Articles tagged with Geriatrics
UC Irvine's Program in Geriatrics has been awarded a three-year, $1 million grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging to implement a new federal initiative combating elder abuse. The program will test promising community-based practices to prevent the abuse of people with dementia, with the goal of reducing this complex and interrela...
The new guidelines, published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, apply to every patient 65 years and older as defined by Medicare regulations. The guidelines cover 13 key issues of preoperative care for the elderly, including cognitive impairment, decision-making capacity, and medication management.
Elder abuse affects 4% of Canadian seniors, with an estimated 200,000 to 500,000 people experiencing abuse or neglect. A comprehensive approach is needed, including financial support for caregivers and education, training, and respite programs.
Thomas M. Gill, MD, recipient of the 2012 GSA Joseph T. Freeman Award, is a leading authority on epidemiology and prevention of disability among older persons.
The National Hartford Centers of Gerontological Nursing Excellence has awarded over $1.38 million in grants to support postdoctoral research training, mentorship, and career development for new fellows and scholars. These highly skilled individuals will strengthen the knowledge base in areas such as family caregiving, home health and h...
The National Hartford Centers of Gerontological Nursing Excellence aim to prepare new faculty in geriatric nursing and enhance existing expertise. The centers are supported by the John A. Hartford Foundation and GSA's Coordinating Center, with goals including improving health outcomes for older adults.
The American Federation for Aging Research's MSTAR program aims to address the growing shortage of geriatric medicine physicians. By providing medical students with training and research opportunities, the program seeks to increase the number of doctors specializing in age-related diseases and conditions.
A nationwide study of newly admitted nursing home patients found that 21% sustain a fall during their stay. Facilities with higher CNA-to-patient staffing ratios were associated with lower fall rates due to CNAs providing hands-on care during high-risk activities.
A recent study found that almost 90% of older adults aged 65-96 were willing to undergo dementia screening, with refusal rates higher among those between 70-79 years old. The study's results suggest that age is the primary factor affecting willingness, with no significant impact from sex, race, or income level.
A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that loneliness is independently associated with an increased rate of death and functional decline. Older adults who identified themselves as lonely had a 59% greater risk of decline, and a 45% greater risk of death compared to those who did not experience loneliness.
A new UCSF report highlights the need for improved medical care for elderly inmates, who disproportionately account for escalating medical expenses. The report recommends nine policy areas to promote cost-effective quality care, including screening for dementia and palliative care.
The study found that daily bathing of patients with disposable cloths containing chlorhexidine gluconate reduced MRSA transmission rates from 4.99 cases per 1,000 patient days to 0.88 cases per 1,000 patient days, a significant 82% decrease. This intervention was effective in preventing MRSA infections in a geriatric setting.
A new University of Michigan Health System study found that middle-aged and older adults with diabetes showed strong survival rates, even those living in nursing homes or with multiple health issues. The study suggests that interventions can prevent or delay diabetes complications.
A new national poll reveals that significant gaps exist in primary care for older Americans, with only 7% receiving all seven recommended services to support healthy aging. The survey highlights the importance of counseling on falls prevention and accessing Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit to improve geriatric care.
The John A. Hartford Foundation awards $2.5 million in career development grants to 83 IU School of Medicine geriatricians to improve healthcare for older adults. The award aims to increase the number of academic leaders in geriatric medicine and address the growing need for trained geriatricians.
The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) has awarded nearly $2.5 million in career development grants to 83 advanced fellows and junior faculty members at 28 Hartford Centers of Excellence in Geriatric Medicine and Training. The awards aim to support research, teaching, and leadership in geriatric medicine.
Regenstrief Institute investigator Noll Campbell has been chosen by the American Geriatrics Society to receive a Merck/American Geriatrics Society New Investigator Award. His clinical research on medication effects on older adults aims to improve care for frail populations.
A large cross-sectional survey of 2325 Canadian men aged 55-97 years old found that mobility impairments, memory loss, and medication side effects were top health concerns. However, only a minority reported receiving adequate counseling on these issues, highlighting important gaps in healthcare.
