Articles tagged with Geriatrics
Researchers at UCLA found that premenopausal women with low levels of anti-Mullerian hormone are at a higher risk of experiencing significant bone loss within two to three years. The study suggests that measuring AMH levels could help physicians identify women at risk and provide targeted treatment.
A new study reveals that nearly half of all older adults now die with a dementia diagnosis listed on their medical record, a 36% increase from two decades ago. This rise may be attributed to better public awareness, more detailed medical records, and Medicare billing practices, rather than an actual increase in the condition.
A study published in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that antidepressants were associated with a lower risk of suicide among residents aged 75+, who had a significantly increased risk if taking sleep medication or having a history of self-harm. The research highlights the need for early recognition and quality care ...
Dr Nicholas Fuggle, a UK researcher, has been awarded the prestigious ESCEO-IOF Pierre Meunier Young Scientist Award for his significant contributions to research in musculoskeletal ageing. He is recognized for his work on determinants of musculoskeletal ageing and digital healthcare.
Professor Elaine Dennison has been awarded the IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for her significant work in musculoskeletal aging, osteoporosis, and metabolic bone diseases. She is recognized as an internationally renowned clinician, researcher, and educator.
Professor Antonio Cherubini has made significant contributions to the field of geriatric medicine and musculoskeletal diseases. He is recognized for his work on aging, bone health, and age-related diseases.
A study found that many nursing home residents continue to receive insulin and other medications despite blood test results suggesting tight control. Only 27% of overtreated and 19% of potentially overtreated residents had their medications adjusted within 2 weeks.
A new study from Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University found that only 20% of severe stroke patients received palliative care consultations. The study suggests that these consultations can help families and patients determine an acceptable outcome and guide treatment decisions to reduce prolonged suffering.
Researchers at the Salk Institute successfully reversed aging signs in middle-aged and elderly mice using a cellular rejuvenation approach. The treatment, which involves reprogramming cells with four specific molecules, restored youthful epigenetic patterns and improved tissue function without increasing cancer risk.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults who underwent non-elective surgery had more disabilities in daily activities after surgery. Factors associated with increased disability burden included age, sex, ethnicity, neighborhood disadvantage, multimorbidity, frailty, and health conditions.
The US falls short in 'geriatricizing' emergency departments, with most institutions lacking resources and support to implement the Geriatric Emergency Department (GED) Guidelines. Delirium, falls, and polypharmacy are common issues that require more attention from care teams.
Researchers discovered a crucial RNA strand called CYTOR that helps build muscle mass, and found it decreases with age. Gene therapy stimulated CYTOR production, leading to increased fast-twitch muscle fibers and improved muscle function in humans and mice.
Seventy- to eighty-year-olds who train for better fitness demonstrate better problem-solving skills and reduced cognitive decline. Regular physical activity is linked to increased brain health, including faster reaction times and improved working memory.
A new poll found that less than half of people aged 50-80 have ever used a health-related app, with those in poor health and lower incomes being even less likely. Only 28% of current users share information with healthcare providers, highlighting the potential for apps to support health behaviors and improve outcomes.
A study of over 27,400 Women's Health Initiative participants found that loneliness increased among women aged 70+ during the pandemic, leading to worsening mental health. The 'silent epidemic' also showed a decline in social connections and increased isolation among women of color.
A recent study found that using personal assistant applications on smartphones can significantly improve memory in older adults with dementia. The researchers trained participants to use the technology to receive reminders about daily events and activities, resulting in improved memory performance.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that women score higher on compassion-related items and self-reflection, whereas men score higher on cognitive-related items and emotional regulation. Both genders demonstrated an association with increased mental well-being and resilience.
A new study reveals that social isolation and loneliness can increase cardiovascular disease risk by 8% and 5% respectively. Women who experience high levels of both social isolation and loneliness have a 13-27% increased risk of heart disease, compared to those with low levels.
A new study found that staff assumptions about minoritized groups contribute to variability in nursing home care for residents with advanced dementia. Remedies include addressing staff biases, increasing funding, and standardizing advance-care planning.
A new study reveals significant variability in state- and nationwide policies on end-of-life decision making in US prisons. The researchers found that many policies restrict access to advance care planning documents, limit the roles of surrogate decision-makers, and fail to ensure compliance with community standards. The study emphasiz...
