Articles tagged with Geriatrics
The study found that trauma surgeons working with geriatricians improved multidisciplinary care for elderly accident victims, leading to reduced short-term mortality rates and ICU readmissions. The program increased referrals for cognitive evaluation and advanced directives, demonstrating the benefits of comprehensive clinical pathways.
Researchers at UCSF discovered that homeless individuals aged 50+ often experience difficulties with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Cognitive and visual impairments are also common, with rates comparable to those of people in their 80s.
The American Geriatrics Society and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have released a new guide to assessing and counseling older drivers. The guide provides healthcare professionals with practical, person-centered advice on safely navigating the road for older adults, who account for 10% of all traffic fatalities annually.
By 2050, older adults representing minority groups are projected to rise to 39% globally, with significant increases among Asian and Native Hawaiian populations. To address this growing need, the American Geriatrics Society recommends culturally sensitive indicators to improve healthcare outcomes for diverse older adult populations.
When older adults stop driving, they experience doubled symptoms of depression, faster physical and mental health declines, and increased mortality risk. Effective programs ensuring mobility and social activities are needed to mitigate these adverse effects.
As the US welcomes its largest and most diverse group of older residents, AGS sheds light on health disparities and the importance of culturally effective care. The new guidance outlines present health disparities and the need for sensitivity to culture and health literacy when working with older individuals.
A study found that lower respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia, account for 26 percent of all ER visits for infectious diseases and 15 percent of deaths during hospitalizations. Influenza vaccination is underutilized among older adults, with about one-third not receiving the vaccine.
Researchers found that older adults with diabetes who received structured depression care management were 53% less likely to die compared to those receiving usual care. This treatment also improved depression symptoms more effectively.
Researchers found that older adults with dementia and diabetes have a significantly higher risk for death than those with just dementia. Smoking also increases mortality risk in this population. However, high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol do not seem to increase the risk of death.
The University of Louisville has received a $2.55 million grant to establish the Kentucky Rural & Underserved Geriatric Interprofessional Education Program (KRUGIEP), which aims to address workforce shortages, culturally appropriate care, and chronic disease burden in rural areas.
The American Geriatrics Society has established a coordinating center to provide strategic resources for 44 HRSA awardees working on projects to increase geriatric training in primary care. The program aims to develop a healthcare workforce that improves health outcomes for older adults by integrating geriatrics into primary care.
A new collaborative best practices guideline has been released for optimal care of older adults before, during, and after surgical operations. The guideline provides expert recommendations for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and allied health care professionals to address postoperative complications and prolonged recovery in older patients.
A recent study by the American Geriatrics Society defines person-centered care as an approach that prioritizes individual values and preferences in healthcare decisions. The research highlights the importance of eliciting patients' preferences and goals, and measures success by attention to people's health and life outcomes.
The National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence will relocate from GSA to the New York University College of Nursing in January 2016. The Center aims to increase gerontological nursing capacity and promote quality care for older adults.
Walter R. Frontera, MD, PhD, has received the 2015 Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). He is recognized for his work on skeletal muscle dysfunction and exercise to slow down and rehabilitate muscle weakness and atrophy in older adults.
Stroke patients with spatial neglect are at higher risk of falls, have longer hospital stays, and are less likely to return home. The study found that screening for spatial neglect and early intervention can help mitigate these negative outcomes.
The NYU College of Nursing's 'Community/Clinical Primary Care of Older Adults Program' aims to integrate geriatrics with primary care and community resources. The program will provide education and support for older adults, families, and caregivers, promoting healthy aging and managing chronic diseases.
The UCLA division of geriatrics has received a $2.5 million grant to enhance geriatric education, training and workforce development in Riverside County. The program, called PICATE, will establish new interprofessional curricula for students training in medical, nursing, social work and allied health fields.
A national co-management intervention aims to improve person-centered care outcomes and decrease healthcare spending. The program, supported by the John A. Hartford Foundation, positions geriatrics professionals as co-leaders in pre- and post-operative management of older adults with fragility fractures.
The project aims to educate 1,100 health care students and providers on a team-approach to care for older adults, targeting underserved areas in Missouri. With the growing elderly population, the initiative seeks to increase primary care providers by 34 percent to meet their complex healthcare needs.