Christian Davis Furman, a leading geriatrician at UofL, has been chosen for the CMS Innovation Advisors Program to enhance healthcare delivery and reduce costs. She will receive a stipend of up to $20,000 to support her activities during the one-year program.
Kessler Foundation received a $250,000 grant from the Wallerstein Foundation to study hidden disabilities that complicate recovery after stroke. Researchers aim to find better treatments for these often-overlooked disabilities, which can prolong hospitalizations and increase the risk of injury.
Michigan State University launches a statewide Division of Geriatric Medicine with $800,000 federal grant to tackle the health care needs of Michigan's aging population and reduce costs. The division aims to create a network of osteopathic geriatric fellowships for doctors to undergo specialized training.
A new study assesses the effectiveness of bedside geriatric assessments in identifying vulnerable older adults with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) who can benefit from aggressive treatment. The assessment tool evaluated cognitive function, psychological state, physical function, and co-morbid disease to provide more individualized tr...
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 from the University of Haifa found that walking around the ward during hospitalization significantly reduces the length of older patient's stay. The study, which surveyed 485 participants aged 70 and up, found that patients who walked around shortened their hospital stay by an average day and a half compared to those who di...
Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN, has received the 2011 Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for her sustained contributions to geriatric nursing research. Her program of research focuses on acute care of the elderly and elder abuse and neglect.
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 study found that hospitals prioritize young patients over elderly ones, highlighting the need for tailored care and more geriatricians in Canada.
A new study calls for an overhaul of current practices to ensure seriously ill prisoners are identified and released. The researchers propose standardized national guidelines and a recall mechanism to address inequities faced by illiterate, cognitively impaired, or unsupported prisoners.
The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) awards $2.5 million to support the training of academic leaders in geriatrics, addressing a critical need for geriatricians with over 36,000 projected by 2030.
Middle-aged adults with diabetes are more likely to develop age-related conditions like cognitive impairment, incontinence, and vision problems. The study found that those with diabetes developed these conditions nearly double the rate of those without diabetes.
The US healthcare system is facing a significant challenge in caring for the growing number of Baby Boomers experiencing bone fractures. A new guide aims to improve care and quality for patients dealing with fragility fractures, addressing various aspects from hospital admission to rehabilitation.
A new evidence-based model of geriatric care management, GRACE, optimizes the health and functional status of community-dwelling lower-income older adults. GRACE improves health and quality of life, decreases emergency department visits and hospital admission rates.
A study found that Medicare costs in the last six months of life are driven more by patient characteristics such as ability to function and family support than regional factors. Patient impairment or decline was a strong predictor of higher Medicare costs, accounting for ten percent of variation.
The American Geriatrics Society and British Geriatric Society's updated guidelines for preventing falls in older adults emphasize the importance of exercise, such as tai chi or physical therapy, to reduce fall risk. The guidelines also recommend environmental adaptations, medication reduction, and cataract surgery where necessary.
A novel program in Livingston County, NY, uses EMS technicians to identify and address unmet needs of elderly residents, resulting in high patient satisfaction rates. The program's success highlights the potential of innovative collaboration between healthcare providers and social services to improve quality of life for seniors.
A Yale study reveals that hospitalizations and injuries are linked to worsening functional ability in older adults, especially those who are physically frail. The study found that fall-related injuries led to the highest likelihood of developing new or worsening disability.
A study from Indiana University School of Medicine finds that a home-based geriatric care management program, GRACE, improves health and quality of life, decreases emergency department visits and hospital admission rates among high-risk patients. The program's cost-saving benefits are also highlighted.
A randomized controlled study found that encouraging African-American women aged 60 or over to exercise alongside scripture reading and group prayer led to a significant increase in physical activity. The intervention resulted in a 78% increase in steps per week, four times greater than the control group.
The Association of Specialty Professors has announced the ninth class of T. Franklin Williams Scholars, supporting research on pulmonary fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, and palliative care for older adults. Seven new investigators will join 75 previous scholars in advancing knowledge on these topics.
Mezey received the award for her contributions to advancing gerontological education, including developing defined geriatric competencies and enhancing faculty knowledge in geriatrics. The recognition acknowledges her work in promoting gerontological care and research through her collaborations with nursing organizations.
