Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
A new USC study found that older adults are less distracted by negative information compared to younger adults. The researchers used a quickly presented sequence of images to examine how attention is affected by emotion. Older adults showed a selective bias toward positive information, prioritizing it over negative stimuli.
A new system detects abnormalities in elderly heart rates and temperatures, triggering drone-delivered first aid. The wearable device monitors vital signs wirelessly and quickly alerts caregivers via smartphone notifications.
Rutgers researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 Chinese Americans aged 60+, finding widespread psychological and social stressors associated with caregiving distress and intergenerational conflict. The study highlights the need for improved research participation and health equity among minority groups.
Research found that older adults are more likely to condemn accidentally harmful actions, even when no intent was involved. This could impact jury decisions and the legal system's approach to moral judgment.
A global study found that frailty affects 4.3% of people over 60 annually, with women more likely to develop the condition. Interventions like muscle strength training and protein supplementation may help prevent or delay frailty progression.
A systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the rate of new cases of frailty and prefrailty among older adults, with a high risk of progressing to frailty. The study combined results from 46 observational studies involving nearly 121,000 non-frail adults from 28 countries.
Elderly intensive care patients who have been vaccinated against influenza have a reduced risk of dying and suffering a blood clot or bleeding in the brain. The study found an eight percent lower risk of dying during the first year following hospitalization for those who were vaccinated.
A study by NYU School of Medicine found that over 10% of adults aged 65+ binge drink, with males and cannabis users more likely to engage in this behavior. Binge drinking increases the risk of health problems, particularly among older adults with chronic health issues.
A new position statement suggests resistance training is crucial for improving the health and longevity of older adults. It provides evidence-based recommendations for successful resistance training programs, highlighting practical applications and functional benefits.
A study by UC Riverside researchers found that older adults who learned three to five classes simultaneously showed significant increases in cognitive abilities, similar to those of middle-aged adults. The study suggests that intense learning experiences can improve cognitive functioning in older populations.
A new class of drug lead derived from N-arylpyrrole exhibits potent anesthetic activity with minimal blood pressure suppression, suggesting a safer alternative to traditional anesthetics. The compound shows promise in tadpoles and rats, providing hope for improved patient safety.
Researchers identified subclinical myocardial damage and cardiac wall strain as strong risk factors for falls in older adults without known cardiovascular disease. These findings suggest optimizing cardiovascular health may prevent falls among seniors.
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.
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%.