Articles tagged with Older Adults
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.
Researchers found that CXCL9 levels were higher in pre-fracture blood samples of Chinese men with subsequent hip fractures, improving the prediction of osteoporotic hip fracture risk in men. In contrast, no association was found between CXCL10 and hip fracture risk in either gender.
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 56,000 older adults found that health-related social needs were associated with significantly higher rates of acute care utilization. Unreliable transportation was particularly linked to hospital stays and emergency department visits.
Researchers challenge the notion that natural selection declines after reproduction is complete. Instead, they propose that older adults play a crucial role in maintaining their fitness through intergenerational transfers of resources and knowledge.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis finds that positive social interactions are associated with a greater sense of purpose in older adults, particularly those who are retired. The study suggests that the quality of relationships and social connections play a significant role in shaping one's sense of purpose.
A recent study by Elizabeth Kessler, MD, found that older patients with advanced bladder cancer prioritize open communication with their care providers about treatment expectations and quality of life changes. The research also highlights the importance of involving families in care planning and aligning care with patients' core priori...
A Baycrest study found that expert knowledge helps memorize new information by providing a mental organizational structure. Experts grouped birds based on specific features, while non-experts relied on superficial characteristics like color. This structure supports memory and may mitigate age-related decline.
A study found that patients and their caregivers agreed on the severity of physical symptoms like pain and functionality, but disagreed on psychological symptoms like depression and anxiety. The researchers also noted that caregivers who were under stress overreported their patient's symptoms.
A study found that younger U.S. adults are less likely to be screened for colorectal cancer despite being eligible under new guidelines, with greater disparities observed across race, ethnicity, income, education, and insurance coverage. Screening participation increased over time but was smallest among individuals age 50-54.
A study found that older adults with superior memories, known as 'SuperAgers,' have a greater thickness in the anterior mid-cingulate cortex, potentially making it a biomarker for predicting delirium after surgery. This region of the brain regulates effort and behaviors, and its structure can be improved with training.
A study found that men exhibiting mild behavioural impairment symptoms are at risk of faster cognitive decline compared to women. Researchers identified key behavioral changes, such as apathy and false beliefs, which may help identify people at higher risk of developing dementia.
A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming a Mediterranean-style diet may prevent frailty in older adults. Higher intake of carotenoids was associated with reduced likelihood of frailty development.
The Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging launches Brain Health PRO, a digital educational program offering interactive modules to improve physical and mental health. The program aims to reduce dementia risk by focusing on modifiable domains such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 76,373 participants found a significant association between visual impairment and cognitive decline in older adults. The study highlights the need for further research on the effectiveness of treating sight problems to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia.
A comprehensive survey of scientific literature suggests that nearly all known biological pathways are linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study found that immune, metabolic and depression-related pathways were consistently cited as major mechanisms contributing to the disease.
A new study from UTHealth Houston found that flu vaccination was associated with a 40% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in US adults over a four-year period. The study analyzed a large sample of patients and found that consistent flu vaccination every year had the strongest protective effect.
A study of 552 older adults found that those exposed to light during sleep were significantly more likely to develop obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. The study suggests that minimizing light exposure at night can help prevent these conditions.
Researchers found that patients who felt younger at hospital admission showed better functional independence at discharge. This effect was seen in both those rehabilitated from osteoporotic fractures and strokes. A younger subjective age is associated with improved rehabilitation outcomes, stronger than chronological age or physical mu...
Researchers identified DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) as a critical factor regulated by histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) in skin aging. Overexpression of HDAC4 rescued cells from senescence, while DDIT4 overexpression reversed changes associated with aging.
A new study found a close link between ageism and poor physical and mental health in older adults. Those with more health concerns experienced higher rates of everyday ageism, including internalized and interpersonal forms.
A new study from Keck School of Medicine of USC suggests that willingness to give away money may be linked to the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease. Participants who gave more money scored significantly lower on cognitive tests known to be sensitive to Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discovered that uncontrolled diabetes increases heart failure risk by 1.5 to 1.8 times in preclinical stages A and B. Early diabetes control can prevent progression to overt heart failure, suggesting a potential lifesaving strategy.
A recent study found that older adults in later-born generations are more likely to have multiple chronic health conditions than prior generations. This trend may lead to increased strain on the well-being of older adults and medical insurance systems, particularly as the US population ages. The researchers suggest that sociodemographi...
A study of 1548 people aged 13 to 77 found that passion and growth mindset decrease with age, while grit increases, suggesting that older individuals can still develop new skills. Notably, women tend to have a stronger growth mindset than men.
A randomized controlled trial found that spinal anesthesia was associated with worse pain immediately after surgery, but differences diminished over time. Researchers also found higher rates of pain reliever prescriptions at 60 days in the spinal anesthesia group.
A study found that older Latinos who participated in a culturally relevant Latin dance program for eight months significantly improved their working memory compared to those in a control group. The program used four types of Latin dance styles and incorporated elements of social engagement, increasing physical activity levels.
A new study by Baycrest and Western University suggests that older adults may benefit more from natural speech than previously thought. They found that for engaging stories, older adults performed similarly to younger adults in noisy settings, but struggled with disconnected sentences.
A new study published in eClinicalMedicine found that older men experiencing frequent bad dreams were twice as likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The researchers suggest that dream changes could serve as an early warning sign for the condition, which may develop years before characteristic symptoms appear.
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.
A new study from Michigan Medicine reveals that dementia diagnoses are often accompanied by significant increases in healthcare costs. The research found that the average Medicare spending jumped by 150% after a formal diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia.
Researchers analyzed data from 623,000 Asian individuals to find that being unmarried is associated with a higher risk of death. The study found the highest risk among men and younger people under 65 years old.
Residents of Ontario retirement homes have high rates of hospital-based care compared to long-term care facilities and community-dwelling individuals. They have double the rate of emergency department visits and hospital admissions as LTC residents, but lower rates of primary care visits.
A large US hospital study found that hospitals providing more registered nurse hours of care can decrease mortality rates in Medicare patients with sepsis. The analysis of over 702,000 patients suggests a strong association between nurse staffing and patient outcomes.
Researchers found that care coordinators identifying illnesses early and providing timely care allowed most residents to 'age in place,' reducing need for nursing home care. Exercise and socialization opportunities also improved physical and mental health outcomes.
A Korean study of 430 adults found that thicker macular retinal nerve fiber layers were associated with faster cognitive decline. The researchers suggest this finding could inform predictive biomarkers for evaluating cognitive function in older adults.
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.
The USPSTF concludes that there is not enough evidence to support regular screening for impaired visual acuity in older adults. This recommendation applies to asymptomatic adults over 65 who do not have known vision problems. The number of affected adults is estimated at 2.9 million in 2015.
A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that interpersonal problems, such as loneliness and relationship dissatisfaction, predict vulnerability to financial exploitation in older adults. Social connectedness is shown to be a key protector against financial abuse.
A nationwide analysis found that local increases in green vegetation could have prevented between 34,000-38,000 deaths among adults 65 and older in large US metropolitan areas. The study also showed a significant increase in overall greenness in metro areas over the past two decades.
A recent study found that extreme heat was associated with higher all-cause mortality in the contiguous United States. The findings suggest a greater increase in mortality among older adults, men, and non-Hispanic Black individuals during this period.