Lewis Lipsitz has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on abnormal blood pressure regulation and its relationship to falls and syncope in the elderly. The 2010 Joseph T. Freeman Award winner will present a lecture at the GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting.
Leading physician policy experts propose several policy solutions to help the US prepare for an aging adult population. The proposed solutions include increasing funding for geriatrics in medical schools, leveraging Medicare's educational subsidy, and requiring practicing physicians to complete geriatric continuing education credits.
Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation is a new bimonthly journal focusing on orthopaedic problems in older adults, featuring peer-reviewed research and reviews.
A study published in CMAJ found that low handgrip strength at 85 and 89 years is associated with increased all-cause mortality, highlighting its potential as a tool to assess mortality. The researchers also found that handgrip strength has a greater impact on mortality as people age.
The new series aims to address the shortage of geriatric expertise in healthcare. The series will explore themes that develop with aging, such as frailty and loss of independence. By analyzing real stories of patients and interviews, it will provide clinicians with pragmatic tools for translating evidence into daily practice.
A new UCLA study found that individuals between 60-69 years old experienced significant increases in disabilities, including basic activities, instrumental activities, mobility, and functional limitations. This trend is concerning as it may put a burden on the healthcare system and boost health costs.
Mathy Mezey, a renowned gerontological nurse researcher, received the 2009 Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award from the Gerontological Society of America. She is recognized for her sustained efforts in developing geriatric competencies and educational tools.
Eric A. Coleman has been awarded the 2009 Maxwell A. Pollack Award for his work on enhancing patient care transitions and promoting safe and effective care across acute and post-acute settings.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have successfully implemented an interdisciplinary multisite fourth-year geriatrics clerkship, meeting all ambulatory core geriatric competencies. The program exposes medical students to various settings and diagnoses, enabling them to provide appropriate care for older adults.
A study found that a physician-led hospital-at-home service can improve depression, nutritional status, and quality-of-life scores in elderly patients with acute decompensation of chronic heart failure. The alternative to traditional hospital care resulted in no significant differences in mortality rates or hospital admissions.
The Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry has received a $10 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to advance research on geriatric depression. The team will focus on understanding the biological, medical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of depression in older adults.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that people with persistent pain develop functional limitations at an earlier age than those without pain. The study revealed that individuals with pain have higher rates of mobility limitations and are more likely to experience disability.
A new healthcare delivery model called GRACE improves health and quality of life for low-income seniors, decreasing emergency department visits and hospital admissions. The program's personalized care approach reduces high-cost hospitalizations and saves money.
The Association of Specialty Professors (ASP) has announced the eighth class of T. Franklin Williams Scholars, funded by a grant from Atlantic Philanthropies and John A. Hartford Foundation. The program aims to increase internal medicine specialists' capacity in caring for elderly patients with research projects focused on geriatric as...
A study of 6,476 adults aged 70+ found no link between cognitive decline and socioeconomic status. However, seniors who never married or are widowers tend to perform poorer as they age.
A recent study found that American over-65s scored significantly better than their English counterparts in a memory and awareness test. Higher levels of education and lower levels of depressive symptoms in the US may have contributed to this difference, while aggressive cardiovascular disease treatment in England could be a factor.
A study presented at ENDO 2009 found that ghrelin infusions increased calorie intake by 51% in older women with frailty, improving growth hormone levels and overall health outcomes. Larger follow-up studies will investigate the therapeutic potential of ghrelin or mimetic agents for this population.
Researchers discovered sedatives and hypnotics are associated with a four-fold increase in suicide risk among the elderly. The study found that even after adjusting for mental disorders, sedative treatment was linked to an almost fourteen-fold increase in suicide risk.
A Queen's University study found that cholinesterase inhibitors can cause slowed heart rates, fainting episodes, and increased risks of permanent pacemaker implants and hip fractures in patients with dementia. The study suggests that people at high risk should reassess their medication regimen.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has developed an online curriculum to educate physicians about managing elderly patients with kidney disease. The curriculum addresses gaps in training and provides a comprehensive resource for geriatric nephrology care.