Everything Is Changing in Dementia Diagnosis and Treatment
When a patient is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they and their family always want to know: What does that mean for the future? Answering that question is impossible right now. But one thing is for sure: A revolution is happening in dementia care. Jason Karlawish, MD, a professor of Geriatrics, Neurology, and Medical Ethics & Health Policy, explained how this landscape is starting to change in exciting ways, both through advanced diagnostic tools and treatments.
STAT News |
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The Quietest Hospitals in the Philadelphia Area
In a survey of 25,000 patients around the Philadelphia area, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania was rated as the quietest of all at night, with Chester County Hospital coming in second. Quieter hospitals have benefits for both patients and staff, helping to lower anxiety levels, improve sleep quality, and ease the flow of communication, so turning down the volume has been a special focus and area of investment at UPHS. This work is notable at the Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs, where efforts were made to design separate nonclinical work areas from sites of patient care.
Philadelphia Inquirer |
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GLP-1s, Taste, and What’s Happening to Our Diets
A March 2025 study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found 85 percent of people on GLP-1s scored worse on a taste test, compared to people not on the drugs. All five taste areas: salty, sweet, bitter, sour, and umami were diminished for people on the drugs. “We were quite surprised,” said Richard Doty, PhD, one of the study’s authors and director of Penn’s Smell and Taste Center. “It’s a significant decrease in the ability to taste the basic taste qualities.”
USA Today |
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Five Cardiology Leaders to Watch in 2026
Jay Giri, MD, MPH, an associate professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and director of HUP’s Cardiovascular Catheterization Laboratories, was named one of Becker ASC’s five cardiology leaders to watch in the coming year. His research focuses on comparative effectiveness, emerging endovascular technologies and health policy in cardiovascular care.
Becker’s ASC Review |
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Social Workers Can Improve Advance Care Planning Documentation
A pilot program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health showed embedding a social worker into routine oncology visits for patients aged 65 years and older doubled documentation in the electronic health record. Ramy Sedhom, MD, medical director of Oncology and Palliative Care at Penn Medicine Princeton Health and a clinical assistant professor of Medicine, said, “Through a simple, scalable model that repurposes routine oncology workflows, we not only improved patient care and the patient experience, but we relieved oncologists and the cancer care team, and made sure that we truly reflected what matters most to our patients.”
Healio |
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Revolutionizing Cancer Care with AI and Next Gen Medical Imaging
At Penn Medicine Princeton Health, healthcare providers are using AI, along with advanced imaging and other technologies, to assist in detecting certain cancers earlier when they’re easier to treat. When a new cancer is detected, whether it’s lung, colon, or any other type, Princeton Health uses AI to alert a nurse navigator right away. As a result, patients are often able to begin treatment sooner, which can improve survival rates and reduce the risk of recurrence. Moreover, starting treatment promptly can help reduce the anxiety and uncertainty that comes with waiting and can reduce symptoms more quickly, enabling patients to maintain a better day-to-day quality of life.
Princeton Perspectives |
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Uterine Fibroids Linked to Long-Term Risk for Heart Disease
Patients with uterine fibroids were at a significantly higher risk to develop heart disease than those who didn’t have them, and may need preventive cardiovascular care, according to new Penn Medicine research. The study’s lead researcher, Julia D. DiTosto, MS, a PhD candidate in Epidemiology, explained that finding links between different conditions among women and their affect on heart health is vitally important. “Future research with detailed data on fibroid characteristics, including location, size and number, could help clarify this relationship further,” said DiTosto.
Healio • Daily Skimm |
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Cancer Patients Get Financial Lifeline as Live Like Brent Expands Hospital Funds
The Live Like Brent Foundation is expanding a regional safety net aimed at one of the most overlooked pressures facing blood cancer patients: the cost of everyday life during treatment. The nonprofit is supporting patients at Chester County Hospital through its “Comfort Funds,” which provide direct financial assistance for expenses not covered by insurance, including rent, transportation, medications, and other daily necessities. Dawn Clancy, an oncology social worker at the Abramson Cancer Center of Chester County Hospital, said the partnership helps relieve significant stress for patients and allows clinical teams to stay focused on treatment and outcomes.
My ChesCo |
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Penn Medicine News and Views
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$25M trial uses phones to gamify steps, fight heart disease
Penn Medicine researchers have been awarded $25M to conduct a trial using smartphones to fight heart disease.
Read More: Penn Medicine News & Views |
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