Articles tagged with Geriatrics
A recent study found that liver transplant survival rates have improved significantly among older adults, with a notable increase in recipients aged 65-69 and those aged 80 or over. The one-year acute rejection rate decreased by 30%, and the risk of death was 57% lower compared to earlier years.
A study found that physical activity reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease in frail older adults, suggesting it may partly reduce the increased risk associated with frailty. The study also showed that being pre-frail or frail was linked to a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
A recent study found that open heart surgery can cause some cognitive decline in the first month after surgery, but cognitive health largely returns to normal within six months. Aortic valve surgery may be associated with more early cognitive problems than mitral valve surgery due to the older age of patients.
Researchers used goal attainment scaling to help people with dementia and their caregivers set personalized health goals. The study found that 84% of goals were non-medical, focusing on improving the person's quality of life and reducing caregiver stress.
The American Geriatrics Society strongly opposes a proposed change to Medicare payment rates for Evaluation and Management services, which could negatively impact patient care for people with complex needs. The AGS urges CMS to withdraw the proposals and work with stakeholders on more effective solutions.
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has successfully secured recognition and reimbursement for several key geriatrics services, including Transitional Care Management and comprehensive assessment and care planning for cognitive impairments. The society's efforts involved working with groups like the CPT Editorial Panel and the RUC to...
A new study found that low vitamin D levels are associated with a 77% higher risk of death in community-dwelling Thai older men. The risk is significant only in diabetic males, suggesting cardiovascular disease may be the link.
Two new studies and a commentary describe ways to make person-centered care more actionable for older people, putting personal values at the forefront of decision-making. Researchers developed Patient Priorities Care, a novel process to identify health goals and care preferences in just two sessions.
Experts at the American Geriatrics Society unveiled a list of recommendations to prioritize mobility care as people age. The new white paper focuses on assessing mobility for hospitalized older adults and offers ways to promote high-quality, person-centered care by proactively addressing mobility loss.
Experts discuss the connection between impaired vision, hearing, and cognition, highlighting the need to understand their inter-related processes and develop new tools to measure sensory and cognitive impairments. The report outlines important priorities for future scholarship and clinical practice to address these health concerns.
Researchers analyzed data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project to study the relationship between sexual behavior, function, and cognition. The study found that nearly half of men with dementia were sexually active, as well as 18% of women.
A new study estimated the costs of informal care provided by daughters to their mothers, finding that these costs are similar to those associated with full-time institutional care. The study also highlighted the impact of memory-related diseases on caregiving costs and experience.
The American Geriatrics Society unveiled a suite of online tools to aid surgeons in caring for older adults, with nine interactive clinical scenarios exploring unique challenges and opportunities in surgical care. The tools aim to improve care for the growing population of older adults undergoing surgery.
A US study found that 59% of partnered men and 51% of women with dementia lived at home were sexually active. However, many faced unaddressed sexual function problems and lacked clear medical guidance. The study aimed to provide normative evidence for informing decisions about sex for people with dementia.
A study of 1639 adults aged 65 found that better sleep quality was positively associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The researchers suggest that aspects of the Mediterranean diet may promote better sleep, or vice versa.
A study of older adults with multiple chronic health conditions and their caregivers revealed key findings about supportive and conflicted caregiver-care recipient relationships. Supportive behaviors included agreement on caregiving levels, mutual understanding, and collaborative decision-making. Conflicts arose from disagreements over...
Research found that even moderate weight loss (20+ pounds) over 20 years increases risk of death by 74%, while greater weight variability is associated with poor physical function. Long-term weight loss may be a marker for increased health decline in older women.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that short-term decline in physical function was common among older adults treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer. However, about half of patients were resilient and able to recover their ability to function within 12 months.
A new study found that physical therapy services in the emergency department after a fall can significantly lower repeat visits to the ED for falls. The researchers linked PT services to a reduced risk of future falls, suggesting that EDs could play a crucial role in reducing fall-related ED revisits.
A recent study found that antipsychotic medications are not proven to be effective for treating delirium in older adults after heart surgery, and may even cause heart rhythm problems and other dangerous side effects. The study suggests that the use of these medications is excessive and warrants more appropriate prescribing practices.