A successful intervention combining education and workflow increased primary care screenings for geriatric conditions, improving attitudes towards older adults. The program leveraged teamwork to integrate these important screenings into care delivery, resulting in significantly higher screening rates.
A new study found a 1,886% increase in opioid-related overdose deaths among U.S. adults aged 55 and older between 1999 and 2019. Contributing factors include ageism, social isolation, depression, and declining cognitive function.
A unique Irish study found that previous COVID-19 infection and age are associated with lower antibody levels six months after vaccination. The research highlights the importance of boosting vaccinations for vulnerable populations like nursing home residents.
A study published in Age and Ageing found that annual rates of hospital transfers decrease with age, but younger residents are more likely to require dialysis or tube feeding. In contrast, older residents are more likely to have cognitive decline, dementia, and diabetes.
A large-scale new study found that frailty was a strong risk factor for dementia, even among people at high genetic risk, and that it can be modified through a healthy lifestyle. Over 10 years, dementia was detected in 1,762 participants, with those who were frail before diagnosis having a much higher risk.
Researchers found that slowness of gait alone can predict loss of capacity to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADL and IADL) in older adults. The study analyzed data from over 3,000 people aged 60 and over, concluding that measuring gait speed is sufficient for efficient prediction of functional disability.
A new poll of people over 50 finds most are finding joy and staying resilient amid the pandemic, but a sizable minority feel significant stress, particularly about COVID-19 risk. The poll highlights the importance of focusing on those in poor health and finding safe ways to enjoy favorite activities.
Researchers found that urinary incontinence can distract from balance and stability, increasing the risk of falling in older adults. The study showed that the feeling of having to pee acts as a distracting factor, leading to changes in gait patterns similar to those caused by other distracting tasks.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine developed a shortened 7-item version of the SD-WISE-28 to assess wisdom. The Jeste-Thomas Wisdom Index has high validity and positive correlations with resilience, happiness, and mental well-being.
Researchers found that some individuals with probable sarcopenia can improve after five years, suggesting the condition is modifiable. Factors such as physical activity and cognitive function are associated with improved outcomes.
A new study shows that older adults with mild dementia can improve their daily task completion using digital voice recorder apps and reminder apps. Greater usage of these apps is associated with better memory and greater improvements in activities of daily living.
A new UCSF study shows that solo seniors with social support are less likely to need nursing home care. Older adults who said they could count on a friend or relative for assistance in the event of a health crisis reduced their risk of institutional care from 14.2% to 10.9%. The study found that many older adults can take care of thems...
A new study reveals that 90% of COVID-19 patient rooms have detectable coronavirus on at least one surface, with the virus persisting days later on TV remote controls and nurse call buttons. Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent spread among vulnerable populations.
A recent Rutgers University study found that receiving a new diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias leads to decreased formal and informal social engagement. This can be particularly concerning for disadvantaged populations with limited resources. The study highlights the need for practitioners and policymakers to consi...
Older adults who lived at home with family and friends were more likely to be discharged home after surgery. Patients who relied on informal caregivers had a higher risk of readmission, highlighting the importance of their role in post-operative care.
A new study found that telephone cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively improve sleeplessness and pain in older adults with osteoarthritis-related insomnia, reducing clinical and financial burdens. The study showed that telephone CBT reduced healthcare costs without increasing them.
The American Geriatrics Society will create a national self-directed learning curriculum to support researchers studying multiple chronic conditions, with a focus on resilience. The organization will also host a series of prestigious scientific conferences exploring emerging issues in aging research.
Researchers found that older adults with non-small cell lung cancer have low life-space mobility before treatment, which declines after starting treatment. A lower body mass index prior to treatment is associated with an improvement in life-space mobility during treatment.
A study of nearly 179,000 veterans aged 65+ found that maximizing the dosage of an existing medication can lead to better adherence and lower blood pressure. Adding a new medication shows a slim advantage in some cases, but with risks associated with polypharmacy.
A City of Hope clinical trial showed that patients over 65 experiencing significantly fewer treatment-related side effects when a multidisciplinary team analyzed each case and introduced personalized interventions. The completion of advance directives was also higher in the experimental group.
The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry publishes a special issue to strengthen the rights and voices of older people worldwide. The issue aims to reduce the burden of ageism, mentalism and ableism, which currently permeates virtually every aspect of older persons' lives.
