Articles tagged with Geriatrics
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A recent study found that nearly half of older adults receive no dental care and half lack dental insurance. After becoming eligible for Medicare, the percentage of people receiving restorative dental care decreased by 8.7%, while complete edentulism increased by almost 5 percentage points among those aged 65 and above.
The Geriatric Fracture Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been shown to reduce hospital stays by 2.12 days and lower hospital-related costs by $5,316 for patients aged 65 and older. The program's comprehensive care approach, including bone strength assessments and fall prevention strategies, is effective in improving outcomes.
A Japanese study found that mandatory cognitive screening tests for older drivers led to a significant decrease in motor vehicle collisions. However, the policy also resulted in an increase in road injuries for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly among younger age subgroups.
A position paper highlights the intersection of structural racism and ageism in healthcare, highlighting delayed care, exclusion from medical research, and adverse health outcomes. The authors advocate for increasing representation of diverse voices in healthcare policy discussions to promote solutions to these barriers to quality care.
A recent study published in Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy found that about one-third of caregivers self-medicate. Carriers who reported unfavorable healthcare experiences were more likely to take personal care into their own hands. The research team recommends that healthcare professionals should interact with caregive...
The Collaborative for Telehealth and Aging has published the first-ever guidelines for offering telehealth services to older patients. The principles provide general rules for behavior, while the guidelines offer specificity for each principle, aiming to achieve individual goals for programs and providers.
A study published in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics found that exercising alone twice or more weekly decreased the risk of developing cognitive impairment by 15.1%, while those who exercised with others showed a 29.2% decrease. Regular social exercise may be beneficial for preventing age-related cognitive disorders.
Researchers found that older adults who are comfortable traveling short distances have higher risks of functional disability and mortality. A study in Japan linked acceptable walking and cycling distances to future health outcomes, providing valuable insights for policymakers and researchers.
A new study finds that narrative medicine is an effective tool for caring for older adults, with medical students and faculty reporting improved patient care and reduced burnout. The My Life, My Story project enables clinicians to take a deeper social history of their patients, leading to more holistic care.
A new study modified the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) for remote use, enabling hospitals to continue support despite in-person interactions limitations. The adapted protocol achieved full implementation and high adherence, supporting improved delirium prevention and care for older adults.
Research published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society indicates social isolation is common among older U.S. adults and increases their likelihood of developing dementia. Nearly one-quarter of participants were socially isolated, and being isolated was associated with a 28% higher risk of dementia over 9 years.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found a sharp increase in cannabis-related emergency department visits among California adults ages 65 and older from 2005 to 2019. The rate increased by 1,808%, with more than 12,000 visits reported in 2019.
New research reveals that California nursing homes exposed to wildfire risks have poorer compliance with emergency preparedness standards. The study found that 83.9% of these facilities had at least one deficiency compared to 76.9% of unexposed ones.
A national survey of healthcare providers reveals that nearly 60% believe telehealth is 'dangerous' for older adults, while another 60% say it's an unrealistic option. However, 68% of clinicians report often or always working to prepare and account for older adults' physical and cognitive differences.
A new poll finds that most older Americans (84%) have religious and/or spiritual beliefs important to them, with 71% citing religious beliefs. Many believe health care providers should respect their personal beliefs, but want them to discuss their faith with providers when needed.
A new study estimates that at least 2.5 million 'sandwich generation' caregivers are serving as primary caregivers for both older and younger family members. These women face higher rates of financial difficulty and emotional distress compared to their peers who only care for an older adult.
Persistent pain was common among US adults aged 65+, with declines in physical function (64% persistent pain, 59% intermittent) and well-being (48% persistent pain, 45% intermittent). Cognitive decline was not significantly affected. The study highlights the importance of access to effective treatment for persistent pain in older adults.
A recent study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society found that a tailored activity program (TAP) significantly improved behavioral symptoms in Black families compared to white families. The program, which provides activities tailored to interests and abilities, also reduced caregiver distress.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that using hearing aids can decrease the risk of cognitive decline by 20%. The study, conducted by researchers at NUS Medicine, analyzed data from over 130,000 participants and found a significant association between hearing aid use and reduced cognitive decline. The findings suggest that t...