A study found that handgrip strength is linked to lung capacity in older Korean women. Testing handgrip strength could be a good way to identify potential impaired lung health.
Supriya G. Mohile, an oncologist at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, has been named the winner of the B.J. Kennedy Award by ASCO for her work in geriatric oncology. The award recognizes her research and efforts to improve communication between doctors and older patients with cancer.
A study of 78 centenarians and their primary contacts found that proxies misjudged end-of-life thoughts in nearly half of cases. Despite few centenarians perceiving death as threatening, proxies overestimated reports on this topic, while underestimating longing for death.
Researchers linked cognitive function levels to crash risk in older drivers without dementia, finding lower cognitive function increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes. Depression also increased the risk for these drivers.
A new study found that caregivers can use six proven tools to detect delirium on their own, taking just several minutes or less to complete. This enables caregivers to identify symptoms more easily than healthcare professionals and notify them sooner, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and improved outcomes.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) with higher quality ratings had significantly lower risks for placement in long-term care facilities. The researchers used data from over 500,000 people aged 65 and older to examine the role of SNF quality in...
The anthology explores dementia-associated apathy research, neural system effects on late-life depression, and adopting new models of care. It also proposes solutions to accelerate change in science, practice, training, and public policy.
Dr. Tony Rosen, an emergency physician, was awarded the Jeffrey H. Silverstein Memorial Award for his research on programs to address elder abuse. Most programs focus on raising awareness and public education, but only a few use high-quality study designs.
The American Geriatrics Society recognized over 20 outstanding leaders in person-centered care for older adults, including researchers, clinicians, and educators. The award recipients were honored for their groundbreaking contributions to improving the health and quality of life for older people.
Researchers investigated barriers to advance care planning in prisons, finding profound patient mistrust and obstructive institutional policies. The study also explored the link between hypertension treatment and an increased risk of falls, suggesting that de-intensified blood pressure control may reduce recurrent falls.
Having multiple chronic illnesses plus functional limitations increases the risk of death among older adults with heart failure. The study found that those who had other chronic conditions or problems performing daily activities had a similar risk for hospitalization or emergency room visits.
Research reveals that nearly 6% of older adult physician visits result in high-risk anticholinergic prescriptions. The most likely recipients were older women with multiple chronic conditions. The trend has decreased by about 2% since 2008/2009.
A nationwide analysis of over 41,000 older patients found that one-third died in the hospital after receiving intubation. The study highlights the need for informed decision-making about emergency intubation for elderly patients and their families.
Dr. Callahan is recognized for his decades-long efforts in developing new models of care for older adults, focusing on late-life depression and dementia. He will deliver the keynote lecture at the Society of General Internal Medicine's annual meeting.
Dr. Jane Potter, MD, AGSF, is honored with the 2018 Dennis W. Jahnigen Award for advancing education for thousands of health professionals in geriatrics. Her work has shaped the education of many clinicians trained in recent decades.
The American Geriatrics Society recognizes Drs John Burton and George Drach for their long-standing commitment to improving geriatric care and education. Through their work, they have helped develop educational programs and researcher career development awards, promoting geriatric expertise across specialties.
Drs. William Applegate and Thomas Edes receive the prestigious Nascher/Manning Award for their groundbreaking contributions to geriatrics expertise. Both pioneers have made significant impacts on improving patient care, increasing access to home-based primary care, and advancing palliative care.
Dr. Heather E. Whitson, a leading geriatrics researcher and clinician, will deliver a plenary presentation at the #AGS18 Annual Scientific Meeting. Her work focuses on improving care delivery systems to serve older adults with complex health needs.
Dr. J. Eugene Lammers, MD, MPH, FACP, AGSF, is the 2018 Clinician of the Year for his innovative approaches to care and commitment to empowering healthcare teams. He has worked with interdisciplinary teams across the U.S., prioritizing person-centered care for older adults.
A pilot study found that an educational brochure and support from healthcare personnel helped 64% of hospitalized older adults stop taking sedatives. Participants reported no significant change in sleep problems after stopping sedatives, highlighting the potential benefits of reducing polypharmacy.
