Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
A recent NYU study reveals a significant gap in education and training for outdoor fall prevention among community-dwelling older adults. The research highlights the importance of wearing proper footwear, being aware of environmental hazards, and practicing safe walking strategies to prevent falls.
Researchers found that nearly one-third of older adults prescribed opiates while hospitalized experienced poor outcomes, including being restrained and requiring bladder catheterization. Alternative pain management options like acupuncture and tai chi should be integrated into inpatient care, according to the study's findings.
The American Geriatrics Society has awarded Sei Lee, MD, MAS, for his groundbreaking contributions to preventive care for older adults, while Anne M. Suskind, MD, MS, received recognition for her study on the risks of minor urologic surgery in nursing home residents. Both awardees will receive support through 2033.
Researchers found that severe foot pain and flat feet were associated with a higher risk of recurrent falls. The study suggests that targeting foot pain may help reduce hospitalizations and loss of independence for older adults.
A computer-generated physician is being developed to explain medical test results to patients in layman's terms, using graphics and videos. The system aims to improve health literacy and patient engagement, particularly among older adults with lower health literacy levels.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that herniated disc surgery can bring relief to patients 65 and older, with the condition improving more in this age group than younger patients. However, complications were more common and hospital stays longer among seniors compared to younger patients.
A new study reveals that a police training program in age-related health can improve how officers assist older adults. The program addresses issues like dementia, wandering, and elder abuse, increasing empathy, patience, and knowledge of community resources.
Researchers evaluated macular changes using spectral domain type optic coherence tomography in 63 eyes of patients with acute NAION, finding normal posterior pole in 33.3% and subretinal fluid in 34.9%. The study suggests that macular OCT can identify coexistent macular abnormalities and monitor disease progression.
A training program on aging-related health improved police officers' empathy and skills to interact with older adults. Participants reported increased knowledge scores, including how to identify safety concerns during police interactions.
The American Geriatrics Society announced Dr. Richard Allman's prestigious 2017 Henderson Lecture, focusing on leadership, research, education, and quality improvement in older adult care. Dr. Allman has extensive experience developing policy and programs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
A retrospective study found that treatment improved overall survival in elderly patients with early-stage esophageal cancer. Surgery and local therapies such as chemoradiation showed significantly improved five-year overall survival rates compared to observation, with a median age of 84 years.
Dr. Fatima Sheikh, MD, CMD, MPH, is recognized for her outstanding work in post-acute and long-term care, as well as her dedication to mentoring a diverse team. She has championed programs to manage chronic conditions and advance care planning for older adults.
Dr. Sei Lee is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to individualized care for older adults, including the development of the Lee Index mortality prediction index. He will deliver a plenary presentation on preventive care at the AGS 2017 Annual Scientific Meeting.
Amazentis' Phase 1 clinical data show that Urolithin A is safe and effectively increases mitochondrial gene expression and modulates plasma metabolites linked to muscle function in healthy elderly individuals. The study's findings have significant implications for the treatment of age-related decline in mitochondrial and skeletal muscl...
Studies presented at AGS17 show promising results for deprescribing benzodiazepines using tools for healthcare providers and education for older adults. A Patient-Facing Advance Care Planning website increased ACP documentation and engagement among older primary care patients.
The AGS Annual Scientific Meeting will showcase novel approaches to goals-oriented care, explore the future of Advance Care Planning, and highlight innovative dementia care models. The meeting will also feature renowned speakers, awards ceremonies, and expert discussions on policy priorities.
A study by the University of Washington finds that military service is associated with improved mental health and quality of life among transgender older adults. This contradicts previous expectations, suggesting that military experience may be a protective factor for this population.
A new study reveals that 72% of Medicare beneficiaries report improved function after receiving rehabilitation services. This positive outcome is crucial as the older adult population doubles by 2050, emphasizing the need to plan sufficient resources for rehabilitation services.
Researchers used virtual reality to identify balance impairments and train people to improve their balance. The study found that virtual reality can reveal balance deficits that are not apparent during normal walking, providing an important roadmap for detecting balance impairments.
