Articles tagged with Older Adults
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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.
Shortness of breath and cough/wheeze in smokers reduce life expectancy, while mild respiratory symptoms warrant further investigation
A recent study found that the brain becomes desensitized to background motion, making it easier to distinguish smaller moving objects in the foreground. Older adults can improve their motion segregation abilities through visual training, narrowing the gap with younger counterparts.
Researchers have proposed a gait-based identification method for elderly users using wearable devices, improving the accuracy of authentication for older adults. The method uses a gait template synthesis algorithm and arbitration-based score-level fusion to alleviate intra-subject gait fluctuation.
A study found that 40% of older adults initiating dialysis experienced a decline in functional status, with higher risks in those with advanced age and frailty. Caregivers also reported an increased burden after dialysis initiation.
A new assessment reveals that older adults' independence is the most significant factor in their vulnerability to extreme heat. The study found that individuals with limited financial and physical assets are more susceptible to temperature extremes, highlighting the need for tailored support strategies.
A study of 50 Atlanta-area adults found that poor sleep time and quality negatively impact memory recall in older adults. The research also revealed significant racial differences in sleep patterns tied to lower memory performance.
A University of Waterloo study found that home-care patients in Alberta and British Columbia are more likely to be sent to hospital, while long-term care residents in these provinces were half as likely as those in Ontario. The researchers attributed regional differences to healthcare policies and infrastructure.
A Mount Sinai study found improved asthma control and quality of life in older patients, with a significant reduction in emergency department visits. The study tested a patient-tailored self-management support intervention, which targeted social determinants of health and achieved meaningful improvements.
Death rates from falls for US adults 75 or older rose significantly from 2000 to 2016, with a 128% increase in absolute deaths and a 131% increase in death rates per 100,000 people. This trend was observed across different age groups, particularly among men aged 75-79 and women aged 95 or older.
A 12-month home exercise program reduced fall rates by 36% in high-risk seniors with a history of falls and mobility impairments. The study found improved cognitive function as a secondary benefit, reducing risk of injury and loss of independence for older adults.
A recent study found that older adults are using cannabis for various reasons, including pain management and depression. Despite the benefits, many report barriers to accessing medical marijuana, such as a lack of provider education and stigma. The study suggests that healthcare providers need to be more open to discussing cannabis use...
A six-month pilot study assesses the effectiveness of a telephone-based care program for homebound seniors with dementia, aiming to reduce caregiver burden and prevent hospitalization. The program uses a modified Care Consultation Intervention, which involves assessments and action plans to support unmet needs.
A new study found that Medicare spending is higher for older adults with disabilities who experience negative consequences such as going without eating or bathing due to lack of help. The study emphasizes the importance of non-medical care and supports for community-living older adults with disabilities.
A recent study by the University of the Basque Country highlights the importance of standardizing thickeners for people with dysphagia. The research found significant gaps in current guidelines, leading to concerns over food safety and swallowing difficulties.
A new University of Michigan study found that fall-related injuries are a leading cause of hospital readmissions among people 65 or older. Hospitals can improve patient recovery and mobility by emphasizing personalized fall prevention before discharge, especially for at-risk patients.
A new supplement to The Gerontologist journal calls for a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention in older adults, including improved health literacy, sun protection, and positive attitudes toward aging. Experts identify opportunities to reduce cancer risk through evidence-based measures and best practices.
Researchers developed a new cognitive training game to improve road safety among elderly drivers, CTCD showed improved car driving skills and cognitive functions in older adults after six weeks of play.
This observational study found that statin use was associated with a modestly reduced risk of long-term dementia after a concussion in older adults. The analysis examined nearly 29,000 adults and found that the risk of dementia was substantial, but statin use helped mitigate this risk.
Researchers found that older adults who regularly participate in word and number puzzles have improved brain function, particularly in attention, reasoning, and memory. The study suggests that engaging with these puzzles can lead to cognitive improvements equivalent to a decade younger in age.
Researchers found that the risk of stroke at middle age declined by 39% and at older age by 53% between 1998-2005 and previous periods. Lifestyle choices like exercise and a healthy diet can reduce stroke risk across all ages.
Researchers found that rTMS improved working memory performance in both young and older adults, with the effect most pronounced when participants were actively using the information. The study suggests that brain stimulation may be a viable treatment option for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
A new tool, SymTrak, tracks symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and anxiety in older adults, enabling clinicians to provide better care for potentially related diseases. The tool was developed by researchers at the Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University to identify early onset of complex issues.
A meta-analysis found that inappropriate prescribing in primary care is associated with emergency room visits, adverse drug events, and functional decline. The study highlights the need for effective interventions to address this issue and its impact on older adults' quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have created a lifelike robotic dog that can provide care in addition to companionship for older adults. The new prototype offers features such as fall detection, connectedness to caregivers and loved ones, vital sign monitoring, and helpful reminders.
A new research study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that a community volunteer program can reduce healthcare usage among older adults and shift care from hospitals to primary care. The Health TAPESTRY program combines volunteers with electronic software to support optimal aging, leading to increased physica...
