Articles tagged with Geriatrics
A study of over 2,000 seniors found that quitting smoking can slow down gait and improve overall health. Changing bad habits such as poor food choices and lack of exercise can also have a significant impact on senior health.
A new study published in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics challenges the concept of consensus in anti-aging medical intervention, citing diverse therapeutic approaches and conflicting opinions. Dr. Imre Zs.-Nagy proposes an open-minded approach to reconcile differences and achieve a realistic goal of aging intervention.
Dr. MacEntee's research has significantly impacted the field of geriatric oral research, focusing on topics such as biomaterials, clinical science, and epidemiology. His work has identified key concerns in oral health among elderly populations, including neglect of oral hygiene and the importance of psychosocial factors in determining ...
A new study found that older women who reported taking daily naps had a 44% increased risk of dying from any cause. This association remained significant among relatively healthy women and was strongest for cardiovascular-related mortality.
A new UCLA study found that light to moderate drinking among seniors reduced their odds of developing physical problems preventing common tasks. Alcohol consumption at light to moderate levels appears to have disability prevention benefits only in men and women in relatively good health.
A three-year study involving over 3,400 chronically ill seniors found that deaths among patients in a proactive care management program were significantly lower than those in the control group. Hospitalizations were also slightly lower for patients in the intervention group, with a notable benefit for those with diabetes.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston launches the TEXAS program to promote geriatrics training for physicians. The four-year program has five components, including a medical school curriculum and elder abuse education seminars, aiming to improve care for frail elderly patients.
The grant will support the development of leaders in geriatric medicine and teaching programs, as well as new training opportunities for medical students and residents. The Wake Forest University School of Medicine will also establish a curriculum for specialty physicians to integrate geriatrics principles into their teaching programs.
The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation has awarded UT Southwestern Medical Center a nearly $2 million grant to expand geriatric training in the medical school curriculum. The Southwestern Aging and Geriatrics Education (SAGE) program will improve physician trainees' knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards caring for elderly patients.
Researchers developed an AI coaching system called COACH to assist older adults with moderate dementia in performing daily activities. The system uses computer vision and artificial intelligence techniques to deliver personalized reminders, resulting in increased independence for participants.
Dr Stephen Todd will investigate the role of beta-secretase in Alzheimer's disease using a novel blood-based assay. The study aims to determine if enzyme activity predicts disease progression and response to dementia treatment.
Researchers found that geriatric cochlear implant recipients experience significant benefit from the surgery, with improved QOL scores comparable to those of younger patients. Co-morbid conditions like heart disease do not lower QOL in geriatric recipients.
The Association of Specialty Professors (ASP) has announced the seventh class of T. Franklin Williams Scholars, who will research and develop career plans focused on integrating geriatrics into internal medicine specialties. The 12 new scholars will join the previous 52 recipients to achieve the program's goal.
Dr. James Steele has received the prestigious Geriatric Oral Research Award for his pioneering research on the relationships between oral health and nutrition in older adults. His work, which spans over three decades, has significantly advanced our understanding of the impacts of oral health on disease and well-being in the elderly.
The new center aims to prevent abuse and help victims achieve a life without mistreatment. The funding will support the advancement of strategies for addressing elder abuse and neglect, which affects up to 10% of older Americans annually.
A study by Rush University Medical Center found that elderly patients with chronic illnesses who receive virtual care from a team of medical experts make fewer emergency room visits. This coordinated approach also improves patients' understanding of their medications and enhances communication between physicians.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded Hartford Doctoral Fellowships to four PhD students researching aging and social work topics, including cognitive function, diabetes health disparities, late life depressed mood, and stress-coping models. The fellowships support dissertation research over two years with $50,000 grants pl...
The Gerontological Society of America warns of a looming healthcare crisis as the US population ages. The Institute of Medicine report highlights a shortage of healthcare workers and frontline staff to meet growing demands for care.
The American Geriatrics Society warns of a critical shortage of geriatricians in the US due to perceptions of poor pay and lack of glamour. Geriatric medicine requires a team-based approach to address the complex needs of elderly patients with multiple health problems.
A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Cardiology found that established ECG norms for older adults may need to be revised. The research team analyzed over 700 patient readings and discovered that average cutoffs for measuring ECG intervals were greater than current norms, particularly in men.
