On the front of its Science Times section, the New York Times (9/6, D1, Hafner, Subscription Publication) reports in a nearly 1,800-word article on the physical and mental effects of loneliness experienced by the elderly. In the UK and in the US, “roughly one in three people older than 65 live alone.” Investigators “have found mounting evidence linking loneliness to physical illness and to functional and cognitive decline.” Loneliness, “as a predictor of early death” even surpasses obesity.

Related Links:

— “Researchers Confront an Epidemic of Loneliness,” KATIE HAFNER, New York Times, September 5, 2016.

The Washington Post (9/4, Bluth) reported relatives who care for patients with advanced dementia often experience difficulty because they can no longer communicate with their loved ones, according to a study published in the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias. Researchers found that many family caretakers were often frustrated with their relatives with dementia because they could no longer communicate what they needed or when they were in pain.

Related Links:

— “How dementia makes it harder to offer end-of-life comfort,” Rachel Bluth, Washington Post, September 4, 2016.

Medscape (9/1, Brooks) reports, “Antipsychotic medications raise the risk for pneumonia in patients with (and without) Alzheimer’s disease (AD),” researchers found. Investigators report “the risk is highest at the start of antipsychotic treatment but remains increased with long-term use.” The findings of the 60,584-participant study were published online Aug. 30 in CHEST.

Related Links:

— Medscape (requires login and subscription)

HealthDay (9/1, Mozes) reports, “Some children of parents with a history of psychiatric illness may be at higher risk for attempting suicide and/or engaging in violent behavior,” researchers found after examining data on some 1.7 million “Danes born between 1967 and 1997.” The findings were published online Aug. 31 in JAMA Psychiatry.

Related Links:

— “Parents’ Psychiatric Issues May Adversely Affect Some Children,” Alan Mozes, HealthDay, September 1, 2016.

In an editorial, the Washington Post (8/31) praises the “wide-ranging mental health strategy” unveiled by Hillary Clinton this week, calling it “one of the most consequential announcements of her campaign,” and argues that, “unlike much of what she has proposed this election season, it has a real chance of becoming law.”

The Post says that while all sides are not “in perfect agreement” on the issue, and the question of “where the funding for it would come from” is a “major hurdle,” Clinton’s “focus on the issue is warranted and welcome,” and if she is elected, “it might do some real-world good.”

Related Links:

— “Clinton just made a very important announcement — and hardly anyone is talking about it,” Editorial Board, Washington Post, August 31, 2016.