A new study found that drinking beetroot juice before exercise improves brain connectivity and efficiency in older adults, similar to those of younger brains. The researchers also discovered higher levels of nitrate and nitrite in the blood after exercising with beetroot juice compared to placebo groups.
A recent study by Philip Guo of older adults learning computer programming reveals a diverse range of motivations, including personal enrichment and connecting with younger family members. Despite frustrations with bad pedagogy and lack of real-world relevance, most respondents were eager to learn and saw the value in digital literacy.
A study highlights the importance of increased funding for geriatrics education, citing a vital need for dedicated time and financial support. The Geriatrics Academic Career Awards (GACAs) program played a crucial role in training over 41,000 health professionals since 1998.
Researchers found that men with lower magnesium levels had an increased risk of fractures, particularly hip fractures. Higher magnesium levels were associated with a reduced risk of fractures, with no cases reported among those with very high magnesium levels.
Research highlights growing challenges faced by older adults in managing medications and finances over time. The study found that rates of needing help with these tasks increased with age, particularly among women and those with certain health conditions.
As people age, they experience a decline in deep sleep, which is crucial for memory and cognition. This shift can start as early as the mid-thirties and becomes more pronounced with age.
Researchers found that cognitively average elderly adults experienced greater annual whole-brain cortical volume loss compared to SuperAgers. Despite this, SuperAgers showed signs of slower brain atrophy over an 18-month period, with potential implications for understanding cognitive decline and age-related brain changes.
The American Geriatrics Society and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a public information campaign to help older adults and caregivers access resources for safely navigating the open road. The campaign provides actionable safe driving tips, conversation advice, and transportation alternatives to promote mobility ...
A new study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that many treatments for urinary and fecal incontinence are ineffective, with surgery being the most successful treatment option. The study analyzed thousands of research articles and found that only 37% of people treated with bulking agents achieved long-term success.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that integrating informal caregivers into discharge planning reduces hospital readmissions by 25% for elderly patients. Proper training and support enable caregivers to manage complex care responsibilities, preventing readmissions.
A study found that adding a question about blood thinner use improves sensitivity for identifying traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. Researchers analyzed charts for 2,100 patients and suggested that medication history should be available to EMS providers to ensure timely treatment.
Research highlights the potential of older adults as a resource for climate action, with individual steps such as reducing energy consumption and family leadership. The publication aims to engage this demographic in addressing climate change, leveraging their time, talent, and desire for purpose.
Research found no 'weekend admission effect' for patients with hip fracture in the NHS, contrary to previous reports. Delays to surgery and certain discharge times were associated with increased mortality risk.
A new collaboration aims to find trans-Atlantic common ground in geriatrics for older adults with multiple chronic conditions. The initiative emphasizes the importance of holistic care and person-centered goals.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that poor oral health and food scarcity are major contributors to malnutrition in older adults. The research suggests that linking patients in need to existing food assistance programs, such as Meals on Wheels, can help address this issue.
A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that Americans prioritize affordability based on household income. Respondents favored a health insurance policy with a 5% household income cap, rather than the current Ryancare plan which transfers benefits from poorer households to wealthier ones.
A new program developed by Kari Lane at the University of Missouri has shown significant improvement in hearing aid wear time among older adults. The program, called Hearing Aid Reintroduction (HEAR), uses a systematically gradual approach to support adjustment to hearing aids, increasing wear time from one hour to 10 hours over 30 days.
A new study by Yale researchers found that over 40% of veteran-surrogate pairs lacked advanced care planning, leading to disagreements about end-of-life decisions. The study emphasizes the importance of facilitating discussions between patients and surrogates to ensure understanding of patient preferences.
Researchers have discovered a new potential predictor of early dementia through abnormal brain activity in older adults with no noticeable communication problems. Brain regions that process speech were found to be more resilient to Alzheimer's disease, but showed changes that predicted mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
The Brain Health Food Guide provides evidence-based dietary advice for older adults, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Research suggests that following this guide can decrease the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 36% and mild cognitive impairment by 27%.
