Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
The American Geriatrics Society has established a coordinating center to provide strategic resources for 44 HRSA awardees working on projects to increase geriatric training in primary care. The program aims to develop a healthcare workforce that improves health outcomes for older adults by integrating geriatrics into primary care.
Delirium occurs frequently in elderly GI surgery patients, often due to advanced age and poor physical health. Patients with postoperative delirium tend to experience longer hospital stays and increased mortality rates.
A new review suggests that stopping driving in older adults can contribute to various health problems, including depression. The decision to stop driving is often accompanied by declining cognitive and physical functions, highlighting the need for personalized plans to maintain mobility and social functions.
Researchers found that high-challenge activities improved memory performance and brain activity efficiency in older adults. The study suggests that mentally demanding activities may be neuroprotective and essential for maintaining a healthy brain into late adulthood. Enhanced neural efficiency was maintained a year after participation.
Aging is associated with chronic low-level inflammation, which can impair white blood cells' ability to fight infection. Reducing inflammation in older adults helps clear infections and improve recovery.
A recent study published in the journal Surgery found that outpatient thyroid surgery is safe for even the elderly and super-elderly, thanks to a standardized treatment approach. The study showed that while older patients have more comorbid conditions, complication rates held steady at 5-6 percent across all groups.
Researchers developed a portable system using patent-pending Coded Hemodynamic Imaging technology to monitor blood flow at multiple arterial points simultaneously. This allows for continuous monitoring and more complete body imaging, enabling early detection of cardiovascular issues and greater independence for older adults.
The study found that over 3.1 million elderly adults visited emergency departments in the US due to infectious diseases, accounting for 13.5% of all visits. The most common diagnoses were lower respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and septicemia.
A new collaborative best practices guideline has been released for optimal care of older adults before, during, and after surgical operations. The guideline provides expert recommendations for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and allied health care professionals to address postoperative complications and prolonged recovery in older patients.
Researchers used a portable device to compare brain activity in people with Parkinsonian syndromes and healthy adults. The study found that those with Parkinsonian symptoms demonstrated higher prefrontal cortex oxygenation levels to maintain stability while standing, and this difference relates to their performance in maintaining balance.
Researchers identified molecular signatures that predict immune protection in response to flu vaccination, with elderly individuals showing high levels of monocytes and low antibody-producing B cells. This study provides insight into potential mechanisms underlying reduced vaccine efficacy in older adults.
Seniors struggle to process multisensory information, affecting tasks like driving and balance. Training methods, such as video games or brain stimulation, may help improve perceptions of time in older adults.
Tetyana P. Shippee, PhD, is awarded the 2015 Senior Service America Senior Scholar Award for her research on long-term care and aging, particularly focusing on cumulative inequality theory and patient-centered measures.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that negative views on aging can negatively impact memory and hearing in older adults. The study suggests that education and training exercises can help improve cognitive and physical performance, dispel stereotypes about aging, and enhance overall quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that TigerPlace residents who used sensor technology and onsite care coordination stayed in their apartments for an average of 4.3 years, nearly double the national median of 1.8 years.
Researchers discovered unique gene variants that protect against neurodegenerative diseases in older adults, preserving their valuable contributions to society. These protective genes are present in Africa and evolved to help preserve elderly wisdom and cultural knowledge.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that approximately half of elderly patients with acute subdural hematomas who undergo surgery can recover to an independent life. The researchers emphasize that the decision to operate should not be based solely on age, but rather on individual patient factors.
Recent Western blood pressure guidelines may be too high for Asian populations, especially those at high risk of cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend a target blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg, but this threshold could boost stroke risk in elderly Asians.
A UMD study found that improving fitness through moderate exercise can counteract brain atrophy in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The study showed increased cortical thickness in both healthy and MCI participants, with greater improvements seen in those with MCI.
A large prospective community-based study of older Americans found that modest physical activity is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Walking at a pace faster than three miles per hour and engaging in leisure activities such as lawn-mowing, raking, or hiking also showed significant CVD benefits.