A new study from Brandeis University reveals that 1 in 10 elderly adults on Medicare consume more alcohol than recommended, with 9% engaging in unhealthy drinking habits. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to be aware of this often-missed issue and consider individual factors when assessing risk.
A new study from Michigan Medicine finds that congestive heart failure patients experience high disability rates and increased need for nursing-home care. The condition imposes substantial burdens on patients, families and the long-term care system.
Brown University has been named a Center of Excellence in Geriatric Medicine and Training, receiving a three-year $450,000 grant award from the John A. Hartford Foundation to train geriatrics junior faculty and fellows. The funding aims to address the growing shortage of geriatricians across the US, with 26,000 expected by 2030.
A randomized clinical trial found GRACE's success in improving quality of care, health-related quality of life measures, while reducing emergency department use and hospital admissions. The program involves a support team meeting with patients at home to conduct comprehensive assessments and develop individualized care plans.
A home-based geriatric care program for low-income seniors resulted in higher-quality medical care, improvement in quality of life, and fewer emergency department visits. However, the intervention did not prevent decline in physical functioning. The program improved health outcomes without increasing hospital admissions.
Researchers tested a pilot program to change older adults' beliefs about aging, resulting in increased physical activity and improved mental health-related quality of life. The program, which combined attribution retraining with weekly exercise classes, showed significant increases in walking levels and age-expectation survey scores.
Linda R. Phillips, a renowned nurse scientist, receives the 2007 Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award for her sustained contributions to improving the lives of older people. Her research focuses on family caregiving, abuse, and nursing interventions to enhance caregiving quality.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded $70,000 in fellowships to seven outstanding doctoral students in geriatric social work. The Hartford Doctoral Fellowships provide recipients with dissertation grants and academic career guidance.
The University of Iowa has been awarded a four-year $1.2 million grant to develop evidence-based guidelines for caring for elderly patients with mental health issues. The grant will support the creation of new curricula and competencies in geropsychiatric nursing, aiming to improve mental health care for America's older population.
A Michigan Medicine study found that half of seniors have geriatric conditions affecting daily living, such as falls and incontinence. The study highlights the need for clinicians to address these common conditions, which can lead to disability if left untreated.
A new analysis of rosiglitazone data found an uncertain heart risk, while a study on geriatric conditions revealed they are common among adults 65+ and increase with age. Counseling programs about preventing car accident injuries showed inconclusive evidence.
Dr. Hugh Hendrie receives prestigious Jack Weinberg Memorial Award for his outstanding contributions to geriatric psychiatry research and clinical practice
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded new Hartford Doctoral Fellowships to eight outstanding doctoral students to support their research in geriatric social work. The fellowships include a $50,000 dissertation grant and matching support from home institutions.
The number of certified geriatricians in the US is declining, with only 67% of fellowship positions filled in 2005-06. Geriatric students are deterred by lower salaries and smaller work schedules.
Dr. Judith Jones, a renowned geriatric oral researcher, will receive the prestigious IADR Award for her groundbreaking contributions to geriatric oral research. Her extensive work has significantly advanced clinical practices and published knowledge in geriatric dentistry.
The number of spinal cord injuries among senior citizens has increased significantly over the past 30 years, with admissions by geriatric patients increasing five-fold. Mortality rates are also higher for elderly patients, with approximately eight times the mortality rate as younger patients.
A new study reveals that a balance training program focusing on increasing step length and speed is more effective at improving mobility and balance than tai chi. The program resulted in greater improvements in measures such as the timed up and go test and maximal step length test.
The Advancement of Geriatrics Education (AGE) Project will integrate geriatrics into HMS curriculum and provide education to medical and surgical residents, as well as practicing physicians. The program aims to expose physicians to the unique concerns of older individuals and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Meridean L. Maas, a renowned expert in gerontology, has been awarded the 2006 Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Award by The Gerontological Society of America. Her groundbreaking work on Alzheimer's care in nursing homes has significantly influenced resident-centered environments for persons with cognitive impairment.
