Articles tagged with Geriatrics
Researchers identified four characteristics - fall history, malnutrition, delirium, or decubitus ulcer - as predictors of extended stay in a care facility. These findings empower physicians to counsel patients on possible post-operative impacts and guide hospital quality improvement initiatives to address these factors.
The LSU School of Social Work has been awarded a $3.73 million grant to improve the quality of life for Louisiana residents and families living with Alzheimer's disease. The program, LA-GWEP, will train social workers, nurses, and physicians in dementia-friendly integrated practice.
Research suggests that older adults who experience cognitive impairment, dementia, or delirium after a hip fracture are more likely to experience functional decline and disability. Despite this, some older adults can recover and regain mobility after surgery.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that poorer overall diet quality was associated with a higher incidence of frailty in older adults. Improving diet quality may help lower the risk of frailty, with good-quality diets shown to have a significantly lower risk compared to poor- and medium-quality diets.
A home-based exercise program improved anxiety, mood, and social and emotional well-being in older patients with cancer who received chemotherapy. The program, which included low- to moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercises, showed positive results for those starting with worse anxiety and mood disturbances.
A study by West Health Institute and Meals on Wheels America found that meal delivery drivers can act as an early warning system for seniors' health and safety issues. The program, which uses a mobile app to submit alerts, led to referrals for self-care, health, and care management services for 132 clients.
NEOMED will implement an experiential training program using Project ECHO, improving primary care providers' knowledge of the geriatric population. The project aims to address social determinants of health and increase access to resources for older adults.
Shunsuke Minakuchi, a Tokyo Medical & Dental University Professor, received the 2019 IADR Award for his research on geriatric oral health. He has published over 115 papers and was previously honored with the Neal Garrett Clinical Research Prize.
A systematic review found that serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) led to more harmful events compared to placebos in older adults. Antidepressants like SSRIs may increase the risk of falls, highlighting the need for careful consideration when prescribing these medications.
Researchers developed a tool to predict postoperative delirium severity, enabling better care for patients recovering from surgery. The study used data from 100 adults undergoing non-cardiac, non-neurological surgery, combining two previous tools to assess delirium intensity.
Researchers developed an innovative curricular approach to educate undergraduate nursing students in geriatric care, using interactive learning assignments to increase understanding, confidence, and competence. The program was well-received by students and provided them with multiple learning activities to master geriatric content.
Researchers discovered that poor sleep quality is a significant contributor to peptic ulcer relapse in older adults. Participants with improved sleep demonstrated lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption compared to those with recurrent ulcers.
Regenstrief researchers present findings on deprescribing medications in older adults, preventing hospitalizations through OPTIMISTIC project lessons learned. Advance care planning initiatives aim to improve nursing home care for dementia patients.
Courtney Balentine, MD, MPH, and Candace Yvonne Parker-Autry, MD, will receive the Jeffrey H. Silverstein Memorial Award for Emerging Investigators in Surgical and Related Medical Specialties. Their research focuses on improving care for older adults through innovative approaches, such as Virtual Acute Care for Elders (ACE) and phenoty...
The American Geriatrics Society recognizes Dr. Arti Hurria's tireless advocacy for older adults with cancer, improving geriatrics competence among physicians and health professionals. Her legacy continues to benefit her colleagues and patients through interprofessional collaboration and person-centered care.
The American Geriatrics Society honored more than 20 leaders representing various disciplines at its 2019 annual scientific meeting. The award recipients include researchers, clinicians, educators, and emerging health professionals who have made outstanding contributions to high-quality care for older adults.
Dr. Nicole Brandt will receive the 2019 Dennis W. Jahnigen Award for her dedication to training health professionals in care for older adults. She has developed a geriatrics and palliative care pathway, an accredited geriatrics residency, and secured funding for innovative programs supporting older adults.
Dr. Kellie Flood, an Associate Professor at UAB, is recognized for her outstanding geriatric care, research, and leadership. She has expanded geriatrics expertise in Alabama and beyond through various programs, including the UAB Geriatric Scholar Program.
A recent study found that older adults with blood cancers who struggled with daily activities had a higher risk of death, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits. Researchers suggest screening for age-related conditions to improve function and tolerance for cancer treatment.
