Articles tagged with Geriatrics
A new study from Trinity College Dublin reveals that regular dog walking is associated with improved mobility, reduced fear of falling, and a lower likelihood of unexplained falls. The study, based on TILDA data, highlights the potential benefits of this simple activity for older adults.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with multiple chronic conditions are at a higher risk of declining kidney function. The study followed 3,094 older individuals for 15 years and found an independent dose-response relationship between the number of chronic conditions and kidn...
JMIR Aging has achieved top ranking, with a Journal Impact Factor of 5.0, making it the #1 ranked journal in the 'Gerontology' category. The inclusion in SCIE and SSCI underscores its exceptional quality and impact.
The American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification program significantly decreases hospital stays among older cancer patients, increasing their independence and likelihood of discharge home. The program addresses the unique needs of older adults undergoing major abdominal oncologic procedures.
A CU Anschutz study found that using a decision aid led to less personal uncertainty and distress among older adults, but not reduced depression. The online tool helped participants feel more confident in their decisions.
Research reveals African Americans have lower death rates after age 85 and up to age 100 compared to white populations. The study's lead author attributes this to psychosocial and biological factors that enable select survivors to withstand socioeconomic disadvantages.
Experts in the field of aging have differing opinions on what constitutes aging, ranging from demographic increases in mortality rates to pathological declines. Despite these disagreements, there is consensus that aging exists and is inherently deleterious.
Researchers developed an evaluation scale based on three physical performance tests: single-leg balance, timed up and go, and sit-to-stand. The scale predicts long-term care risk among older adults with high accuracy, particularly those with scores of 41 or more. It provides a comprehensive assessment method for Japanese older adults.
Research identified community-level factors that may increase individuals' risk of cognitive impairment. Higher neighborhood disadvantage, air pollution, homicide rates, and less greenspace were associated with elevated odds of mild cognitive impairment. Completing schooling in a Southern US state also linked to increased risk.
The report highlights the urgent need for palliative care, citing a growing demand due to aging populations and chronic conditions. Specialists emphasize the importance of understanding cultural and religious contexts, patient autonomy, and innovative, cost-effective recommendations to transform essential palliative care.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that unclear procedures and distribution of responsibilities among healthcare workers can lead to poor oral health in older adults in nursing homes. The researchers suggest that a more structured process can promote communication and awareness of good oral health practices.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation's Capture the Fracture campaign highlights top-performing Fracture Liaison Services that deliver gold-standard care. These services prioritize continuous care, tailored treatment plans, and teamwork to reduce secondary fractures and improve patient outcomes.
Research suggests that the ability to balance on one leg can serve as a reliable indicator of neuromuscular aging. Men and women both experience significant declines in this balance ability over time.
A new study found that 3% of people with traditional Medicare switch to Medicare Advantage each year, but many switch back after a short period. The researchers discovered that people who switched from MA to traditional Medicare were more likely to choose higher-rated plans or those with broader networks.
The American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification program reduces surgical death rates by nearly half and increases the percentage of patients with documented care preferences. Implementing the program also enables hospitals to improve patient-centered care and reduce costs.
Virginia Tech researchers publish real-time data to better understand what happens when people lose their balance. The study uses wrist-worn voice recorders to capture immediate, self-reported data from participants, providing a more reliable understanding of the circumstances surrounding balance loss among older adults.
A recent study by UC San Francisco and the University of Michigan found that childhood trauma can lead to increased pain, depression, and loneliness in older adults. Participants who experienced more traumatic events were more likely to experience these symptoms during their final years.
A new study presents an innovative curriculum for nursing students, exposing them to geriatric care early in their training with the goal of increasing interest in specializing in care for older adults. The curriculum uses virtual standardized patients, providing a higher level of training and covering knowledge, attitudes, and skills.
A study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society uses wrist-worn voice recorders to collect real-time data on balance loss among community-dwelling older adults. The findings suggest that these recorders can capture the circumstances and context of balance losses more accurately than traditional recall methods.
Researchers aim to develop a voice assistant delivering customized cognitive stimulation therapy to improve the quality of life for persons living with dementia and their care partners. The project has the potential to positively impact a large population, including those in remote areas.