A new dementia screening tool developed by Saint Louis University has been shown to detect mild cognitive problems in the elderly that were missed by the Mini Mental Status Examination. The tool, known as SLUMS, is more sensitive and can help clinicians identify patients with mild neurocognitive disorder on initial visit.
The Gerontological Society of America has received a five-year, $7.7 million grant from the John A. Hartford Foundation to support geriatric social work faculty scholars and research. The project aims to address the projected shortage of over 46,000 geriatric social workers by advancing practice through research and training.
Researchers found that one-third of older adults struggle with bathing, highlighting the need for bathroom safety features and education. The study recommends installing shower curtains instead of glass doors and providing proper instruction on built-in safety features.
A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry identified nine genetic regions associated with successful aging, with some affecting men and women differently. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive drinking also played a significant role in successful aging.
Sleep disturbance in the elderly is associated with decreased memory, impaired concentration, and impaired ability to function. Geriatricians recommend addressing sleep problems through lifestyle changes, such as keeping a diary to track sleep patterns, and trying daytime walks and environmental adjustments to improve sleep quality.
The GeriEd Program aims to improve physicians' skills in medicine and navigating the healthcare system to better care for elderly patients. The program will target 157 practicing physicians and residents, as well as 750 medical students annually.
Professor Ainamo's decades-long research on older adults' oral health care needs has shaped treatment guidelines and improved understanding of stomatological disorders. The IADR Award recognizes her outstanding contributions to geriatric oral research, stimulating progress in basic and clinical epidemiology.
A study of 2,512 community-dwelling elders found that those with limited literacy were more likely to report poor overall health and diabetes, as well as depression. This is partly due to difficulties in reading health information, managing medications, and navigating the healthcare system.
The study suggests that factors like lack of transportation, poor financial situation, and dementia might contribute to smoking cessation in older smokers. Despite the potential benefits, quitting smoking at an advanced age can significantly lower the risk of death.
Researchers found that aging prisoners in California's prison system struggle with physical independence, with many requiring assistance with daily tasks due to age-related health issues. The study recommends modifications such as grab bars in showers and rubber mats on shower floors to improve safety for older inmates.
A study of over 2,000 older adults found that higher magnesium intake was associated with increased bone density. The recommended daily allowance is significantly lower than the amount most people receive.
A new screening tool called SNAQ identifies patients at risk of weight loss due to poor appetite, which can be fatal. The questionnaire takes less than two minutes to answer and has been validated for use in both elderly and younger populations.
A recent study found that heavy drinking declined with age, although the drop was slower among men and smokers compared to women and non-smokers. The study also revealed that those who got married or quit smoking during follow-ups reduced their heavy drinking. Regular moderate drinking is likely beneficial for cardiovascular health.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older men with Parkinson's disease have significantly lower bone density at the spine and hip, increasing their risk for bone fractures. The study also revealed a nearly three times greater risk of multiple future falls among those with PD.
A new UCLA study found that seniors with the lowest expectations for aging were more than twice as likely to report engaging in less than 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity. Increasing physical activity can improve health outcomes for older adults, making it a powerful way to address common age-related health issues.
A growing number of older adults suffer from mental disorders, with one-third experiencing a mental disorder at any given time. The University of Rochester Medical Center has received a NIMH Training grant to support postdoctoral researchers in developing skills for independent research.
The UCSF Center will expand its master's and doctoral programs, collaborate with community organizations, and develop leadership skills for graduate students. The new funding aims to meet the growing demand for gerontological nurses and promote the health and independence of America's older adults.
Researchers recommend a five-step approach to diagnose and manage insomnia in older adults, which may lead to reduced sleep disturbances and improved health outcomes. The steps include detection, elaboration, medical or psychiatric emergency assessment, further evaluation, and intervention with lifestyle or medication changes.
A new type of footwear, Yaktrax Walker, has been shown to significantly reduce falls in the elderly population. The study found that participants who wore the device outdoors experienced a 76% lower rate of falls compared to those wearing normal winter footwear.
A recent study by the Women's Health and Aging Studies group found that obese older women are more likely to experience pre-frailty and frailty. The research also showed a strong association between frailty and conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, and osteoarthritis.
Researchers found that cobblestone walking improved balance, mobility, and reduced blood pressure in older adults. The activity, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to be therapeutic and can be done at home with manufactured mats.