A new study confirms that hospitalization and delirium in Alzheimer's patients lead to hastened cognitive decline, institutionalization, and death. Effective prevention strategies such as the Hospital Elder Life Program can mitigate this risk.
Hebrew SeniorLife researchers have identified 56 genetic variants associated with osteoporosis and bone mineral density. The study found that these variants can increase the risk of bone fractures, with women over 65 facing a higher risk. The findings may lead to personalized gene-based treatments for osteoporosis.
A five-year study will determine the causes and impact of hyperkyphosis, a condition affecting 40% of older adults, causing breathing and mobility difficulties. The study aims to identify underlying causes and develop prevention strategies for this often-ignored condition.
Homeless seniors in Boston experience high rates of functional decline, falls, frailty, and depression compared to the general population. Many conditions are easily treatable if detected, suggesting early screening is crucial for clinicians caring for homeless adults.
A new study found that nursing home residents have a fivefold increased risk of falling within two days of a new prescription for or an increased dose of non-SSRI antidepressants. The study suggests that staff should closely monitor these residents following a prescription change to prevent potential falls.
A recent genetic study found a link between a specific gene variant and lower body fat percentage, yet an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The researchers discovered that this gene only affects the subcutaneous fat under the skin, which may store fat elsewhere in the body, increasing organ function interference.
A three-pronged intervention combining standardized admission templates, palliative care consultations, and root-cause-analysis conferences improves discharge disposition among senior patients. The rate of patient rehospitalization falls from 16.5% to 13.3%, while discharges to home increase from 68.6% to 73.0%.
A large proportion of Medicare expenditures for nursing home residents with advanced dementia is spent on aggressive treatments that may be avoidable and of limited clinical benefit. Strategies that promote palliative care may reduce costs at the end of life by shifting from aggressive to comfort care approaches.
A new screening test, Sweet 16, can detect dementia in elderly patients more rapidly, providing an alternative to the Mini-Mental State Examination. The tool has been shown to accurately characterize mental status without influencing patient education or sociodemographic factors.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association recommends prioritizing palliative care over life expectancy when determining hospice eligibility for advanced dementia patients. The study found that a clinical tool assessing mortality risk can improve accuracy and expand access to hospice services.
The study found that indoor falls are associated with an inactive lifestyle, disability, and poor health, while outdoor falls are linked to higher activity levels and better-than-average health. Outdoor falls also occur more frequently among younger, healthier individuals.
A study found that antibiotics prolong survival but do not improve comfort for patients with terminal dementia and pneumonia. Aggressive treatment can cause greater discomfort, suggesting a need to balance survival and comfort goals.
A new study from the Institute for Aging Research found that nearly 52% of participants who reported a fall were barefoot or wearing slippers at the time. The study recommends wearing well-fitting shoes with slip-resistant soles to minimize the risk of falls among elderly people.
A new study by the Hebrew SeniorLife Institute for Aging Research has found a link between altered blood flow in the brain and slow gait and falls in elderly people. Seniors with abnormal blood flow changes were more likely to experience falls, highlighting the importance of exercise and treatment for high blood pressure in preventing ...
A new study suggests that higher dietary protein intake can lower the risk of hip fractures in elderly individuals. The research, conducted on 946 seniors from the Framingham Osteoporosis Study, found that those consuming more protein had a significantly lower incidence of hip fractures compared to those with lower protein intake.
A new study from the Institute for Aging Research found that blacks and Hispanics have significantly lower odds of receiving hospice care for advanced heart failure compared to whites. The study highlights the need to ensure equal access to and education about hospice services, particularly for racial and ethnic minorities.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dementia is a terminal illness characterized by uncomfortable symptoms and high mortality rates. The research highlights the need for improved palliative care in nursing homes to reduce physical suffering and enhance communication with family members.
A new study by the Institute for Aging Research found a significant association between high-heel wear and hind-foot pain in older women. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,300 men and women and found that nearly 64% of women who reported hind-foot pain regularly wore high-heels or pumps at some point in their life. The study su...
Hebrew SeniorLife is expanding its evidence-based healthy aging programs with a new $105,000 grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. The program will educate over 500 seniors on nutrition, exercise, and falls prevention, aiming to maintain their health and independence.
A study published in Psychosomatics found that patients with severe hypoactive delirium have the worst six-month survival rate of any class of the disease. Delirium severity, rather than motoric subtype, is associated with higher risk of mortality at six months among patients without dementia.
A research team has identified genetic variants that influence the timing of female puberty, a finding with implications for later life health outcomes. The study, published in Nature Genetics, also found a link between earlier menarche and increased body mass index.
Researchers discovered disparities in depression among older Hispanics in the US, with Puerto Ricans having higher rates than other groups. The study found nearly 7% of Puerto Ricans suffer from major depression, compared to 2.8% of Mexican Americans and 2.5% of Cuban Americans.
A comprehensive study published in Archives of Internal Medicine reveals that nearly 70% of Americans with dementia receive antibiotic medications, particularly in the final stages of their disease. The researchers warn that this practice poses a significant public health risk due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers have discovered that treating two or more neglected tropical diseases simultaneously with existing oral drug treatments can be effective and efficient. The treatment approach has the potential to save millions of lives annually, particularly in Africa where nearly 500 million people are at risk for these diseases.
Researchers at Hebrew SeniorLife's Institute for Aging Research have examined nearly 100,000 genetic markers to determine which genes are responsible for osteoporosis and longevity. The studies found associations between specific genetic variants and traits such as bone mineral density and age at death.
Eran D. Metzger, a psychiatrist at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, has been named a Practice Change Fellow by The Atlantic Philanthropies to improve mental health care for elderly patients. The program aims to expand the number of health-care leaders who can promote high-quality care to older adults in various organizations.
A study by Sharon Inouye found that 39% of hospitalized older adults experience subtle cognitive decline, known as recoverable cognitive dysfunction. The condition can be screened for and prevented or treated with interventions.