A comprehensive brain imaging study found that diabetes and prediabetes are associated with accelerated brain ageing, with brains appearing 0.5-4 years older than chronological age. A healthy lifestyle may help counteract this effect, with associations attenuated among people with high physical activity.
A comprehensive review emphasizes the importance of addressing frailty among older adults, identifying biological underpinnings and promising interventions. The review advocates for integrating frailty assessments into routine clinical practice to personalize care plans and allocate resources effectively.
A study at UFSCar found that remote testing can be reliable for functional mobility and muscle strength, especially for those with dementia. This new methodology enables more frequent health sessions and better patient tracking.
A new position paper argues that single race-agnostic FRAX models would unfairly discriminate against Black, Asian, and Hispanic communities. The authors recommend retention of ethnic and race-specific FRAX models for the US with updated data on fracture and death hazards.
A qualitative study found that palliative care is underutilized in nursing homes, despite the need for symptom management and supportive care. Researchers propose creating a best practice model and evidence-based referral criteria to address this healthcare gap.
The study found that exercise increased PEDF levels in skeletal muscles and suppressed senescence markers in the lungs. PEDF also reduced senescence markers in multiple tissues and attenuated decline in respiratory function in pulmonary emphysema mouse model, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for age-related diseases.
Researchers identified six clinical subtypes in older adults starting long-term care in Japan, including cardiac disease, respiratory disease/cancer, and insulin-dependent diabetes, which incur higher mortality risks and worsen care needs. These findings can inform optimal interventions for each subtype and influence healthcare policy.
A review article by Uppsala University researchers highlights the global issue of malnutrition in the sick and elderly, affecting up to 50% of hospital patients in Sweden. Simple measures such as counselling, dietitian collaboration, and nutritional drinks can reverse malnutrition and improve quality of life.
Researchers developed two clinical ageing clocks, PCAge and LinAge, that use blood tests, a urine test, and a health questionnaire to estimate future mortality risk. These clocks show significant predictive efficacy in characterising individual future ageing trajectories.
Researchers developed an AI-based screening tool that differentiates Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body disease by analyzing eye movement patterns. The tool provides a reliable method for identifying and distinguishing between the two dementia forms, which can aid in mitigating their impact on daily activities.
A recent study found that mid-life inflammation is associated with slower late-life mobility, even among healthy adults. The link was strongest for individuals with sustained high inflammation over two decades.
A new study reveals that depression and antidepressant use are associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in postmenopausal women. Epigenetic age acceleration, measured by GrimAge DNA methylation age acceleration, partially mediates the relationship between antidepressant use and increased mortality risk.
A new AI-driven tool can accurately diagnose Lewy body dementia by analyzing changes in vocal emotional expressions. The study found that individuals with Lewy body dementia exhibited more negative and calmer emotional expressions compared to those with Alzheimer's disease and healthy controls.
Older people experiencing homelessness are at risk of premature death, cognitive impairment, and mobility concerns. Addressing this issue requires collaboration between health, long-term care, public health, and housing to provide adequate shelter policies, age-friendly shelters, and supportive housing models.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that upward social mobility significantly lowers the risk of dementia. The research, led by Osaka University researchers, analyzed data from 9,186 participants aged 65 and over, finding that individuals who experienced upward transitions had a notably lower risk of dementia incidence c...
A new study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that greater community mobility is significantly associated with better cognitive function in individuals aged 52 and older. The association was strongest among those at low risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
A UCLA-led study reveals that chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer in women over 65 can lead to a significant decline in physical function. The study found that 30% of older women who received chemotherapy experienced a substantial decline, with climbing stairs and walking being the most affected activities.
A study by NTU Singapore and Duke-NUS found that volunteering among older adults in Singapore increases their quality of life through perceived social support. Regular volunteers reported having more control over their lives, leading to a better quality of life.
Research suggests that labelling vulnerable patients in hospital as 'socially admitted' can lead to incorrect assumptions about their medical needs and hinder opportunities to identify treatable issues. The study highlights the need for reform of current structures and hierarchies to improve care for these patients.