Research identifies poor attention and decision-making skills as linked to walking slowly and experiencing falls in older adults with dementia. Certain brain training methods may help improve mobility and prevent falls by addressing cognitive function issues.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that knee pain is associated with an increased risk of depression in older adults. The research team developed a new screening tool based on questions about knee pain at night, which may help identify individuals at risk for developing depressive symptoms.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with slower walking speeds may be at increased risk for developing dementia. The research examined data from nearly 4,000 participants and discovered a strong link between slower walking speed and higher risk of dementia.
Teresa Dolan, a renowned researcher and clinician, was recognized by the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) with the 2018 AADR Jack Hein Public Service Award. The award honors her exemplary service promoting oral health research to a wide constituency.
The American Geriatrics Society's AGS18 conference will feature more than 100 events and research updates, including the launch of a new comprehensive fracture care curriculum. Researchers will discuss controversies in hypertension management, the benefits of annual wellness visits, and innovative models for dementia care. Top clinicia...
A recent review article emphasizes the urgent need for more clinical research, data, and prognostic models on traumatic brain injury in older adults. The lack of geriatric-specific TBI guidelines presents barriers to optimal care, and the authors discuss issues related to neurocritical care, neurosurgical management, and rehabilitation.
A study found that food insecurity occurs in 9.2% of older adults, with higher rates among women, people without a spouse, and those with certain health conditions. The researchers highlight the need for combined methods to identify food insecurity and connect older adults with community-based resources.
Falls among older adults are a significant contributor to healthcare costs, with nonfatal falls resulting in $28.9 billion Medicare payments and fatal falls costing $754 million. Preventive strategies can help reduce these costs and improve health outcomes.
Researchers found that family support is a key influencer of care preferences in older adults with advanced illnesses, but also discovered that individuals often lack a clear understanding of their own preferences. The study emphasizes the importance of considering these factors when providing person-centered care.
Researchers found no significant difference between original and modified PersonaCARE software versions in predicting inpatient mortality. The study suggests using the tool to guide older patients toward specialized care pathways, reducing complications and costs.
A new study published in BMJ Open reveals that people over 85 are more likely to consult their GP for medical needs, highlighting the need for specialist geriatric colleagues to support primary care services. The study's findings suggest a growing concern over the impact of an ageing population on the NHS.
Researchers found that older adults with dementia are at increased risk for serious problems like falls and delirium during hospital stays. The study suggests that special discharge planning for people with dementia is crucial in reducing readmission rates.
Research reveals that individuals with Alzheimer's disease who die from the condition itself tend to have less hospitalization and ICU stays compared to those who die from other causes. This contrasts with those who receive fewer palliative care services during their final months.
The American Geriatrics Society has launched a new platform providing resources and tools for hospitals to implement the AGS CoCare: Ortho model, which aims to improve care and lower health costs for older adults with hip fractures. The platform offers self-directed training modules, expert mentoring, and a networking platform to help ...
Back pain is common in highly active older adults, impacting nearly half of well-functioning individuals. The condition was linked to less efficient walking and poorer endurance, which can lead to mobility issues. Better back pain management may help maintain independence and prevent future loss of mobility.
A meta-analysis found that aerobic exercise delays and improves Alzheimer's symptoms, with a three times greater improvement compared to combined exercise. The study confirms the American Geriatrics Society's recommendations for exercise duration and frequency.
The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society article highlights issues in caring for older women's sexual health, including insufficient physician training. Physicians should regularly inquire about sexual activity and function, offering practical advice on common chronic medical conditions and vulvovaginal atrophy.
Researchers found that early personality changes can lead to noticeable behavior problems, including depression and anxiety. The study suggests that diagnosing these early changes could help develop earlier treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in Age and Ageing predicts a massive expansion in the number of people suffering from multiple diseases, known as multi-morbidity, among older adults. As a result, two-thirds of life expectancy gains will be spent with four or more diseases.
A nationally representative study found considerable variation in US nursing home hip fracture rates among facilities. The majority of the variation remained unexplained by measured characteristics, but psychotropic medication prescribing and staffing requirements emerged as plausible targets for initiatives to reduce hip fractures.