In this week's LTC Connection, we're sharing what researchers are calling a simple way to stave off dementia. We also wanted to let you know about a November 9 conference call that CMS is hosting to discuss RUG-IV and introduce you to our line of Dietary Care products.

Want to cut your dementia risk? Then lace up your walking shoes! According to a new study out of the University of Pittsburgh, walking at least six miles a week helps to protect brain size and, in turn, preserve memory. Our brains begin to shrink in late adulthood, which can cause trouble with memory. Walking has been found to increase the volume of the brain's gray matter, which is associated with fewer memory problems. During the study, 299 dementia-free participants recorded the number of blocks they walked in a week. People who walked at least 72 blocks a week - or roughly six miles - were found to have more gray matter nine years later than people who didn't walk as much. The participants who walked the most during the study cut their risk of memory problems in half. However, walking more than six miles didn't appear to increase gray matter volume any further. The study was published in the October 13 online version of the journal Neurology and was supported by the National Institute on Aging. To learn more, click here. If you still have questions about RUG-IV, CMS has answers. The agency has announced plans for a toll-free provider conference call that will take place from 2 - 3:30 p.m. (EDT) on November 9. This will be the fourth call that CMS has hosted to provide details on the significant changes happening with RUG-IV. After the formal presentation, callers will have a chance to ask CMS subject matter experts questions. The RUG-IV SNF PPS case mix system was put into place on an interim basis effective October 1. To learn more and register for the call, click here. Registration closes on November 8, or when all available spots have been filled. Whether you are looking for oral supplements, thickened liquids or enteral nutrition, ProMed has dietary care products to meet your residents' special needs. Our family of products include: •   Enteral Feeding •   Nutritionals •   Pumps, Sets & Tubes •   Thickened Liquids If you're a registered user on promedsupply.com, you can learn more about the items in our Dietary Care category by clicking on Online Catalog and then selecting Dietary Care. If you're not registered on the site yet, your ProMed Customer Care Professional will be happy to get you set up.