The new Brain Safety Lab will develop potential brain safety solutions, test prototypes and deploy them in real-world clinical settings. The lab will focus on addressing medications with anticholinergic effects and preventing repeated episodes of hypoglycemia in older adults with diabetes.
A recent study published in Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that fitness level is the strongest correlate of physical activity among Norwegian older adults. Higher education was associated with increased physical activity for males but not females. The study, which analyzed data from 850 participants aged 70-77, also disco...
A 36-year-old woman with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) becomes unintentionally pregnant and seeks a treatment approach that balances cancer remission and healthy delivery. Through her successful experience, doctors and patients gain insight into the complexities of managing CLL during pregnancy.
A new study found that older adults with dementia visit emergency departments at higher rates, are admitted to hospitals more often, and have a higher death rate after ED visits compared to those without dementia. The study also highlights the need for better care in fast-paced emergency departments.
A new study by Oregon State University reveals that rural residents aged 85 or older have higher levels of chronic disease, take more medications, and die earlier than their urban counterparts. The research highlights the challenges faced by older populations in rural areas due to limited access to healthcare services.
Elderly individuals living in UK care homes are at high risk of dehydration due to conditions like dementia, diabetes, and kidney problems. Research finds dehydration is associated with poor health outcomes, including disability and death.
A new study reveals that fitness level impacts brain connectivity in older adults, with more fit individuals showing stronger brain connections. The research suggests that cardiorespiratory fitness has a positive effect on brain health as people age.
Researchers found that adults over age 30 are not happier than they used to be, but teens and young adults are experiencing higher levels of happiness. The study, led by San Diego State University professor Jean M. Twenge, analyzed data from four nationally representative samples of Americans ages 13 to 96.
A recent study by UC San Diego researchers found that young adults experience envy more frequently than older adults, particularly in regards to physical appearance and academic success. The study also revealed that men and women tend to envy someone of the same age group, with younger participants reporting envy over looks and romance.
A Grand Valley State University nursing faculty member is presenting research on the effectiveness of text messaging for medication adherence among older adults. The study found that enrolling patients through a specialty pharmacy resulted in higher enrollment rates, and that adults over 60 were more likely to participate.
A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that a serum concentration of around 40 micrograms of vitamin D per litre of serum is ideal for slowing or preventing bone degeneration in postmenopausal women. The study showed that daily vitamin D supplements can increase calcium absorption and reduce bone degeneration.
A new study found that older adults were better than young adults at correcting their factual errors, with improved performance on low-confidence errors. This challenges the notion that older adults are less accurate and suggests a focus of attention driven by a desire to prioritize truth over confidence.
Researchers found that fitter men performed better mentally than less fit men by using parts of their brains in the same way as in their youth. Aerobic fitness was associated with higher left-PFC activity and faster reaction times, indicating older adults who use a more youth-like brain perform better.
Researchers found that antipsychotic prescriptions for seniors increased with age after 65, with nearly half of those over 80 using the drugs in excess of 120 days. The study highlights concerns about safety and calls for alternative treatments.
Aging-related changes in physical condition and life circumstances can lead to financial vulnerabilities, which may result in substantial loss of resources. The term age-associated financial vulnerability (AAFV) describes a pattern of behavior placing older adults at risk for considerable loss of resources.
A study of 137 older adults found that hearing loss was linked to accelerated cognitive decline. However, participants who used hearing aids showed reduced declines in cognitive function over a 25-year period compared to those without hearing aids.
Older adults do not accurately predict their own life expectancy, contrary to common wisdom that they overestimate. A study found that 54.7% of participants had similar estimates to objective calculations, while 32.7% underestimated and 11.5% overestimated.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that nearly four in ten older adults struggle with managing their health care needs, with many delaying or avoiding treatments. Despite this, the majority prefer to play an active role in making decisions about their healthcare.
Researchers found that patients with advanced cancer are willing to pay more for aspects of a good end-of-life experience compared to healthy older adults. Both groups highly value high-quality healthcare experiences, including being treated with respect and receiving coordinated care. The study suggests that health reform efforts shou...
A new study by Oregon Health & Science University found that regular face-to-face social interactions with family and friends significantly lower the risk of depression, while phone calls and digital communications have less impact. Study participants who met up frequently had the lowest level of depressive symptoms.
