Articles tagged with Geriatrics
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.
A study found that chronic CMV infection is associated with frailty in older women, particularly those with high levels of inflammatory markers. The research highlights the importance of understanding the causes of frailty and developing potential treatments to improve outcomes for aging populations.
A seven-year study of over 3,000 black and white men and women aged 70 to 79 found that regular exercise reduced the risk of mobility problems by half. Participants who exercised regularly had lower rates of disability and health decline compared to those who were inactive.
Researchers found that individuals over 80 with active root caries had twice the odds of cardiac arrhythmias. The study suggests that oral health issues in older adults can be a marker of general physical decline and may require serious attention.
Researchers found that speaking Spanish, offering health benefits, and addressing community needs are key factors in recruiting Hispanic participants for studies. The study, presented at the American Geriatrics Society meeting, aimed to understand how diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease affect Hispanics.
A review of nearly 1.8 million people age 52 and older revealed that hospitalized individuals are more likely to commit suicide. Researchers conclude that hospitalization may be a factor in suicidal tendencies among older adults, with women at increased risk.
Researchers found that primary care providers are equally likely to diagnose and treat depression in older African Americans compared to whites. The study highlights the importance of managing depression in the elderly due to multiple existing illnesses.
A new study finds that fear of falling is surprisingly common among middle-aged African-American adults, affecting their activity levels and overall health. The phobia can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, causing individuals to become weaker and more prone to falls.
Dr. Meurman's research on the role of oral infections in medically compromised patients has significant implications for geriatric populations. The 2005 Geriatric Oral Research Award recognizes his contributions to the field, including advancements in molecular biological techniques for detecting oral pathogens.
The US is expected to have over 70 million people over 65 by 2030, creating a shortage of trained geriatric specialists. Only 27 of 91 specialties require specific geriatric training, with modest expectations.
A study found that over 28% of elderly individuals received potentially inappropriate medications, with women receiving more than men. The use of these medications has not decreased, highlighting the need for further understanding of their rationale.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that spouse caregiving situations are associated with potentially harmful behavior, compromised mental and physical health, and increased mortality risk. Researchers highlight the need for screening and intervention efforts to address this issue.
A recent UCLA study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that people's drinking habits decrease with age, with an average decline of 9-11% per decade. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to track changes in drinking behavior over time.
Dr. Morley has made significant contributions to three areas of geriatric medicine: appetite regulation, memory and dementia, and testosterone and andropause. He is recognized as one of the top ten geriatric programs in the country.
Dr. Cohen, originator of Duke University's Geriatrics Fellowship, has won the prestigious award for his work in geriatric medicine and cancer research. He will present a lecture at GSA's 57th Annual Scientific Meeting.
Dr. Archbold's research focuses on family care for frail elders and new methods to better serve them. Her breakthrough findings have led to a new way of thinking about how nursing can support families caring for frail elders.
A large UK trial found no significant improvements in survival, hospital admissions, or quality of life from comprehensive assessment and management of elderly patients. However, social functioning showed a small benefit from hospital-based outpatient geriatric care.
The eight Hartford Fellows will conduct research on various issues in geriatric social work, including depression, end-of-life care, and aging. The program aims to cultivate the next generation of geriatric social work faculty who will improve care for older adults and their families.
The American Journal of Nursing and the Gerontological Society of America aim to increase nurse certification in gerontology, stimulate institutional changes, and provide continuing education resources. The partnership will produce a bimonthly series on nursing care of older adults, publishing 15 evidence-based articles.
A pilot program pairing medical students with older artists showed a statistically significant improvement in students' attitudes towards aging. The Vital Visionaries program aims to improve care for older people by changing medical students' perspectives on age and creativity.
The Hartford Faculty Scholar's Program aims to create faculty leaders in geriatric social work. Twelve scholars will address psychosocial needs of terminally ill elders and explore the use of video-phones as a telemedicine intervention.
Middle-aged inner-city African-Americans experience higher levels of depressive symptoms than the general US population, according to a new study. The research found that risk factors for increased depressive symptoms include decreasing social support and being severely underweight or obese.
Gerbrand Izaks and Rudi Westendorp propose a model where diseases are caused by cumulative risk factors, making every age-related change a potential symptom of an illness. This framework encourages doctors to reassess older patients' body functions, comparing results to 'normal values' from healthy young adults.
A recent study by the University of California - San Francisco found that dependent older patients incur significantly higher hospital costs compared to independent patients. On average, dependent patients stayed in the hospital for 2 days longer than independent patients, resulting in a 23% increase in costs.
A national expert panel updated widely used criteria for potentially harmful medications in older adults. The 1997 Beers Criteria has identified 48 medications to avoid, including estrogen and Benadryl, due to increased risk of adverse drug events such as depression and bleeding.
A Phase II study found dronabinol significantly reduced behavioral agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The medication also improved caregivers' burden and daily living skills.
Summa Health System's ACE model of care enhances stroke care by focusing on comprehensive assessment, function-oriented patient-centered care, and interdisciplinary team management. The system's dedicated 34-bed stroke unit discharges nearly 1,000 patients annually, making it the largest provider of stroke care in Northeast Ohio.
Dr. Whall was recognized for her contributions to knowledge development and patient care in gerontological nursing, including theory development and research on aggressive physical behavior in dementia. She is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and holds GSA fellow status.
A study has identified that ophthalmology clinics are an ideal setting to screen elderly patients for depression, dementia, and functional impairment. Easy-to-use screening tools have been shown to be effective in identifying at-risk patients and improving healthcare outcomes.
Experts emphasize that clinicians can improve quality of life for Alzheimer's patients by following guidelines and utilizing available resources. The number of people with Alzheimer's is expected to swell from 4 million in 2002 to 14 million by 2050, highlighting the need for effective care options.
A new set of guidelines, known as Clinical Glidepaths, aims to improve treatment decisions for older adults by considering individual probabilities of life expectancy and function. The 24 paths cover various common problems faced by elderly patients, allowing clinicians to tailor care to each patient's unique needs.
Researchers found associations between altered physiologic systems and geriatric syndrome of frailty in a study of 5,888 community-dwelling individuals. The study suggests that understanding the biology of frailty can help develop interventions to better care for older adults.
A severe shortage of geriatric-trained nurses and healthcare professionals threatens the well-being of older Americans, with only a few percent of RNs certified in geriatrics. The authors call for increased investment in geriatric education and training across all healthcare disciplines.
Studies suggest that attention can be broken down into three distinct processes: maintaining readiness, setting response thresholds, and filtering out distractions. The researchers' findings provide a more specific understanding of attentional disorders and their relation to frontal lobe injuries.
Dr. Griffin and her team have made significant discoveries about the role of interleukin-1 in Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder. They've identified genetic variants associated with over-expression of IL-1, which can trigger inflammation and damage to neurons.
A shortage of geriatric doctors and nurses poses a significant challenge to the aging population in the US. With only 9,000 geriatric doctors currently available out of 20,000 needed, the authors suggest that students in health professional education programs should have required content in caring for older adults.
A USC study found that preventive occupational therapy significantly improves quality of life and reduces medical costs for seniors. The study involved three groups of culturally diverse adults over 60, with the intervention group showing marked improvements in physical and emotional well-being without increasing healthcare costs.
The Hartford Doctoral Fellows program aims to ensure a pool of trained and skilled geriatric social workers by recruiting, sustaining, and training talented doctoral students. The program is designed to produce tomorrow's social work faculty, with over 600,000 practicing social workers in the US requiring geriatric knowledge.