The Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health has been recognized by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) as an Age-Friendly Health System level 2. The center provides expertly designed care for older adults with brain health issues and memory loss, incorporating key evidence-based practices into its multidisciplinary care.
A groundbreaking study has identified a significant relationship between indoor temperatures and cognitive performance in older adults, with findings suggesting that even current climate conditions are placing older adults at risk. The study found that older adults reported the least difficulty maintaining attention when their home tem...
Hebrew SeniorLife has launched a 18-month clinical food trial to test the combination of probiotics and prebiotics for managing bone health in women aged 60. The study, funded by the National Institute on Aging, aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms leading to age-related bone loss.
The article highlights the critical role of Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) in combating rising osteoporosis-related fractures. FLS programs have been shown to reduce secondary fracture risk by up to 74% and deliver a return of $10.49 for every $1 invested.
A new randomized controlled trial found that providing individuals with their abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) results did not motivate them to adopt healthier eating habits. However, the study showed improvements in secondary outcomes, including lipid profiles and reduced five-year estimated cardiovascular risk
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees experience similar declines in frailty over one year compared to Traditional Medicare (TM) enrollees. The researchers suggest that future work should examine the impact of specific services covered by health insurance on frailty and health trajector...
A comprehensive review emphasizes the importance of addressing frailty among older adults, identifying biological underpinnings and promising interventions. The review advocates for integrating frailty assessments into routine clinical practice to personalize care plans and allocate resources effectively.
A large clinical food trial will be conducted to test the effects of a combination of probiotics and prebiotics on bone health in women aged 60 years and above. The study aims to develop potentially safe and inexpensive dietary interventions for osteopenia and osteoporosis.
In a new study, inhaling hydrogen-rich gas (HRG) before acute exercise significantly reduces fatigue and enhances performance. HRG inhalation prior to exercise may be a valuable strategy for athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to enhance performance and recovery.
A new training program enables older adults to receive Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) in their homes, with high satisfaction rates and adherence. The program's remote nature is expected to increase accessibility among underrepresented populations, accelerating tES intervention discoveries.
Researchers linked impaired blood vessel function with lower bone density and worse bone microstructure, but found no independent causal pathway. The study suggests shared risk factors may be more important in the development of osteoporosis than vascular dysfunction.
A new study found that frailty significantly predicts postoperative outcomes in older adults, including higher mortality rates and increased readmission rates. Frail patients experience substantial home time loss due to more days spent in skilled nursing facilities and longer recovery times.
A recent study found a significant association between body mass index (BMI) trajectories in middle adulthood and the risk of bone fractures in late adulthood. Maintaining a stable BMI throughout adulthood may reduce fracture risk later in life, according to researchers.
A new JAMA article highlights the need for improved decision making prior to initiating lecanemab, an FDA-approved Alzheimer’s Disease drug, due to its potential side effects on patients with cardiovascular disease. The authors advocate for advanced care planning and shared decision-making models to guide treatment decisions.
A recent study found that self-reported falls and prior falls increase fracture risk more significantly in men than women. The meta-analysis recommends integrating previous falls into FRAX algorithms to enhance predictive accuracy and improve patient outcomes for both men and women.
A new review of 12 studies involving 2,901 participants found that tai chi was more effective than conventional exercise in improving functional mobility and balance. The study also identified specific factors, such as shorter duration and Yang-style focus, that contributed to the benefits.
A nationwide study found a higher rate of bleeding with standard versus reduced-dose direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in older nursing home residents. Reduced-dose DOACs are recommended for many older adults with multiple chronic medical conditions.
A new study found that orthostatic hypotension assessments conducted after 4-6 minutes of standing are more informative for predicting fall risk in older adults. This timely assessment can help clinicians identify those at highest risk and institute appropriate interventions to reduce falls.
The study found that funding for supportive services is a significant hurdle, and innovative solutions are needed to secure reliable funding. Housing models with integrated services have proven popular among better-off individuals, but limited options remain for older people with fewer resources.
Dr. On-Yee Lo receives $50,000 seed funding to develop personalized non-invasive brain stimulation targeting shared networks to improve physical and cognitive functions in older adults. The project aims to demonstrate direct evidence that modulating between-network connectivity can be linked to changes in physical and cognitive behaviors.
Researchers found that certain bacteria, such as Akkermansia and Clostridiales DTU089, were associated with lower bone density and microarchitecture in older adults. The study suggests that targeting the gut microbiome could lead to better bone health and potentially reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Research finds that a nighttime ambient temperature range of 68-77°F enhances restful sleep for older adults. The study also highlights substantial individual differences in optimal temperatures and the potential impact of climate change on sleep quality.
The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a synbiotic medical food, SBD111, in maintaining lumbar spine bone mineral density with aging. The researchers hope to provide new dietary interventions for preventing osteoporosis and fractures.
Researchers found that engaging in activities, expanding social networks, and using technology can lower the risk of loneliness among elderly. However, several risk factors including older age, vision impairment, and depression increased loneliness likelihood.
