Articles tagged with Geriatrics
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.
A new review describes the development and impact of a Latin American mentorship program for Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), resulting in 64 FLSs getting started and providing coverage for over 17,200 patients. The program also supports the establishment of active communities of mentors across Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina.
A new study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reveals that older adults who belong to sexual and gender minorities experience higher rates of frailty, starting at younger ages, compared to non-OSGM participants. The research highlights the need for early geriatric assessment among OSGM and potential targets to mitigate frailty.
A program integrated community health workers into patient outreach to improve health, doubling annual visits to older adults with type 2 diabetes and dementia. The program resulted in a 17% reduction in hospital admissions and an 11% decline in emergency room visits among homebound patients.
The Capture the Fracture Partnership has successfully driven global Fracture Liaison Services implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability. The partnership's unique approach, including policy, coalitions, mentorship, and scalable solutions, has delivered impactful resources and activities to prioritize secondary fracture prevention.
A new position paper reviews TBS for fracture risk prediction, treatment initiation and monitoring in osteoporosis. The evidence-based guide provides practical guidance for clinicians to integrate TBS into clinical practice.
A Michigan Medicine study in Texas found that 61.4% of older adults with cognitive impairment are still driving, but one-third of caregivers have concerns about their care recipient's ability to drive safely. Researchers emphasize the need for open discussions between caregivers and healthcare professionals to ensure safety.
A study of 2,226 US participants found significant racial differences in post-retirement cognitive decline. White men experienced the most pronounced decline, whereas Black women showed minimal loss. College attendance was linked to greater cognitive decline after retirement.
A new study found that a dedicated older people's emergency department at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital reduced wait times by 20% compared to the main emergency department. Patients treated under this initiative received earlier frailty assessments within 34 minutes of arrival, leading to fewer hospital admissions.
The updated guidelines urge the clinical use of validated geriatric assessments (GA) to guide treatments in patients aged 65 and older. This approach often results in de-escalation or reduction of therapies, reducing side effects and improving quality of life without compromising survival odds.
A new study by the University of Bristol highlights significant variations in healthcare spending and care delivery across NHS hospitals following hip fracture. The research found that patients who received timely orthogeriatrician assessment and physiotherapy had lower costs and reduced risk of delirium.
A new special issue of Calcified Tissue International & Musculoskeletal Research explores how the skeleton functions as both a secretory organ and an endocrine target tissue. Researchers discuss key avenues in this area of research, including deciphering hormone messages encoded in bone cell secretory products.
The expert panel's recommendations aim to improve early detection of mild cognitive impairment in primary care, benefiting patients and caregivers. The work group advocates for the routine use of brief cognitive assessments to identify patients in need of full cognitive examination.
A novel study found that honokiol promotes healing of rotator cuff injury and may be an effective treatment for humans. The study suggests that SIRT3 activation plays a protective role in alleviating aging-induced fibrocartilage degeneration and promoting rotator cuff healing.
A global study predicts a significant increase in hip fractures worldwide by 2050, with the number projected to nearly double compared to 2018. The study highlights a post-fracture treatment gap in fracture prevention, particularly for men, leading to increased mortality and dependency.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that a 5-year increase in muscle fat stored in the thigh muscle is associated with faster cognitive decline. The research suggests that muscle adiposity plays a unique role in cognitive decline, distinct from other types of fat or muscle characteristics.
A low-cost clip attachment uses a smartphone's camera and flash to monitor blood pressure, making it easy and affordable for resource-poor communities. The technology was tested on 24 volunteers and showed comparable results to traditional blood pressure cuffs.
Repetitive manual dexterity training for 12 weeks improves executive function and boosts cognitive load patterns in older adults. Daily training has a positive correlation with active blood hemoglobin levels in the prefrontal cortex.
A nationwide VR research project is working to create diverse groups of participants to reflect real-world social dynamics. The Virtual Experience Research Accelerator (VERA) aims to provide researchers with access to large, reliable, and diverse groups for various VR research projects.
The new FRAXplus beta version offers a more user-friendly platform to refine risk factor information, allowing clinicians to explore the impact on individual patients. The tool provides helpful features such as saved data and export options to facilitate sharing.
Professor Nicholas Harvey received the prestigious IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for his outstanding scientific contributions to osteoporosis. The award recognizes his work on fracture risk assessment tools and musculoskeletal research.
A new interactive online Fragility Fracture Decision Aid can help clinicians and patients visualize their individual risk of fracture. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends a "risk assessment–first" screening process for women 65 years and older, centered around shared decision-making with primary care providers.
Bernard Cortet receives ESCEO-IOF Herbert Fleisch Medal for groundbreaking contributions to osteoporosis research, including publications on clinical recommendations and patient outcomes. He is recognized for his leadership roles in French Society of Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Research and Information Group.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has awarded five young investigators grants for their research on nutritional factors and musculoskeletal health. The winners' projects focus on various aspects of diet, exercise, and bone health, with potential to lead to clinical advances or preventative strategies.
Professor Bess Dawson-Hughes has been recognized with the 2023 IOF President’s Award for her significant contributions to advancing osteoporosis research and treatment. Her extensive body of work has led to a greater understanding of nutrition's role in age-related bone loss.