A standardized clinical pathway has reduced delirium and hospital readmission rates among frail elderly trauma patients. The pathway implements geriatric-focused care, including early ambulation, bowel and pain regimens, and nutrition, to improve outcomes.
The American Geriatrics Society and Aquifer launch an innovative online curriculum to train healthcare providers in geriatrics. The curriculum provides evidence-based content and flexible learning options, aiming to address the shortage of geriatricians and improve patient care.
Researchers created a special food for elderly patients with swallowing difficulties, improving nutritional state and health indicators in just 10 days. The food is rich in unsaturated fat, vitamins, and minerals, making it easily consumable for those with swallowing issues.
A recent study found that caregivers of older patients with advanced cancer are a vulnerable group, experiencing poorer physical and mental health. Strategies such as talking to healthcare providers about stress related to caregiving can help improve caregiver well-being.
Researchers found that acetaminophen use was associated with a slightly higher risk of stroke in people with diabetes. In contrast, the medication did not increase the risk of heart attacks or overall deaths. The study suggests that older adults with diabetes should exercise caution when taking acetaminophen.
Dr. Lauren Ferrante's research identifies promising markers of poor functional recovery in ICU survivors, which could help target older adults for interventions to improve function after ICU care. Her work aims to aid recovery, prevent disability, and reduce deaths following serious hospitalization.
Dr. Amy Kind will deliver a marquee presentation at #AGS19 on the social determinants of health, reorienting research, policy, and clinical practice to broader systemic factors. Her work focuses on improving health equity and has led to the development of the 'Neighborhood Atlas,' a neighborhood map assessing socioeconomic factors.
Research highlights chronic opioid use among older adults undergoing spinal surgery for degenerative spine disease, and intensified hypertension treatment at hospital discharge poses a risk without benefits. A practical two-stage frailty assessment also predicts poor outcomes after aortic valve replacement.
Dr. Laura Mosqueda will discuss state-of-the-art approaches to elder abuse identification, treatment, and prevention at the AGS Annual Scientific Meeting. Her talk highlights geriatrics' role in addressing mistreatment of older adults and promoting strong social supports.
Researchers found that using a CPAP machine consistently improved cognitive function for people with MCI, while inconsistent use accelerated decline. The study suggests that consistent CPAP adherence may be an effective strategy to slow memory loss in older adults.
Chronic periodontitis may increase the risk of developing dementia by 6%, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The research suggests that preventing and treating periodontitis could lead to a reduced risk of dementia.
The American Geriatrics Society has identified five key principles to support the best care for older adults with multiple chronic conditions, including involving personal preferences and weighing benefits versus harms. The society also released a set of action steps to help healthcare providers make informed treatment choices.
Experts developed a standardized framework to document physical findings on older patients, which includes diagrams and a questionnaire. The Geriatric Injury Documentation Tool aims to improve documentation of geriatric injuries and ultimately result in better medical care for older adults.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that women are less likely than men to receive geriatric care during hospitalization for emergency hip surgery. Women from low-income neighborhoods and those with dementia were also excluded from receiving anesthesiology consultations before surgery.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has introduced a new policy that eliminates arbitrary age limits in research, promoting inclusivity across the lifespan. This change aims to improve care for older adults by reducing exclusions and enhancing data analysis.
Nearly half of adults aged 65 and older have two or more symptoms like pain, fatigue & depression, increasing the risk of negative health outcomes. Researchers urge improved training among healthcare workers to address symptom burden in older adults.
A nationwide clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of lifestyle interventions on brain health and cognitive function in older adults. The U.S. POINTER study, funded by a $35 million grant, will compare two lifestyle interventions focusing on healthy diet, physical activity, and social challenges.
A recent NIH-funded conference aimed to better understand the biological 'pillars of aging', which are interconnected factors driving the aging process. The study focuses on disrupting these hallmarks to contribute to chronic disease and frailty, with potential applications in improving function and independence for older adults.
A recent study found that older adults with depression have slower walking speeds and shorter step lengths compared to those without depression. Gait problems may represent a modifiable risk factor for depression, highlighting the importance of identifying individuals at higher risk for earlier intervention.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that depression symptoms are linked to an increased risk of death in older adults. The research suggests that heart disease and stroke may play a role in this connection, but preventing heart disease is not enough to prevent or delay death.
