Articles tagged with Older Adults
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that COVID-19 booster shots are essential for maintaining long-term immunity against infection, particularly among older adults. The results support the CDC vaccination guidelines recommending COVID-19 boosters and highlight the importance of continued research on factors affecting immunity.
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.
A recent study found that among US patients with cancer during the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 16,561 deaths were attributed to cancer or COVID-19 complications. The majority of these deaths occurred in older adults and minority groups, highlighting a concerning disparity in healthcare outcomes.
Research suggests that regularly exercising with weights is associated with a lower risk of death from any cause, excluding cancer. A weekly combination of weights and aerobic exercise appears to have an additive effect on mortality risk.
A recent study published in Aging-US found that feeling lonely, unhappy, or hopeless increases one's biological age more than smoking. The research used digital models of aging to analyze the effects of various factors on aging rates, revealing a significant correlation between mental health and accelerated aging.
A recent poll found that rising food prices have a disproportionate impact on the diets of older adults, especially those in lower-income households and with fair or poor physical or mental health. The study also shows that these groups are more likely to experience food insecurity and eat less healthy diets due to increased food costs.
A new study found that only around half of older adults with hypertension regularly check their blood pressure at home. Those who received a healthcare provider's recommendation to do so were three and a half times more likely to monitor their blood pressure regularly.
A new study proposes reducing toxic proteins in the blood as a potential therapy for Alzheimer's disease. By doing so, it aims to improve memory and learning capacity, as well as correct cognitive impairments. The next step is to test this treatment at a clinical level.
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.
Healthy older adults exhibit greater mental well-being despite poorer cognitive performance than younger adults. The study reveals that neural mechanisms underlying these findings may inspire new therapeutic interventions to promote healthy brain function.
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 study by Nagoya University found that elderly drivers have longer reaction times, slower decision-making, and increased brain activity in areas responsible for inhibition and switching tasks. This suggests a higher cognitive load in situations requiring complex foot responses while driving.
Researchers analyzed data from over 25,000 US adults in a clinical trial and found that vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation had no effect on frailty scores. Healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise and the Mediterranean diet are recommended for preventing frailty instead.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that older adults with consistent daily routines are happier, less depressed, and have better cognitive function. Participants who rose early, stayed active throughout the day, and followed a regular routine performed better on cognitive tests than those with disrupted patterns.
A cross-sectional study of over 25,000 adults found that approximately 70% of identified adrenal tumors were nonfunctioning, regardless of participant's age. The prevalence of adrenal tumors increased with age, from 0.2% in young adults to 3.2% in older adults.
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.
A new poll reveals that nearly half of people over 50 experience joint pain, and many turn to prescription-based treatments despite potential health risks. The poll's authors stress the need for healthcare providers to discuss medication interactions and non-drug options with patients.
A recent study found that people with dementia are at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 mortality due to underlying health conditions. The research identified risk factors such as comorbidities, anxiety, and delayed symptom recognition.
A study by Duke-NUS Medical School and collaborators found that cooler ambient temperatures increased the risk of a specific type of myocardial infarction (heart attack) in Singapore. People aged 65 and above were particularly vulnerable to this risk, with a 20% higher risk compared to younger individuals.
Researchers found that combining BCL-2 inhibitors can selectively eliminate senescent cells, improving efficacy and reducing toxicity by targeting high-MCL-1 expressing subpopulation of cells. This synergistic approach enables lower doses of drugs to be used, overcoming resistance to monotherapy.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that low physical function after age 65 is associated with a greater risk of developing heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. The study used the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test to assess physical function in 5,570 adults over 75 years old.
A combination of anemia and weak muscles in older people increases the risk of death by 64% for men and 117% for women. The two conditions together pose a significant risk, especially for elderly women, according to a study published in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that only seven out of 50 largest US cities have strong evacuation plans in place, highlighting a need for improvement in preparing for natural disasters. The study suggests that cities with experience in major hurricanes tend to develop stronger plans.
A recent study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that higher levels of light physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were associated with lower risk of death. In contrast, higher sedentary time was linked to increased mortality risk, regardless of genetic predisposition for longevity.
A study by DTU and SSI found that COVID-19 caused a significant loss of healthy life in Denmark, with an estimated 30,000 years lost. The majority of deaths occurred among elderly men, while younger populations were largely unaffected.
The USPSTF recommends prescribing statins for adults aged 40-75 with one or more CVD risk factors and estimated 10-year CVD risk of 10% or greater. For those aged 76 or older, the evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation. Statin use can significantly reduce CVD events and mortality in this population.
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.
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 clinical trial found that GlyNAC supplementation improves age-associated defects in older humans, including oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This led to improvements in muscle strength, gait speed, exercise capacity, and other health outcomes, showing promise for promoting healthy aging.
The study found a 31% decline in sleep medication use between 2013 and 2018, with the strongest decrease in FDA-approved medications. Behavioral treatments for insomnia are increasingly encouraged due to their effectiveness and reduced risk of adverse outcomes.
Researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 participants and found no association between electrocardiogram measures and telomere length. The study suggests that ECG prolongation is age-dependent but not a marker of biological aging.