Researchers will compare two care models to improve care for patients with fractures, including bone-strengthening medications and deprescribing care models. The study aims to provide high-quality care after a broken bone and reduce falls and injuries.
A global study found that hip fracture incidence rates decreased in most regions between 2005 and 2018, but the number of fractures is expected to nearly double by 2050. The study also revealed significant treatment gaps, particularly among men, with only a fraction receiving therapy to prevent future fractures.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher intake of dietary flavonols, specifically quercetin, was associated with lower odds of frailty onset. Flavonol-rich foods like apples and blackberries may be a useful strategy for preventing frailty in older adults.
A new study found that managing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors can help preserve physical function in older adults. The research, led by Dr. Shivani Sahni, showed that vascular measures are associated with grip strength and change in gait speed.
A strong sense of purpose in life promotes greater connectivity within the brain's Default Mode Network, which may help protect against cognitive decline. Middle-aged adults with a higher purpose in life show lower levels of brain burden and better cognitive performance.
A new study found that vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 illness among nursing home residents aged 85 and older. The study, which examined data from 23,172 fully vaccinated residents, showed that just 5% developed a breakthrough infection, with less than 10% requiring hospitalization or dying within 30 days.
Developing postoperative delirium is associated with a 40% faster rate of cognitive decline compared to those who do not develop delirium. The study, which followed 560 older adults for up to six years, found that delirium influences every time point and is linked to sharper drops in cognition and faster declines over time.
A new study found that dual-task walking performance starts to decline by the age of 55, indicating accelerated brain aging. Researchers assessed a cohort of 640 participants and observed non-linear associations between age and dual-task performance.
Despite exceptional challenges during the pandemic, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provided post-acute rehabilitation with only a modest decline in intensity. SNFs were largely able to adapt and provide quality care to older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairment and higher risk overall.
A new study finds that age-related abdominal fat is associated with lower muscle density, leading to less effective muscle function. This accumulation of visceral adipose tissue may represent a modifiable risk factor for poor musculoskeletal outcomes with aging.
Research finds that seniors living in R3 program sites have lower hospitalization rates, days, payments, and readmissions compared to control sites. The R3 initiative embeds wellness teams in senior housing, providing assessments, proactive check-in calls, risk stratification, and care coordination.
A new study modified the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) for remote use, enabling hospitals to continue support despite in-person interactions limitations. The adapted protocol achieved full implementation and high adherence, supporting improved delirium prevention and care for older adults.
Despite the availability of accurate tests, bone density screenings for women over 65 years old have dropped significantly since 2009. The decline coincided with a reduction in Medicare reimbursements for office-based scans, particularly affecting rural communities.
A new study aims to determine if family caregiver support can reduce risk of delirium and improve outcomes for patients. Researchers will test a program combining Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) with family involvement.
A new study identifies an optimal rTMS treatment regimen for older adults with treatment-resistant depression. After six weeks of treatment, the degree of improvement in older and younger adults is the same.
A study found a link between depression, an inflammatory diet, and the development of frailty. Consuming a pro-inflammatory diet may exacerbate the development of frailty in individuals with depressive symptoms.
A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming a Mediterranean-style diet may prevent frailty in older adults. Higher intake of carotenoids was associated with reduced likelihood of frailty development.
A new study found that staff assumptions about minoritized groups contribute to variability in nursing home care for residents with advanced dementia. Remedies include addressing staff biases, increasing funding, and standardizing advance-care planning.
A state-wide Massachusetts infection control program, implemented in 360 nursing homes, reduced COVID-19 infections among vulnerable residents, including those with dementia. Cohorting residents and proper adherence to infection control guidelines were key factors in this reduction.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming a pro-inflammatory diet is associated with a higher risk of developing frailty in middle-aged and older adults. Regularly eating anti-inflammatory foods such as fiber and antioxidants may help prevent frailty, according to researchers.
A Hebrew SeniorLife study provides a novel framework for understanding the social determinants of health that influence the development of delirium in older adults. The framework identifies environmental, historical, and social variables that may protect against or precipitate delirium.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery reveals that post-operative delirium has substantial public health implications, resulting in higher healthcare costs for older adults. If delirium were prevented or made less severe, it could reduce healthcare costs by $33 billion per year.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that older persons are highly likely to be excluded from COVID-19 clinical trials, despite accounting for 30-40% of cases and 80% of deaths globally. The exclusion poses a risk to the effectiveness and safety of treatments for older adults.
A study found that adherence to infection control processes, including proper wearing of PPE and cohorting strategies, was significantly associated with declines in weekly infection and mortality rates. The Massachusetts COVID-19 response in nursing homes helped stem the rate of infection among vulnerable residents through a state-wide...
A US-Canada partnership, Seniors Quality Leap Initiative (SQLI), has shown improvements in pain management and overall quality of care for long-term care residents. By leveraging collective expertise and sharing evidence-based practices, SQLI aims to enhance both quality of care and quality of life for its residents.
A recent study by researchers from the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research found that older adults living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are two times more likely to experience delirium after surgery. Delirium is a clinical syndrome characterized by acute decline in cognition, which can present as inattention, disorien...