Researchers found that high triglyceride levels were linked to lower risk of cognitive decline, frailty, and death in older adults. Current guidelines for lowering cholesterol may not be beneficial for this age group.
The AGS Beers Criteria update includes 30 individual medications or medication classes to avoid for most older people and 40 medications or medication classes to use with caution. The new list aims to guide health professionals and caregivers away from potentially harmful treatments while helping assess quality of care
The American Geriatrics Society recommends excluding feeding tube preference from Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms due to research showing that they harm patients with dementia. PEG tubes can increase discomfort and agitation, leading to restraints and bedsores.
Geriatric frequent users are more likely to have multiple chronic conditions and require more resources and medical interventions. The most common conditions among these patients include diabetes, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure.
Research found that 75% of older adults had at least one symptom, with nearly half having two or more. Symptoms increased with age, education level, and chronic conditions, leading to weaker grip strength, slower walking, and increased falls and hospitalizations risk.
The ELIA program, a leadership development initiative for geriatrics healthcare professionals, has seen significant successes including increased professional confidence and publication of research. The program's use of long-distance mentoring and project-based learning is key to its success.
Cognitive impairment significantly affects self-care and mobility scores in skilled nursing facility residents. Residents with severe cognitive impairments show less improvement, highlighting the need for additional support and intense rehabilitation.
Amie Blaszczyk, a TTUHSC faculty member, has been awarded the Armon Neel Senior Care Pharmacist award by ASCP. She is recognized for her expertise in geriatric pharmacotherapy and commitment to improving senior care.
Researchers identified gamma delta T cells as a key driver of 'inflamm-aging' in both HIV-infected individuals and the general geriatric population. The study found that targeting these immune cells could potentially reduce the onset and severity of inflammation-related diseases.
A study of 3,112 community-dwelling adults aged 60+ found distinct risk factors for falls in men and women. Injurious falls were more commonly associated with low blood pressure and balance issues in men, while underweight and cognitive impairment were key risks for women.
A study found that older adults with heart failure who take five or more medications are at higher risk for cognitive impairment and difficulty performing daily activities. The researchers suggest that healthcare providers should consider these limitations when prescribing medications, as they may unnecessarily expose patients to incre...
A comprehensive study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that older adults prefer exercising outdoors, especially walking, and engaging with others. The study also identified characteristics such as memory loss and low education level that increase the likelihood of dropout from a training program.
A study found that individuals with cardiovascular disease experience faster functional decline than those without, especially women and those with less education. The risk factors for rapid functional decline can be used by clinicians to identify high-risk patients.
Falls are a major cause of illness and death among older adults with impaired vision, affecting 50% who limit activity due to fear, and 1 in 4 experiencing recurrent falls. Researchers found that taking steps to prevent falls can help slow declines in well-being and independence.
The new guidelines provide an update to the previously published consensus on definition and diagnosis of sarcopenia. They include an easier way to screen for sarcopenia risk using a simple questionnaire, a systematic way to make the sarcopenia diagnosis, and suggestions for practical tools and tests at each step.
Researchers found that postmenopausal Hispanic/Latina women had the highest risk of falls related to sarcopenic obesity. Postmenopausal women younger than 65 were also at a higher risk for falls connected to sarcopenic obesity, highlighting the need for targeted solutions to address this growing health concern.
A recent study found that eating more protein can slow the loss of muscle mass and preserve daily activity abilities in older adults. The researchers examined data from the Newcastle 85+ Study and discovered that participants who ate more protein were less likely to become disabled over five years.
The American Geriatrics Society defines 'healthy aging' as a broader, person-centered concept that prioritizes physical, mental, and social needs. The new definition emphasizes a lifespan approach to care, age-friendly concepts, and community engagement to promote health, safety, and independence in older adults.
The virtual program, launched at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, has increased mistreated elderly Texans' access to elder mistreatment and geriatric experts by quadrupling APS worker and client referrals. The network provides access to UTHealth team for APS workers using videophone-assisted secure devices.
Exercise has been shown to decrease fall risk among older adults with Alzheimer's disease and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The study found that those who exercised had a lower risk of falls compared to non-exercising individuals, while also highlighting the increased risk for falls in those with depression and anxiety.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that maintaining grip strength and protecting mental ability can prevent or delay disability. The research suggests that older adults who engage in physical and mental training may slow down their physical decline and reduce the risk of future problems.