Barry Edelstein, a renowned geropsychologist, has been recognized with the GSA's Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award. He is known for fostering excellence and making a major impact through his mentoring, inspiring students and colleagues across various fields.
Walter R. Frontera, MD, PhD, has received the 2015 Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). He is recognized for his work on skeletal muscle dysfunction and exercise to slow down and rehabilitate muscle weakness and atrophy in older adults.
A multicentre clinical trial found that adding an antipsychotic medication to treatment for depression in older adults significantly improves symptoms and reduces the risk of suicidal thoughts. The study showed a 44% remission rate for treatment-resistant patients, compared to 29% with a placebo.
A two-drug combination of venlafaxine and aripiprazole relieved depression in 44% of treatment-resistant patients over 60, while reducing suicidal thoughts. The study's findings suggest that older adults may respond to this treatment strategy, offering new hope for those with hard-to-treat depression.
The study found substantial differences in surgery, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy use among European countries for elderly breast cancer patients. Treatment approaches varied depending on the stage of the disease, with some countries omitting surgery or using more chemotherapy than others.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that patients with age-related macular degeneration can accurately complete touch screen tasks, but their performance is slowed due to difficulties exploring the interface. The research suggests adapting touch screen applications to aid individuals with AMD.
A study of 2176 cognitively normal participants found that those with multiple chronic conditions were 38% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Preventing chronic diseases may help maintain mental health in aging adults.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that neighborhood characteristics have a lesser impact on EMS activation for stroke than stroke severity or individual factors. Most patients arrived at the ER within 3 hours, but only about half used EMS, with lower stroke severity and younger age being key determinants.
A new study found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels are associated with increased brain volume in key brain regions and enhanced executive function performance. The research suggests that exercising can improve brain health and cognitive abilities as we age.
A study found that counties with higher flu vaccination rates among adults under 65 had a 21% lower chance of elderly adults being diagnosed with flu-related illness. Community-wide vaccination may boost protection provided by individual vaccination.
The Harvard Review of Psychiatry presents a timely update on new trends and developments in geriatric psychiatry. The special issue discusses policy changes, new diagnostic classifications, and research driving change in mental health care for older adults.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that postoperative delirium significantly increases adverse outcomes in older adults, including prolonged hospital stays and institutional discharge. Delirium alone exerts the highest risk of adverse outcomes at the population level compared to other major surgical complications.
A US study from 1998 to 2013 found a significant increase in bicycle-related injuries and hospital admissions, particularly among adults over 45 years old. The incidence of these injuries increased by 28% and hospital admissions by 120%.
A clinical trial found that doctors given information on a patient's cognitive status provided more care focused on cognition, but this had little impact on the overall rate of cognitive decline. The study highlights the importance of primary care in recognizing cognitive impairment and supporting older adults.
A new study found that higher resting heart rates and lower heart rate variability are associated with poorer ability to function in daily life and future decline in older adults. These markers of frailty were linked to a higher risk of functional decline, regardless of sex.
Chapman University researchers found that older adults acquire skills prior to first reproduction and develop further to meet increasing demands. In a traditional society, older adults are often regarded as experts due to their complementary skills. They excel at planning, conflict negotiation, and delegation.
Research reveals HIV testing trends among adults aged 50-64 are not sustaining gains after CDC's 2006 recommendation. Testing rates remain low at around 3.7% despite risk behaviors remaining constant, underscoring the importance of patient advocacy for older adults
A recent study found that older adults who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity have more variable brain activity at rest, which is associated with better cognitive performance. The research also revealed that physically fit individuals tend to have larger brain volumes and more intact white matter than their less-fit peers.
A study by Indiana University doctoral student Adam Nicholson examined county-level voter turnout in Indiana and Nebraska/Pennsylvania without voter ID laws. Turnout declined in counties with high elderly populations, but the overall effect of the law on large numbers of voters remains uncertain.
Researchers used fMRI to measure brain activity while watching Alfred Hitchcock episodes, finding similar responses in younger subjects but not in older adults. The study suggests that attention control declines with age, leading to a greater variety in neural patterns.