Black patients were more likely to experience cognitive impairments, mobility issues, and vision problems after a heart attack. Functional impairments disproportionately affected Black patients and were associated with higher mortality rates.
Researchers have identified genetic variants associated with natural resistance to SARS-CoV-2, including a gene linked to mucin production. These findings may help develop vaccines and treatments for viral diseases by understanding the mechanisms underlying immune responses.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that antiepileptic prescribing to US nursing home residents with Alzheimer's Disease and dementia increased between 2015 and 2019. In contrast, antipsychotic and opioid prescribing rates declined during this period
NJIT Assistant Professor Salam Daher is using augmented reality technology to train caretakers for the elderly. The project aims to improve communication and empathy skills through a digital model of an older person that responds to emotions and environment. The system will be tested to investigate its impact on patient outcomes.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring found that analyzing patients' speech can distinguish between different types of dementia. The research team developed a machine learning model using speech features to identify Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.
A population-based analysis of 1,193 major surgeries found that 13.4% of patients died within a year, with frail and dementia-affected individuals facing significantly higher mortality rates
The American Geriatrics Society has released a framework for understanding the intersection of structural racism and ageism in healthcare. The framework highlights three fundamental changes: reflecting the population served, changing training and support for health professionals, and examining healthcare from an intersectional perspect...
A recent analysis found that older U.S. adults with poor prognosis cancers had preexisting conditions such as functional impairment and difficulty with mobility before diagnosis. These conditions can impact their physical function and quality of life.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that individuals with type 2 diabetes who exhibit psychological resilience experience fewer hospitalizations, better physical functioning, and a lower likelihood of becoming frail. Psychological resilience also appears to mitigate aging-related concerns.
Researchers found significant regional differences in LTC spending, driven by factors such as population demographics and disability classification. Preventive measures may help reduce costs by reducing the need for long-term care.
A Rutgers study found that racial and ethnic minorities with dementia receive more intensive end-of-life care. This disparity may be attributed to systemic racism, discrimination, or poor physician communication. The researchers suggest improving end-of-life care and outcomes for people with dementia through initiatives like advance ca...
Researchers find nematodes have two independent ageing processes, one determining movement cessation and the other death time, correlated with each other. This challenges the concept of a single biological age measure indicative of overall health.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that intravenous omega-3 treatment improved immune function and stimulated healing of inflammation without compromising the body's response to COVID-19. The study suggests a potential new, cost-effective low-risk treatment for severe COVID-19.
Researchers developed a machine learning model to quickly recognize predictive risk factors and their importance for undesirable hospitalization outcomes. The model achieved an accuracy of 95.6% and identified modifiable risk factors that can be mitigated through clinical interventions.
A cohort study of Chinese older adults found that sleeping for more than 8 hours increases dementia risk by 69% and going to bed before 9 PM doubles the risk. The study suggests monitoring cognitive function in those with prolonged sleep timing.
A new study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that daily multivitamin-mineral supplementation resulted in statistically significant cognitive improvement in older adults. The researchers estimated that three years of multivitamin supplementation roughly translated to a 60% slowing of cognitive decline.
A new study found that reports of elder abuse increased, particularly in cases of physical and emotional abuse, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial abuse remained the most common type, but higher rates of emotional and physical abuse were reported during the pandemic.
Poor periodontal health is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Tooth loss alone increases the odds of cognitive decline by 23% and dementia risk by 13%.
A study published in JAMA Health Forum found that COVID vaccine mandates for nursing home staff led to increased vaccination rates, with larger effects in Republican-leaning counties. The mandates did not significantly contribute to reported staffing shortages.
A study of 350 older adults found that those with multiple chronic health conditions, especially women, are more prone to large blood pressure drops and lower brain oxygenation after standing up. This increases their risk of dizziness, faints, and falls, highlighting the importance of detecting and managing multi-morbidity.
The University of Arizona professor is working with biomedical experts to explore the feasibility of using mmWave radar technology on falling detection and fall risk analysis. The NIH award supports a three-year study to investigate how well the technology can estimate fall risks, determine falls, and be accepted by senior citizens.
