Articles tagged with Geriatrics
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older hospitalized adults are less likely to have provider-ordered influenza testing than younger patients. The study included 1422 adults with symptoms of acute respiratory illness or non-localizing fever and found that only 28% were tested for influenza.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that cognitive training improved memory scores by 35-40% in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, with benefits lasting six months. The training program, MEMO, also showed promise against dementia and depression.
A study of 575 older adults reveals that those with stronger physical abilities, such as faster walking speeds and better balance, have lower risk of death and shorter hospital stays. These findings suggest that pre-hospital strength can be an important predictor of outcomes in critically ill older adults.
A new emergency department program has been developed to reduce hospitalizations for older adults, with a focus on geriatric transitional care. The program, launched in 2013, has reduced hospital admissions among patients aged 65 and older by 33%, according to a recent study.
A Mediterranean diet emphasizing plant-based foods may help keep people healthy and independent as they age. The analysis of published studies suggests that adherence to a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of frailty in older individuals.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults who received transitional care nurse (TCN) services at emergency departments had lower rates of hospital admissions compared to those who did not receive such services. The GEDI WISE program, which includes TCNs, helps patients transition to the...
Researchers found that individuals with Metabolic Syndrome were more likely to experience chronic and severe depression symptoms, requiring longer treatment response times. The study emphasizes the importance of healthcare providers closely monitoring older adults with Metabolic Syndrome when screening for and treating depression.
A study of 6,489 female participants found that those with higher levels of light-intensity physical activity were less likely to die than those with lower activity levels. The researchers concluded that encouraging older women to increase their daily light-intensity activity could lead to better health outcomes.
A study conducted at Mount Sinai Hospital found that transitional care nurses can significantly reduce the risk of inpatient admissions for geriatric patients. The program, which includes assessments for cognitive function and caregiver strain, led to a 10% lower chance of hospitalization for those treated by a transitional care nurse.
A recent study found that one in five nursing home residents received antibiotics within the last 30 days, with urinary tract infections accounting for 40% of all infections treated. New or worsening confusion was a strong factor associated with antibiotic treatment for suspected UTI.
Research found that poor dental health increases the risk of frailty in older men, with complete tooth loss, dry mouth, and other oral health concerns contributing to this association. The study emphasizes the importance of oral health for overall well-being and highlights the need for preventive measures.
A recent study found that poor oral health, including complete tooth loss and dry mouth, was associated with an increased risk of frailty in older individuals. The findings suggest that managing poor oral health could be important in preventing frailty.
A recent conference report identifies knowledge gaps in bladder control, including the impact of aging and disease on urinary control. The report emphasizes the need for better treatments, person-centered care, and behavioral therapy to address this prevalent condition.
A home-based activity program called Tailored Activity Program (TAP) was found to significantly reduce dementia-related behaviors in veterans, as well as decrease caregiver distress. After four months, nearly 70% of TAP group participants eliminated or reduced their behavioral symptoms compared to 46% in the control group.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found no link between proton pump inhibitor use and increased dementia risk among older adults. The study reviewed data from 3,484 participants aged 65 and older, concluding that developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease was not associated with taking PPIs.
Researchers found that heart disease risk factors are associated with slower walking speeds in people under 78. Cognitive function did not play a role in this link, and balance problems were only seen in those over 78.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that women over age 65 who engaged in regular light physical activity had a reduced risk of mortality. Adding 30 minutes per day of moderate activity further lowered mortality risk by 39%.
A new Journal of the American Geriatrics Society article calls for increased research on elder abuse among US Military Veterans, who face high risk due to known risk factors. The study highlights the need for a national scope and partnerships with federal agencies to improve care and prevent abuse.
The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) has been shown to lower 30-day readmission rates among older adults by reducing delirium and promoting social engagement. The study found that HELP units had 100 fewer readmissions compared to non-HELP units, which could translate to a national reduction of 40,000 cases annually.
Research suggests that obese older adults who undergo cardiac surgery may experience greater functional decline over two years. The study analyzed data from 1,731 participants and found a complex relationship between obesity and functional ability in those aged 80 and older.
A study of 6,309 community-dwelling Medicare enrollees found that whites were 1.4 times more likely to receive rehabilitation services than blacks. Despite racial differences in service use, there was no difference in functional improvement.
A recent study found that participants with type 2 diabetes who lost weight through lifestyle changes had better blood flow to the brain, suggesting a potential cognitive benefit. The intervention was most effective for individuals who were overweight but not obese.
Researchers found that urinary incontinence medications were nearly six times more likely to cause dry mouth than a placebo. Healthcare providers should regularly monitor for potential side effects and adjust doses or change medications when necessary.
A study of Chilean adults aged 65 and older found that maintaining ideal cardiovascular health behaviors, such as regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and not smoking, can reduce the risk of disability. The researchers also discovered that having an ideal body mass index (BMI) can lower disability risk, particularly for those wit...
A new pilot study using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) found that 10 out of 14 geriatric-specific variables can predict morbidity and mortality outcomes in older surgical patients. The study identified risk factors such as cognitive impairment, surrogate consent, and...
A long-term study found that global sensory impairment can predict poor health outcomes, including greater risk of death, in older US adults. Adults with worse sensory impairment had slower physical and cognitive abilities, and a higher risk of dying over five years.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with multiple sensory losses had worse mobility, difficulty performing daily activities, and increased risk for dying. The researchers concluded that these individuals should be closely monitored to prevent problems.
Researchers found that depressive symptoms are associated with difficulties in performing daily activities in older Japanese adults. Symptoms of depression, including loss of interest and feelings of helplessness, can increase the risk of institutionalization and disability.
A study found that most older adults want healthcare providers to discuss life expectancy, and reactions were not as negative as expected. The research suggests that addressing concerns about discussing life expectancy can improve the quality of care received by older adults.
A study of 562 older adults found that those admitted to hospice care during the last year of life were slightly older and more likely to have cognitive impairments. The most common conditions leading to death were frailty, organ failure, advanced dementia, and cancer.
A systemic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies involving nearly 47,000 people found that older adults who have fallen are 40% more likely to experience a car crash after their fall. Falls accounted for more than 177,000 additional car crashes each year.
Researchers found that frailty tends to worsen over time but also improves in some cases. Married men with greater leg power were more likely to improve their frailty status, while those with diabetes or COPD were less likely to do so.
A new study has found that older adults who are frail before experiencing trauma are at a higher risk of in-hospital death and transfer to long-term care facilities. The researchers used the Clinical Frailty Scale to assess frailty in patients, which showed that nearly 70% of those with pre-admission frailty had negative outcomes compa...
A community-based study of 5248 older adults found that a healthy lifestyle can compress the disabled period by improving walking distances and diet quality. Obesity was associated with an expanded disabled period, while smoking shortened life and able life.
A study found that symptoms from multiple illnesses, such as depression and fatigue, can affect an older adult's ability to function. Non-drug behavioral treatments may be effective in managing these symptoms and improving overall well-being.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found no correlation between thoracic kyphosis and physical function decline in those over 50. The study used CT scans to evaluate early signs of hyperkyphosis in a relatively young population, contradicting previous assumptions about its predictive value.
A recent study found that current smoking in older people increases the risk of developing frailty. Frailty is a condition associated with decreased physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes.