed by Novartis as Exelon.
The updated practice guidelines for the treatment of atrial fibrillation include information on the newer treatments for rhythm control, treatment options to reduce atrial fibrillation complications, and updated anticoagulant management for thromboprophylaxis.
Stepwise risk factor-stratified screening in an elderly population using a handheld ECG device detected a significant number of patients with silent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
The authors conclude that in a large cohort of older patients with atrial fibrillation, hemorrhage is common during both the first 30 days and subsequent months of warfarin therapy, and is related to risk factors in the CHADS2 score and also to age.
Regardless of the caffeine status, coffee intake was associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes while sugar-sweetened beverages were associated with a higher risk.