Researchers developed a method combining musical tests with EEG measurement to detect cognitive decline in old age. The study tested 50 elderly people who scored low on the mini-mental test, showing promising results in detecting mental deterioration.
A randomized controlled trial found that virtual museum visits significantly improved the health of seniors stuck at home, reducing social isolation and improving well-being, quality of life, and frailty. The study recruited 106 participants aged 65 and older who attended guided tours online once a week for three months.
A study of cardiology programs found that patients' documented DNR preferences are often suspended during TAVR procedures, with varying durations across programs. Only 26% had formal policies governing clinicians' responsibilities in these decisions.
Research reveals that nursing homes in disadvantaged neighborhoods have lower clinical staff hours compared to those in more well-off areas. This disparity is particularly pronounced for registered nurses and physical therapists.
A new scale called the Geriatric Oncology-Potentially Inappropriate Medications (GO-PIMs) Scale was found to be more effective at predicting frailty than conventional methods. The scale identifies high-risk medications linked to falls and fatigue, allowing oncology teams to deprescribe them and improve patients' overall health.
A new poll shows that 61% of people over 50 who have already gotten at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine are very likely to roll up their sleeves for an updated booster shot. Health providers' recommendations will play a crucial role in increasing vaccination rates among older adults.
Staff turnover affects both residents and their families, compromising the quality of care. Continuity of nursing home staff and leadership is essential for delivering personalized care, as frontline workers deliver 90% of care. Researchers emphasize the need to attract and retain well-trained staff who enjoy working with older adults.
A study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with high psychological resilience can walk faster and longer after hip surgery than those with low resilience. Researchers measured resilience through a questionnaire and assessed walking capacity at baseline and 16 weeks later.
A study found that healthcare workers in non-COVID-19 wards during outbreaks transmitted new infections, highlighting gaps in infection control practices between different acute care wards. In contrast, those working in COVID-19 isolation wards had lower transmission rates.
A new study found that the fourth COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risk of death among elderly individuals in long-term care facilities by 72%. The study, which included approximately 40,000 residents, also showed a significant reduction in hospitalizations and infections.
A study of 231 Vietnam Era veterans reveals that 71% describe at least one traumatic event, including combat exposure, adverse childhood experiences, and navigating a life-threatening illness. The findings underscore the importance of clinician-patient relationships and trauma-informed care in older adult healthcare.
A new UCLA study found that fixed vial sizes for the controversial Alzheimer's drug aducanumab could result in significant wasteful spending of up to $605 million per year on Medicare. The researchers suggest reducing vial sizes to contain costs and improve the value of future Medicare spending.
A recent study of 7,073 adults found that those with glaucoma had higher cognitive function scores but steeper declines over 18 years. The association was small and unlikely to be clinically meaningful.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that Synapsology, a game-like dual-task exercise, helps maintain or improve cognitive and physical abilities in older adults aged 85-97. The study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that this cost-effective intervention can have a societal impact.
A study from the University of Tsukuba found that home oxygen therapy, care level need 4-5, and cancer are key predictors of frequent emergency house calls among elderly patients. This prediction can help allocate medical resources effectively.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that higher levels of optimism are associated with longer lifespans and a greater likelihood of living past 90 years of age. Lifestyle factors accounted for nearly one-quarter of the optimism-lifespan association across racial and ethnic groups.
A straightforward questionnaire, called the Attentional Failure during Driving Questionnaire (AFDQ), has been developed to assess older drivers' ability to drive safely. The study found that repeated attentional challenges were a key predictor of crashes among older drivers.
Researchers at FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine are conducting a two-year study to investigate emergency department-based prevention strategies for high-risk older patients. The project aims to identify effective fall prevention strategies that target limited resources to improve patient outcomes, safety, and reduce healthcare costs.
A new study published in Blood Advances found that virtual frailty assessments are both safe and feasible when conducted virtually. The study evaluated 185 patients with blood cancers who completed a virtual assessment, finding that 81.1% successfully completed the test without falls or safety events.
Researchers found that polypharmacy and sedative drugs are associated with an increased risk of long-term care needs certification among older adults. The study highlights the need for public health initiatives to reduce high-risk prescribing practices, which may lead to a decrease in disability risk.