A study of 600 adult marijuana users found that cannabis use motivates exercise, improves enjoyment, and boosts recovery. While cannabis may not enhance performance, it could serve as a benefit to exercise engagement.
A new report calls for increased research into 'limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy,' or LATE, a degenerative brain disease that affects the elderly and mimics Alzheimer's. Researchers aim to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through better understanding of the condition.
A new study suggests that older adults with poor sense of smell may be at a 46% higher risk for death at 10 years and 30% at 13 years compared to those with good smell. Poor sense of smell is linked to higher mortality in both healthy and unhealthy individuals, with most of the risk remaining unexplained.
A study found that younger, more active older adult women prefer wearable sensors for personal activity data collection, while their parents prefer smart home sensors. The technology's acceptability is crucial for promoting adoption into daily life.
Loneliness is a common emotional state in older adults linked to declines in health and increased healthcare usage. Social prescribing may alleviate loneliness by connecting lonely individuals with community supports.
A new University of Maryland study reveals that acute exercise increases activation in the hippocampus and other key brain regions associated with memory. This finding suggests that single sessions of exercise can promote adaptations and improve network integrity, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
A new prediction tool uses functional impairments and traditional factors to identify patients over 75 who may require repeat hospitalization. Impaired mobility, measured by the Timed Up and Go test, is the only functional impairment associated with 30-day readmission.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that nearly half of older adults who start dialysis die within a year, with death rates being almost twice as high as previously reported statistics. The study's results can help inform patient decisions and physician choice of treatment for end-stage kidney disease.
A study found that pharmacy closures are associated with declines in cardiovascular medication adherence among adults 50 or older. The analysis of prescription claims revealed a significant decrease in adherence to statins, β-blockers, and oral anticoagulants following pharmacy closure.
A new Northwestern University study found that electromagnetic pulses can improve memory in older adults with age-related memory loss, reversing it to the level of young adults. The technique targets the brain's memory center and rebuilds part of memory that helps recall everyday tasks.
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.
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.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that low scam awareness in older adults may be an early sign of impending mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The researchers observed a significant association between low scam awareness and Alzheimer disease pathology in the brain.
New studies provide insights into the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy in elderly patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Real-life studies suggest that elderly patients may have shorter overall survival but similar toxicity rates compared to younger patients.
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.
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.
Researchers found that patients with vision loss experienced longer hospital stays and higher healthcare costs compared to those without vision loss. The study estimates excess health costs of over $500 million annually due to vision loss in hospitalized patients.
A study of 752 older adults found that using sleeping pills regularly was associated with an increasing number of blood pressure medications over time. The association held true regardless of sleep duration, quality, or other factors, suggesting that sleeping pill use may indicate a future need for greater hypertension treatment.
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 new national poll found that 55% of adults aged 50-80 have a pet, which reduces stress, gives them purpose, and encourages physical activity. However, some pet owners may prioritize their animals' needs over their own health.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that an hour of weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can help older adults maintain their independence and reduce the risk of mobility disability by 85%. The study also showed that this amount of exercise can lower the risk of activities of daily living disability by almost 45%.
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.
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. 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.
A new study finds that immediate cognitive effects from exercise mirror long-term ones, suggesting a strong link between physical activity and brain health. Brain changes after a single workout can predict sustained gains in cognition and functional brain connectivity over time.
The Endocrine Society's Clinical Practice Guideline recommends simplifying medication regimens and tailoring glycemic targets to improve compliance and prevent complications in older adults with diabetes. The guideline prioritizes blood glucose targets over hemoglobin A1c tests, aiming to reduce cardiovascular disease outcomes.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that enlarged perivascular spaces are associated with compromised cognitive skills in older adults. This challenges the long-held belief that these areas are harmless imaging markers.
A study by the University of Vermont found that free community-based screenings significantly influenced older adults to adopt fall risk reduction strategies. Physical therapists played a crucial role in assessing participants' risk levels and providing tailored recommendations.
A study found that medical marijuana laws lead to a decline in reported pain and an improvement in overall health assessments among respondents with qualifying health conditions. The study also shows that these laws increase full-time work hours, suggesting improved labor supply among older adults.
A robot-guided video game has been developed to get older adults learning and working together, staving off dementia. The game's goal is to encourage physical movement and social interaction, addressing isolation a key contributor to dementia progression.
A study by Prof. Amit Shrira found that Holocaust survivors with PTSD and their offspring negatively perceive aging, viewing themselves as less successful than those without PTSD or exposure to the Holocaust. This transmission of negative views can lead to greater risk for physical deterioration among survivors and their families.
The percentage of young Americans experiencing mental health disorders rose significantly between 2005 and 2017, but remained stable for older adults. The study suggests that increased digital media use may be contributing to the trend, particularly among teens and young adults.
A new study found that increased tobacco taxes and smoke-free policies in European countries were significantly related to a reduction in smoking among older adults. The association was particularly strong among those between 50 and 65 years old and those with lower levels of education.
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.