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.
Researchers found a link between atrial cardiopathy and dementia in older adults, with those having the condition at a higher risk of developing dementia over time. The study suggests that subtle changes in the left atrium may be an independent risk factor for dementia, even after controlling for other vascular risk factors.
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.
Researchers at UNH will develop and test social assistive robots to aid in the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in their own homes. The robots will be equipped with smart home devices, artificial intelligence, and wearables to track patients' activity levels and health management.
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.
A recent clinical trial led by Massachusetts General Hospital validated a strategy for increasing shared decision-making about colorectal cancer screening in older patients. Brief physician training plus reminders resulted in patients reporting higher quality conversations, with more discussing their preferences and having more options...
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 new study published in the European Journal of Ageing found that having a partner had a greater impact on reducing loneliness among older adults during the pandemic's first wave. Not having a partner was the most significant factor, with those without a partner experiencing a higher risk of moving into loneliness.
Researchers found a rapid decline in sense of smell predicts cognitive impairment, including dementia and smaller brain areas, in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. The study suggests using smell tests as an early screening tool to identify high-risk patients.
A study of 1,813 older women found that accelerated biological aging is associated with lower odds of living to be 90 years old and maintaining physical and cognitive function. Slower age acceleration was linked to a reduced risk of mortality.
A new study within the Veterans Health Administration system identified effective strategies to reduce benzodiazepine prescriptions for older adults. The researchers found that initiatives focusing on passive strategies like education and patient identification have limited success in lowering prescription rates.
A Dartmouth-led research team will assess the effectiveness of visit information provided to older adult patients and caregivers in improving quality of life. The CHRONICLE Trial aims to determine whether audio recordings or written summaries are more effective in sharing healthcare visit information.
According to a new poll, nearly 40% of older adults (50-80) use at least one integrative medicine strategy to alleviate symptoms or relax. However, only 18% discuss these strategies with their healthcare providers. The poll highlights the importance of primary care clinicians discussing integrative approaches with patients.
A new study has developed cut-off points to measure handgrip strength in the general population, considering gender, body height, and aging. Low handgrip strength is linked to increased mortality risk and may indicate underlying health conditions such as heart and lung problems.
A study found an association between prior head injury and a reduced sense of smell in older adults, particularly those with multiple injuries and more severe trauma. The researchers suggest that repeated blows to the head may damage olfactory receptors, leading to anosmia.
A new study from Regenstrief Institute found that pharmacist-led deprescribing care coordinators can significantly reduce prescription of anticholinergics in older adults. The study used two pharmacist-focused models, including face-to-face and telephone outreach, which collectively decreased anticholinergic use by 73%.
A recent study found higher antibody titers after the third and fourth Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine doses in individuals aged 60 or older. This population is at high risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 disease, making timely vaccination crucial.
Researchers found that federal rental assistance programs are associated with lower HbA1c levels among middle-age and older adults. The study assessed nearly 40,000 participants across the US, revealing a significant correlation between program participation and improved blood sugar control.
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 Rutgers study found that women are more likely to die or require repeat surgery five years after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The researchers highlighted the need for increased inclusion of women in aortic device creation and trial enrollment, given differences in aortic anatomy between men and women.
A meta-analysis of 54 studies confirms that caregiver engagement across healthcare transitions is crucial in preventing rehospitalizations and enhancing patient outcomes. Caregivers play a critical role in facilitating care transitions when the healthcare team actively partners with them.
Researchers analyzed data from wearable activity monitors on nearly 600 participants to identify changes in movement patterns that may predict cognitive decline. The study found significant differences in activity during waking hours and afternoons, with fragmented activity being a key indicator of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheime...
A study found a link between depression, an inflammatory diet, and the development of frailty. Consuming a pro-inflammatory diet may exacerbate the development of frailty in individuals with depressive symptoms.
Researchers found associations between perceived discrimination and epigenetic aging in US middle-aged and older adults. Depressive symptoms were identified as a potential mediator in these relationships, particularly among women and White adults.
Researchers at UNO and UNL are using machine learning to investigate the metabolic cost of different phases of the gait cycle across different age groups. The goal is to create practical applications for gait rehabilitation, such as designing improved assistive devices.
According to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, adolescents were found to have a significantly higher incidence rate and relative risk of COVID-19 infection from wild-type SARS-CoV-2 compared to older adults. The study analyzed data from the start of the pandemic through fall 2020 across 16 of the 19 states examined.
Young people face higher health risks from alcohol consumption, while older adults without underlying conditions may benefit from small amounts. The study recommends age and region-based guidelines to minimize risks and maximize potential benefits.
A recent hearing test was associated with a lower risk of underreporting hearing loss and a greater likelihood of using hearing aids among older adults. The study found that individuals who had recently undergone a hearing test were more likely to be aware of their hearing loss and take steps to address it.
A new Baycrest study found that individuals with no dementia risk factors have similar brain health as people who are 10 to 20 years younger. Lifestyle factors such as managing diabetes, addressing hearing loss, and quitting smoking can reduce cognitive decline by up to three years of aging.