Compiled by Peggy O'Farrell
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Research

Too few: More than half the counties in the United States have too few adult day centers to meet demands, a report says.

A study conducted by Partners in Caregiving showed that 3,407 adult day centers, primarily serving people with dementia or the frail elderly, are operating nationally. But more than 5,400 new centers are needed.

The study also found that adult day centers "keep individuals who are in need of chronic care at home, in the community, with family and friends as long as possible," said Nancy J. Cox, national director of Partners in Caregiving. Cox presented the study at the March 15 Joint Conference of the National Council on the Aging and American Society of Aging.

Most people attending day centers live with an adult child or spouse, and the centers offer caregivers needed respite.

Average daily cost of day centers is $56, considerably less than most other options, the report said.

Hot news

Zzzzz: Even reduced sleep results in significant cognitive impairment - and people affected don't recognize the effects, a new study shows.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that people who slept four to six hours a night for 14 consecutive nights showed impairments in cognitive performance equal to people who'd gone without sleep for three days in a row. But the "short sleepers" reported feeling only slightly sleepy and were unaware of how impaired they were.

The results, published in the March issue of Sleep, are of particular concern for military personnel, medical and surgical residents and shift workers, researchers said.

The National Institutes of Health funded the study.

Calendar

Puffed out: The American Lung Association of Ohio will offer group hypnosis for smoking cessation and weight loss April 5 in Cincinnati and Batavia. Sessions will be offered at 9 and 10 a.m. at the Drake Center on West Galbraith Road in Hartwell and at noon and 1 p.m. at the United Way building in Batavia. Cost: $50 for the first session, with free follow-ups for one year. Registration: 985-3990.

Help wanted

Drug study: Newly diagnosed patients with wet macular degeneration might be eligible for a clinical trial comparing a new investigational treatment with an existing treatment. Information: Foundation Fighting Blindness, (800) 265-1971.

Siting

Click: Check out Colonhealthline.com for the latest news and research on colon cancer treatment and prevention.

Shelf help

For parents: Your Premature Baby: From Birth to 5 Years (Firefly Books; $19.95) by Nikki Bradford is a definitive guide for parents of preemies. The book translates medical jargon, gives tips on working with medical staff and aiding your baby's development, discusses therapeutic touch and offers coping tips.

Contact Peggy O'Farrell by phone, 768-8510; fax, 768-8330, or e-mail pofarrell@enquirer.com