Matthew is an associate editor for The American Journal of Managed Care® (AJMC®). He joined AJMC® in 2019 and creates content for Medical World News®, a 24-hour online program developed MJH Life Sciences® focusing on pressing topics within managed care, as well as the nonwork-related activities of health care stakeholders.
He has a BA in journalism & media studies and economics from Rutgers University. You can connect with Matthew on LinkedIn.
Which Parkinson Symptoms Cause the Most Trouble as Disease Progresses?
According to a poll conducted by Parkinson’s UK, issues such as walking, speaking, and balance and falls proved most significantly burdensome as the condition progresses, whereas tremor and psychological health becomes less important.
Assessing Best Practices in Managing Pregnancy, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Researchers discuss the unique fetal and maternal challenges for pregnant women with myeloproliferative neoplasms, with insight and recommendations provided on the potential benefit of aspirin therapy, cytoreductive therapy, and systemic anticoagulation.
Novel Test Can Detect Onset of Neurodegenerative Disease Before Symptoms Present
A recently published study found that the DCTclock, a test for cognitive assessment, was associated with greater detection of biomarkers related with cognitive decline in patients who had yet to show any symptoms when compared with traditional testing methods.
Deep Brain Stimulation Effective Long Term in Improving Motor Function in Parkinson Disease
In comparing the efficacy of deep brain stimulation of the subthalmic nucleus and globus pallidus, both approaches were similarly effective in improving motor function in people with Parkinson disease, with benefits maintained after 10 years.
Sleep Disturbance Associated With Increased Risk of Death, Particularly in Women
Unconscious wakefulness during nighttime sleep, known as cortical arousal, was significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular-related death and death from any cause, with women especially at notable risk.
Sleepwalking, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Linked With Parkinson Disease Risk in Men
Symptoms of sleepwalking and/or REM sleep behavior disorder in men were significantly associated with higher odds of having Parkinson disease (PD), with PD-related neurodegeneration potentially impairing arousal regulation during sleep.
Later School Start Times Linked With Significant Sleep, Daytime Sleepiness Benefits
Students attending middle school and high school exhibited significantly improved sleep duration and daytime sleepiness with later school start times, while elementary school students were shown to be minimally affected by earlier start times.
Addressing Physical, Emotional Pain in the Workplace Linked With Substantial Cost Savings
A report by the Harvard Business Review found a significant gap between employee needs and employer benefit offerings for treatment of physical and emotional pain, with a holistic approach associated with savings of 50% on medical claims for back and joint care.
Why Crossing Obstacles Is Difficult for People With Parkinson Disease
Researchers found that people with Parkinson disease have 53% lower step length synergy while crossing obstacles than those without the condition, potentially providing a target approach to address fall risk in patients.
Survey Finds Provider Burnout, Disengagement as Most Potentially Disruptive Trends in Health Care
A 2021 survey on health care trends to monitor finds provider burnout, disengagement, and shortage of health care professionals as the most potentially disruptive issues facing hospitals and health systems in the next 3 years.
Idiopathic Hypersomnia Campaign Seeks to Spread Awareness, Empower Patients
A recently launched campaign by Jazz Pharmaceuticals and the Hypersomnia Foundation spotlights a lack of knowledge on idiopathic hypersomnia, as well as how care teams can optimally screen for symptoms and care for patients with the debilitating sleep disorder.
National Alliance Purchaser Survey Highlights Transition to Stabilized Business, Value-Based Care
A survey of employer and purchaser members of the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions found that over half expect a transition to a more stabilized business environment by the third quarter of this year, as well as increased benefit offerings on mental health access and virtual care delivery.
Sleep Disturbance, Duration Worse Amid the Pandemic Than in Years Past
The number of days with sleep disturbance issues, such as difficulty falling and staying asleep, were greater in 2020 than in 2018, as was prevalence of both shorter and longer-than-recommended sleep durations during the pandemic.
Antibody-Based Treatments May Cause Inflammatory Response in Neurological Diseases
Antibody-based treatments designed to target alpha synuclein and amyloid beta, protein clusters associated with the development of Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease, were shown to worsen inflammation in the brain.
Hinge Health: Musculoskeletal Costs Doubled in Past Decade With No Benefit in Patient Outcomes
Hinge Health’s State of MSK Report 2021 found that although patient outcomes remained stagnant in the past decade, cost for musculoskeletal care doubled with services provided in emergency rooms and outpatient/inpatient facilities associated with significantly increased spend.
Making Precision Medicine in Parkinson Disease a Reality: A Look at Challenges, Opportunities
How are researchers leveraging what is currently known about the pathogenesis and progression of Parkinson disease into the development of potential novel therapies, and what role should neurologists and patients play in addressing this neurodegenerative condition?
Oral Health Recommendations for People With Parkinson Disease
Reviewing available literature on the implications of oral health in people with Parkinson disease, researchers found reduced rates of oral hygiene and high prevalence of mostly preventable oral conditions, such as tooth decay and receding gums.