Whipple, a doctoral student at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, was awarded the NHCGNE Patricia G. Archbold Scholar Award to support her research and career development. The award aims to increase the cadre of academic geriatric nurses and build leadership capacity in the field.
Up to 2 million American men suffer from osteoporosis, with worse health outcomes than women. Despite the severity of osteoporosis in men, fewer take preventive measures or undergo screening.
A new study finds that nearly one-quarter of Americans over 65 are currently or at risk of being 'elder orphans', a vulnerable group requiring greater awareness and advocacy efforts. This population faces risks such as functional decline, mental health issues, and premature death due to lack of social support.
Indiana University researchers Michael LaMantia and Kathleen Unroe have been recognized by the American Geriatrics Society for their groundbreaking work in geriatrics and aging research. Dr. LaMantia received an AGS New Investigator Award, while Dr. Unroe was named an AGS fellow for her dedication to health policy and long-term care.
Research highlights physical activity interventions for obese older adults, explorations of muscle decline in influenza infection, and dementia care management strategies. The findings suggest regular physical activity can prevent disability even in extremely obese older adults.
The study found that older adults are using more mobility devices, with a third reporting the use of multiple devices. Despite this, using a cane was linked to limiting activities due to fear of falling.
A study by UCSF researchers found that lower extremity revascularization procedures had little impact on patients' function in nursing homes. Despite the procedure's operative risk, only a few U.S. nursing home residents gained any walking ability after surgery.
The American Geriatrics Society and AARP have developed a free guide to help older Chinese-Americans manage their health. The guide highlights common health concerns and provides practical recommendations for discussing cultural issues with healthcare providers.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that diet soda intake is directly linked to greater abdominal obesity in adults 65 years of age and older. Increasing waist circumference was associated with escalating cardiometabolic risk in older adults.
A study of 115,538 older patients with diabetes found that geriatric conditions were more common than diabetic complications, but their prevalence varied little by ethnicity. The research suggests that culturally competent care is essential for addressing disparities in this population.
The IU and Regenstrief GRACE study is a pioneering program that provides comprehensive care management for older adults in their homes. It has been shown to improve quality of life, reduce hospital admissions, and decrease healthcare costs, making it a model for geriatric medicine.
A new study finds that malnutrition is an independent predictor of long-term survival in geriatric patients undergoing the Whipple procedure. Geriatric patients with preoperative severe nutritional risk had significantly decreased long-term survival, while those without SNR had a seven-year survival rate of 84 percent.
The prestigious Hartford/VA Scholars Program has selected three new researchers to focus on improving health outcomes for older veterans. The scholars will receive career development and mentorship support for their projects, which include examining physical activity among veterans and post-traumatic stress disorder in older veterans.
A new SUNY research project aims to understand the connection between frailty and dementia, with the goal of maximizing patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life. The project will develop tools to assess frailty risk factors and determine their correlation with cognitive assessments.
Desmond O'Neill, a professor of medical gerontology, will receive the GSA's 2014 Joseph T. Freeman Award for his work on aging and transportation. He is recognized for his extensive research publications and leadership roles in promoting gerontology at regional, national, and international levels.
Carole B. Lewis is recognized for her extensive work in rehabilitation, education, and advocacy efforts related to the physical rehabilitation of older adults. She has lectured globally on geriatric neurology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation.
Marie A. Bernard, MD, has been recognized for her outstanding leadership in gerontology through teaching, service, and public interpretation. She serves as the NIA's deputy director, overseeing a portfolio of over $1 billion in research.
A two-year study found that frailty using the Frailty Index can predict in-hospital complications and mortality in older trauma patients. The study enrolled 250 patients aged 65 and above, with 44% meeting the frailty criteria.
A new study suggests that physician partners can lighten the administrative load of primary care physicians, allowing them to spend more time with their patients. The study found that geriatricians who worked with a physician partner had shorter patient visits and higher patient satisfaction rates compared to those without a partner.
A multidimensional frailty score developed from the comprehensive geriatric assessment and other variables can predict longer hospital stays and increased risk of complications or death after surgery in elderly patients. The model supports surgical treatment for fit older patients at low risk of complications.