Researchers have discovered a way to predict long-term cognitive decline after postoperative delirium by analyzing pre-surgery cognitive function in patients. Those with higher cognitive scores before delirium are less likely to experience cognitive decline afterwards.
A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found that tailored physical therapy programs can significantly reduce the severity of falls and slow physical decline in elderly patients. Those with fewer medical conditions reported fewer falls overall.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that severe hypoglycemia is associated with nearly double the risk of cardiovascular disease or death in older adults with type 2 diabetes. Within three years of a dangerously low blood sugar episode, one-third of those in the study died.
Adults over 60 years old face a significantly increased risk of death following a pelvic fracture, particularly within the first four weeks. The study emphasizes the severity of these fractures and highlights the need for improved preventive strategies to reduce mortality rates.
A new study found that Medicare Part D reduced elderly mortality by 2.2 percent annually since 2006, primarily driven by a 4.4 percent reduction in cardiovascular mortality. The program's social value is estimated at $5 billion per year, accounting for a significant fraction of its total expenditures.
A study of 1566 community-dwelling Japanese elderly found elevated dementia risks in individuals with fewer remaining teeth. Individuals with 10-19 and no teeth had significantly higher risks compared to those with more teeth.
Researchers found that older adults with heavier chronic disease burdens and shorter original hospital stays are more likely to be readmitted within a week. Hospital strategies to ensure patients are healthy enough for discharge could help prevent early readmissions.
A study by the University of Exeter found that drinking concentrated blueberry juice improved cognitive function, blood flow to the brain, and working memory in healthy older adults. Flavonoids, rich in blueberries, may be an important component in causing these effects.
Nurses are urged to use the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics as a framework to address policy issues relevant to their profession's care for older adults. The code prescribes compassion, respect for dignity, and commitment to patients, families, and communities.
A tailored preventive oral health intervention significantly improved the cleanliness of teeth and dentures among elderly home care clients. Functional ability and cognitive function were strongly associated with better oral hygiene in this study from the University of Eastern Finland.
A McGill University and Health Canada study found that air pollution from wood burning increases the risk of heart attacks in seniors by 19% during cold seasons. The researchers suggest that tackling air pollution caused by fireplaces and woodstoves may improve public health.
A study published in PAIN found that physically active older adults have lower pain perception and better ability to block responses to painful stimuli. This suggests that low levels of sedentary behavior and greater light physical activity may be critical in maintaining effective endogenous pain inhibitory function.
A large study of postmenopausal women who suffered a hip fracture found low rates of osteoporosis assessment and treatment. Regular doctor visits were the strongest predictor of osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment.
A study found that collaborative care improved depressive symptoms in older adults with subthreshold depression compared to usual care. After four months, participants in collaborative care had lower scores on measures of self-reported depression severity and fewer cases of depression.
A review of mindfulness research found that focused attention practices may benefit older adults by fostering a greater quality of life and improving cognitive functioning. However, the field is limited and would greatly benefit from larger randomized controlled trials to confirm results.
A new longitudinal study of LGBT older adults found higher rates of disability, cardiovascular disease, depression, and social isolation. The research highlights pathways to better understand health for all marginalized communities.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are studying 'Living Apart Together' (LAT) relationships among older adults, who are increasingly forming new partnerships without shared residences. LAT couples face challenges such as family caregiving and decision-making, highlighting the need for open discussions with families and partners.
Researchers found that older adults living in poor neighborhoods with high homicide rates experience more depressive symptoms. Neighborhood factors like violence, poverty, and safety perception contribute to depression, highlighting the need for targeted policy interventions.
A new supplemental issue of The Gerontologist presents the findings of the largest national survey on LGBT older adults' health and well-being. Findings show that LGBT older adults face higher rates of disability, cardiovascular disease, depression, and social isolation.
Older adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy are often prescribed older anti-epileptic drugs, with only half starting treatment within the first 30 days. Despite this, minority groups do not appear to receive different AED treatment compared to whites.
Dr. Anne Murphy's research aims to improve pain management strategies for people aged 65 or older, who experience severe under-treatment of chronic pain. She will use a systems-level approach to investigate the impact of age on central opioidergic circuits.