Articles tagged with Geriatrics
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
A new special issue of Calcified Tissue International & Musculoskeletal Research sheds light on sarcopenia's pathogenesis, clinical implications, and therapeutic targets. Researchers have made significant progress in evaluating, managing, and developing interventions for this condition.
A commonly used cognitive screening tool, MoCA, is found to be inaccurately assessing cognitive impairment in ethnically and linguistically diverse older adults. The study's findings underscore the importance of considering cultural factors when evaluating cognitive performance in traditionally underserved communities.
A new study found that older drivers with newly diagnosed migraines are three times more likely to experience a motor vehicle crash, while those with previous diagnoses are not at increased risk. Researchers also explored the relationship between migraine medications and driving habits, but found no significant impact.
Researchers discovered that Nectandrin B, a bioactive lignan compound from nutmeg, extends the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster by as much as 42.6%. The study found that Nectandrin B reduces intracellular ROS levels and improves age-related symptoms such as locomotive deterioration and neurodegeneration.
A new study highlights the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ older adults living in nursing homes, outlining best facility practices for a welcoming environment. The research emphasizes the importance of respecting residents' autonomy and providing valuable resources for care.
Researchers found that statin therapy reduced mortality and disease risk among people with chronic kidney disease and frailty, regardless of age-related health conditions. The studies provide additional context to the debate about initiating statin use in people at high risk for heart disease.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 can leave a lasting impact on older adults living in nursing homes, causing them to need more help with daily activities and experience a decline in brain function. The study found that those who tested positive for COVID had effects that lasted up to nine months.
A new study has found that most patients with osteoporosis want to receive information on their fracture risk, but only half of them actually get it. Patients prefer visual representations, such as graphs with a colored traffic-light system, to communicate fracture risk and are more likely to take medication if presented in this way.
A novel robotic system developed by USC researchers can help clinicians accurately assess a patient's rehabilitation progress. The method generates an 'arm nonuse' metric using machine learning and a socially assistive robot to track how much a patient is using their weaker arm spontaneously.
A U-M study links increased physical independence, gut microbiome disrupting antibiotics, and hand contamination to vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) environmental contamination in nursing homes. The study suggests that reducing antibiotic use and improving hand hygiene could control VRE spread.
Research by University of Colorado geriatrician Kenneth Lam found that the average person moving into a nursing home is already severely disabled and receiving 27 hours of care per week. Assisted living residents are less likely to be severely disabled but still receive significant support.
A new study found that orthostatic hypotension assessments conducted after 4-6 minutes of standing are more informative for predicting fall risk in older adults. This timely assessment can help clinicians identify those at highest risk and institute appropriate interventions to reduce falls.
Research at Osaka University finds that warming up can rapidly activate contractile proteins and improve muscle performance, particularly in skeletal muscles. This difference may allow skeletal muscles to contract quickly upon warming, saving energy and resting when needed.
A new intervention for caregivers has been shown to reduce elder mistreatment of older adults with chronic illness, including dementia. The Comprehensive Older Adult and Caregiver Help (COACH) program provides personalized support to caregivers, reducing mistreatment rates from 22.5% to 0%.
Research finds antipsychotics used inappropriately among home-bound patients with Alzheimer's disease, leading to poorer patient outcomes. Commonly used antipsychotic quetiapine is often prescribed based on behavioral symptoms and limited daily activities.
Researchers found that Dectin-1 stimulation induced a unique immune signature in HIV-positive older adults, characterized by increased levels of IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-α. This signature may contribute to the pro-inflammatory environment associated with HIV and aging.
A large study found catheter ablation reduces dementia risk by 48% and death from any cause in patients with atrial fibrillation, regardless of age, sex, or health conditions. The procedure is an important consideration for treatment options.
Chronic disease medications impair the body's ability to regulate core temperature, increasing the risk of heat-related illness in elderly patients. Exercise and improved fitness levels can help mitigate these effects, but bodily impairments from chemotherapy and medications may limit exercise capacity.
Researchers found that engaging in activities, expanding social networks, and using technology can lower the risk of loneliness among elderly. However, several risk factors including older age, vision impairment, and depression increased loneliness likelihood.
Researchers developed two versions of a survey to measure the experience of communication between families of inpatients unable to make decisions for themselves. The five-question survey provides a brief snapshot of the experience, while the 10-item survey adds questions about information and emotional support.