A commentary highlights the importance of including nursing home residents in clinical trials to address health equity concerns. The authors propose key elements for successful nursing home clinical trials and emphasize the benefits of conducting research in this setting.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that understaffed nursing homes in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to overmedicate residents with antipsychotics. The researchers suggest that increasing staffing levels could help reduce the use of these medications and address the root causes of behavioral issues.
Middle-aged and older adults believe that old age begins later in life, with increased life expectancy contributing to this shift. The study found that participants born in different years reported a later perceived onset of old age, but the trend has slowed in recent years.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and ESCEO presented awards to 20 young investigators from 16 countries for their outstanding research abstracts. The awards recognize the researchers' contributions to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases.
Professor Leith Zakraoui was awarded the 2024 IOF CNS Medal for his dedicated work in advancing musculoskeletal health at both national and international levels. He has been a key figure in strengthening IOF activities in Africa and promoting education and awareness within the region.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation has presented the prestigious IOF President’s Award to Professor Peter Ebeling AO in recognition of his longstanding contributions to advancing the work of the IOF. He is an internationally renowned expert in bone health, with a total of over 536 peer-reviewed publications and a h-index of 93.
A study published in Psychiatry Research confirms that weight training improves symptoms of anxiety and depression in old people. The analysis of over 200 articles identified the types of training most indicated for these cases, recommending exercises done three times a week with short sets and proper structure.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for high-quality dementia care in nursing homes, where residents face social isolation and staff challenges. Experts emphasize person-centered care, resident involvement, and community connections to improve outcomes.
A new study found that survival rates after hip or spine fractures are comparable to or worse than those seen in patients with certain types of cancer. The study, which analyzed data from over 100,000 Canadians aged 65 and older, highlights the urgent need for secondary prevention interventions before hospital discharge.
A comprehensive review examines the impact of osteoporosis on fracture healing and the effects of osteoporosis medications. The study concludes that there is no deleterious effect of osteoporosis medications on fracture healing, and prompt treatment can reduce the risk of secondary fractures.
The World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases will showcase new clinical research from over 1507 submitted abstracts. The event will offer valuable knowledge to help clinicians treat patients more effectively in their daily practice.
A new Kaiser Permanente study found that a health coaching intervention successfully reduced sitting time for a group of older adults by just over 30 minutes a day. The study also showed meaningful improvements in blood pressure, comparable to the effect of other interventions focused on physical activity.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation and European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis have issued new guidelines for managing osteoporosis in men. These recommendations cover disease burden, fracture risk assessment, treatment thresholds, and interventions to reduce the substantial morbidity and mortality ass...
Medicare expenditures were higher for Black and Hispanic individuals compared to whites, with average total costs ranging from $136,326 to $165,730. The analysis attributed these differences to greater use of high-cost care during the last year of life.
A study of older adults in Medicare Advantage plans found that both members of a couple tend to stick with each other's enrollment decisions. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,800 couples and found that about 80% of Partner A individuals stayed in the same plan, and among those who changed, most partners did as well.
A pilot study found that highly satisfying conversations about CPR preferences occurred regardless of the terms used by doctors. Discussions took less than five minutes on average and were satisfactory to participants. The study suggests physicians should ask all patients their code status, regardless of phrasing used.
A study analyzing ELSA data found that osteoporosis, heart disease, and poor hearing increased frailty risk in men, while high fibrinogen levels, diabetes, and stroke were linked to higher risks in women. This highlights the importance of gender-specific action plans and intervention for older people.
The D-CARE Study successfully enrolled 2,176 racially/ethnically diverse persons with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias and their caregivers, highlighting the importance of adaptable recruitment strategies. The study provides valuable insights into how to better support patients with dementia and their caregivers.
A study analyzing 15 exercise apps found limited options for frail older adults, with none adapted to users' cognitive needs. The researchers recommend involving end-users in app creation processes and focusing on simplicity and intuitive design.
Researchers have discovered that CAR T cells can be repurposed to target senescent cells, which accumulate with age and cause inflammation. This breakthrough offers a promising alternative to existing treatments, which often require repeated administration.
The hip-assist robot EX1 improves walking ability, dynamic balance, and one-leg standing endurance in older adults. The four-week exercise program using EX1 significantly reduces the risk of falls and enhances overall health.