The American Geriatrics Society released an updated version of the AGS Beers Criteria, providing guidance on potentially harmful medications for older adults. The new criteria aim to reduce unnecessary risks and improve drug therapy outcomes.
Donna M. Fick, PhD, will improve health, independence, and quality of life for older adults as AGS President. She brings expertise on delirium superimposed on dementia and inappropriate medication use to her role.
The Build Better Bones platform provides practical guidance on strengthening bones through targeted exercises and bone-healthy nutrition. The platform also offers helpful information for caregivers, including support with daily tasks and medical specialty knowledge.
Researchers found that regular internet users had approximately half the risk of dementia compared to non-users, regardless of factors such as education and age. The study suggests that online engagement may help develop cognitive reserve, which can compensate for brain aging.
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has awarded AGS Fellowship to 16 members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the field of geriatrics. These individuals will be recognized at the 2023 AGS Annual Scientific Meeting, which brings together over 2,500 healthcare professionals to advance geriatrics knowledge and skills.
A national pilot program evaluated the implementation of geriatric surgery standards in eight hospitals with variable sizes and resources, finding high levels of compliance. The study highlights the scalability and feasibility of the program, which aims to optimize care for older adults in a wide range of hospital settings.
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) recognizes 19 award recipients for their significant work in promoting person-centered care for older adults. These honorees represent various medical disciplines and have made outstanding contributions to advancing the field of geriatrics.
Dr. Alan Lazaroff, MD, AGSF, is honored by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) for his commitment to improving geriatric care and payment systems. He has been a key contributor to the development of new codes for transitional care management and chronic care management, among other initiatives.
Dr. Shelley McDonald is a national champion for improved perioperative care of older adults undergoing surgery, with a focus on person-centered care and a team-based approach. She has implemented successful programs like POSH, which aims to address non-medical factors influencing health outcomes.
A study of 20,311 US adults aged 51–100 years found that higher educational attainment protected against cognitive decline differently for Black and Latinx adults compared to White adults. Higher-educated White adults received the greatest protection, while Latinx adults experienced a later onset of cognitive decline.
Dae Kim, MD, MPH, ScD, will receive the 2023 Thomas and Catherine Yoshikawa Outstanding Scientific Achievement in Clinical Investigation Award for his work on frailty research. His contributions have significantly impacted clinical care, particularly in primary care groups using the claims-based frailty index to risk stratify patients.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that prescription opioid use is associated with declines in cognitive performance, particularly in memory and attention. Older adults who received at least one opioid prescription over 7.5 years had a 20% higher chance of developing mild cognitive impairment.
Dr. Kathryn Denson is recognized for her lasting innovation and exceptional teaching expertise, developing innovative approaches to educating the healthcare workforce. She has disseminated these approaches widely through publications and presentations, creating an internationally accessed online resource.
A team of researchers has developed a method that uses electric stimulation to accelerate wound healing, making it possible for wounds to heal up to three times faster. The technique involves applying an electric field to damaged skin, which helps guide skin cells in the same direction, promoting faster healing.
Dr. Debra Saliba will deliver the Henderson State-of-the-Art Lecture at AGS23, focusing on improving care for frail older adults by targeting their needs and goals. Dr. Saliba has over 25 years of experience leading geriatrics research across the continuum of care.
Researchers found that higher selenium levels were associated with lower blood pressure and HDL concentration in middle-aged women. The study suggests that selenium may moderate the effect of genetic variants on MetS components, such as waist circumference.
Researchers found that using monoclonal antibodies within two days of a COVID-19 diagnosis reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 39% compared to those who did not receive treatment. This finding suggests that early treatment with monoclonal antibodies significantly reduced the severity of COVID-19.
A new poll shows a decline in loneliness and isolation among older adults, but one-third still experience these feelings, especially those with poor health or disabilities. The study highlights the importance of social interaction for overall mental and physical health, and the need for a concerted effort to address these issues.
Researchers developed models to estimate individuals' risk of fall-related injuries in nursing homes, achieving good discrimination and excellent calibration. The models can be used by clinicians to target preventive strategies and accurately determine patient risk.
A University of Gothenburg study reveals that dementia is the dominant risk factor for COVID-19 infection and mortality among residents of Swedish nursing homes. Early-onset dementia was found to be the strongest association with increased mortality rates, particularly in the 65–75 age group.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that men over 65 are at a higher risk of developing skull fractures due to head trauma from falls. The research compared geriatric males and females, with surprising results indicating males had a significantly increased incidence of skull fracture.
Researchers explore cellular senescence's complex relationship with growth stimulation and cell cycle arrest, revealing potential anti-aging drug targets. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing new treatments for age-related diseases.
Researchers discovered that telomere shortening is associated with early subjective depressive symptoms and cognitive complaints among healthy elderly individuals. The study also found a link between telomere shortening and increased interleukin-6 levels.
A University of Gothenburg study found that wheelchair users had significantly lower rates of fractures compared to ambulatory older adults. The study, which included 55,442 wheelchair users in Sweden, showed that wheelchair use was associated with a reduced risk of fractures, particularly osteoporotic and hip fractures.