Patients with a documented diagnosis of dementia are nearly 20% more likely to be readmitted within 30 days than those without dementia. This is due to difficulties comprehending discharge instructions and multiple medical conditions.
The EORTC and SIOG have updated their expert opinion on NSCLC management in elderly patients, highlighting the need for personalized treatment decisions based on life expectancy and biological age. Multidisciplinary geriatric assessments can improve treatment outcomes for this population.
Research conducted by Erja Portegijs and colleagues found that physical function and sense of autonomy are independent determinants of life-space mobility in older people. Life-space mobility, which reflects an individual's opportunities to participate in society, is affected by both physical limitations and psychological factors.
A framework for improved geriatric patient care is proposed based on lessons learned from managing complex care transitions. The framework emphasizes the importance of looking at community, system and regional factors in care transitions.
A new UCLA study found that married men who waited until 25 or older to get married had stronger bones than those who got married earlier. In contrast, women with supportive partners had greater bone strength, regardless of their age at marriage. The study suggests that marriage quality plays a significant role in bone health.
A study of geriatric health care professionals found they experience emotional struggle while caring for their own aging relatives, but also benefits from this dual role. The researchers emphasize the need for support and tools for all caregivers to navigate difficult conversations with providers and family members.
Older patients with traumatic injuries can regain more daily activities with geriatric care, according to a new study. Geriatric interventions helped them take better care of themselves and be more independent.
Two new centers will focus on building relationships with local health and social service professionals to support skill-building opportunities for personnel. The new centers aim to strengthen the services that improve the health of older people by improving the interface between practice and academia.
A new international study found that senior citizens face distinct challenges in emergency departments, including higher rates of dependency, cognitive impairment, and delirium. The study calls for staff training in geriatric care and specialized department layouts to better meet seniors' needs.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded Richard M. Allman, MD, with the 2013 Joseph T. Freeman Award for his contributions to geriatric research and practice. The award recognizes his focus on understanding mobility loss in older adults and improving age-related health disparities.
The UT Southwestern Geriatrics section has received a $1 million four-year grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation to enhance interprofessional education and patient safety. The grant will support a curriculum that incorporates virtual and face-to-face experiences, as well as faculty development and training.
Dr. Richard M. Allman has been recognized with the 2013 Donald P. Kent Award by The Gerontological Society of America for his exceptional leadership in gerontology through teaching, service, and practice. His research focuses on understanding mobility loss and testing new ways to maintain or enhance mobility in older adults.
Researchers found that older emergency patients have functional and cognitive problems increase dramatically after arrival. These patients often require specialized training in geriatric care to provide the best assessment and care.
A recent UCLA-led study highlights the crucial role nurse practitioners play in treating chronic geriatric conditions. Nurse practitioners were found to improve the satisfaction of quality indicators for patients with falls, urinary incontinence, dementia, and depression when co-managed with primary care physicians.
A creative storytelling program called TimeSlips helps medical students see people with dementia as fully-fledged individuals, rather than just diagnoses. The program, which encourages participants to use their imagination and share stories in poem form, leads to significant improvements in student attitudes towards dementia patients.
The Gerontological Society of America has established five Hartford Academic Centers of Excellence in Geriatric Social Work, aiming to enhance training for future geriatric social work practitioners and faculty. The centers will focus on translating new knowledge into policy and practice.
Researchers used hormone levels to estimate when a woman will have her final menstrual period, providing a way to gauge menopause-related bone loss. The study found that levels of estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone can predict the timeline for menopause.
Poverty in older age poses significant risks to the UK's health system. The authors highlight poor performing pensions, taxation changes, and social care funding as key factors contributing to this issue. They also express concerns about the potential for private for-profit providers to impact vulnerable individuals' care.
A new trauma program at St. Michael's Hospital has shown significant improvements in outcomes for elderly patients admitted for trauma. The program, which provides geriatric consultations within 72 hours of admission, has reduced the risk of delirium by 10% and decreased the likelihood of discharge to long-term care facilities.
The IU and Regenstrief clinician-researchers will work with 19 central Indiana nursing facilities to improve the quality of care, reduce hospitalizations, and increase access to palliative care for long-stay residents. The comprehensive four-year initiative, OPTIMISTIC, aims to transform institutional care and address the neglected nee...