Patients with dementia presenting with shortness of breath were less likely to be tested for pulmonary embolism compared to those without dementia. Clinical signs and risk factors, such as elevated heart rate, were also evaluated differently in patients with dementia.
A recent study found that 26-45% of people with atrial fibrillation fail to adhere to their prescribed direct-acting oral anticoagulants due to cost and bleeding concerns. Researchers interviewed 42 adults who had stopped or reduced dosing, citing these reasons as major barriers to adherence.
The RCCN brings together scientists from six NIA center programs to address aging issues, expanding discussions across disciplines and engaging leadership of NIA Centers. The network will expand workshops, pilot programs, and early career support, promoting cross-disciplinary research.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that cancer survivors, especially older individuals, are more likely to experience accelerated functional decline. Cancer survivors had lower physical performance scores, steeper declines in grip strength and gait speed compared to non-cancer survivors.
Luigi Ferrucci, MD, PhD, FGSA, has been awarded the 2021 Donald P. Kent Award by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for his outstanding professional leadership in gerontology through teaching, service, and public interpretation.
Fredrick Allan Clive Wright is the recipient of the 2021 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Geriatric Oral Research. He has made significant contributions to the knowledge of oral health in older people, general health relationships and effective geriatric oral care services.
The American Geriatrics Society has published an updated version of its Minimum Geriatrics Competencies for Graduating Medical Students. The 27 competencies integrate new concepts in the field of geriatrics and are framed around five key areas, including Mind, Mobility, Medications, Multicomplexity, and what Matters most.
A new analysis found that post-heart transplant survival among older patients is on par with younger recipients. The study included 37,135 patients and showed a significant improvement in mortality rates after adjusting for other factors, suggesting that advanced age should not be a contraindication for heart transplantation.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that heart transplant surgery has a similar mortality rate for adults aged 18-69 and 70+, with only minor differences in stroke risk and donor hearts. Advanced age alone should not prevent people from being considered as candidates for heart transplants.
The American Geriatrics Society has welcomed 15 new fellows who demonstrate a deep commitment to advancing high-quality, person-centered care for older adults. The new fellows have made significant contributions to education, clinical care, and research in the field of geriatrics.
The American Geriatrics Society has recognized 15 healthcare leaders who have made significant contributions to high-quality, person-centered care for older adults. The award recipients include clinicians, researchers, and emerging health professionals who have demonstrated excellence in their field.
Dr. Lindsay Hampson, a UCSF researcher, has received the AGS' Jeffrey H. Silverstein Memorial Award for her work on improving patient-centered decision-making for older adults with urologic conditions. Her study found that multimorbidity, frailty, and mortality risk are common among older men with stress urinary incontinence.
Dr. Megan Huisingh-Scheetz, a geriatrician and epidemiologist, received the fourth Arti Hurria Memorial Award for Emerging Investigators in Internal Medicine Who are Focused on the Care of Older Adults. Her research investigates ways to advance frailty assessment and care through technology. Dr. Huisingh-Scheetz developed a program usi...
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that listening to calming music at bedtime can help older adults sleep better. Calming music improves sleep quality more than rhythmic music, and longer exposure (more than four weeks) is associated with greater benefits.
A new study suggests that home health care growth is 'small and inadequate' compared to the increasing demand in an aging America. Targeted policies are needed to support home-based medical care.
A longitudinal study found that adherence to the Medicare Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Early Management Bundle (SEP-1) had variable effects on sepsis treatment and patient outcomes. Researchers suggest that clinicians may have discretion in applying SEP-1 components to focus on aspects of care driving improvements in patient outcomes.
Dr. Atai, a skilled clinician and medical administrator, has been recognized by the American Geriatrics Society for her exceptional work in teaching geriatrics trainees and providing high-quality patient care. Her empathetic listening skills and compassionate bedside manner have earned her the respect of her colleagues and patients.
Dr. Helen Fernandez will receive the 2021 Dennis W. Jahnigen Award for her commitment to building the geriatrics health workforce and improving care of older adults through innovative education programs and pathways.
Researchers explored how molecular changes in Alzheimer's patients relate to brain function, developed a new model for predicting life expectancy of older adults with multiple chronic diseases, and examined older firearm owners' perspectives on retiring their guns.