Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
Researchers found that compassionate behaviors are associated with better health and well-being as we age. The study identified three factors predictive of self-reported compassion: gender, recent suffering, and high mental resiliency.
A new study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society examines the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cognitive impairment in older adults. The research found a strong association between low vitamin D levels and worse cognitive performance over time.
Researchers developed a new scoring system, CAM-S, to measure delirium severity in older adults, which is associated with hospital mortality rates of up to 33% and estimated annual healthcare costs of over $182 billion. The study found that length of hospital stay increases with delirium severity, as well as mean hospital costs.
A multidisciplinary team approach can help patients make informed decisions about surgery, considering medical treatment options, risks, and benefits. For the sickest elderly patients, a patient-centered treatment approach can lead to better outcomes.
New research by Kelli Canada finds that older adults in mental health courts experience the same substance use and housing instability as younger adults, challenging assumptions about age as a protective factor. This study highlights the need for tailored assessments and effective treatment plans to address the unique needs of older ad...
A recent study found that glucosamine supplementation extended the lifespan of nematode worms by 5% and ageing mice by almost 10%, promoting glucose metabolism and protection against diabetes. This effect is comparable to a low-carb diet, suggesting a potential health benefit for humans.
Two new dementia care models seek to decrease stress for caregivers, reduce health care costs and improve quality of care for older adults. Caregivers' close involvement with the medical team is a key feature of both models.
A Swedish study found that long-term low levels of vitamin D intake are associated with higher 10-year fracture risk in elderly women. The study showed that vitamin D insufficiency sustained over 5 years contributed to increased 10-year fracture incidence, especially in those with consistently low vitamin D levels.
A new study from Michigan Medicine and the Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System found that a record 72% of elderly Americans completed living wills in 2010, up from 47% in 2000. Despite this increase, hospitalization rates and deaths in the hospital remained largely unchanged over the decade.
A study found that β-amyloid plaque buildup in the brain is associated with increased artery stiffness in elderly patients. Arterial stiffness was measured using pulse wave velocity and was higher among patients with β-amyloid deposition.
The updated 2014 blood pressure guideline significantly affects US adults, with approximately 6 million no longer needing hypertension medication and 13.5 million meeting goal blood pressure levels primarily among older adults and those with diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Repeat sternotomy is a low-risk surgical option for octogenarian patients who have had previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The study found similar results in terms of operative morbidity and mortality between repeat sternotomy and primary sternotomy and surgical aortic valve replacement.
The US Preventive Services Task Force found insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for cognitive decline in older adults. The FDA is reforming its approval process for high-risk medical devices to prioritize patient safety, requiring clinical data and clear labeling.
A smart home system, developed by Tecnalia, monitors a person's habits and activities to detect early symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The system records data from various sensors and identifies changes in behavior, allowing for early diagnosis and improved patient care.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a computerized treadmill program to prevent falls in older adults. Studies show that people can be trained not to fall, with adaptations retained for up to 12 months. The training is safe even for those with reduced bone density or osteoporosis.
Researchers used an age-adjusted D-dimer threshold to safely exclude pulmonary embolism in elderly patients. This approach significantly reduced false positives, especially in older adults.
A new study from the University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences found that older Americans with more muscle mass are less likely to die prematurely. The research suggests that clinicians should focus on improving body composition rather than relying solely on body mass index (BMI) when counseling older adults.
A state program reduced falls among elderly Pennsylvanians by 17%, illustrating the effectiveness of using existing aging services to prevent falls. The Healthy Steps for Older Adults program, which provided risk screening and educational information, was found to be a successful tool in reducing falls.
A Concordia University study found that maintaining or improving self-esteem can help prevent health problems in seniors. The research team measured cortisol levels, self-esteem, stress, and symptoms of depression in 147 adults aged 60 and over, revealing a strong association between declining self-esteem and increased cortisol levels.
A review of 64 randomized controlled trials found no consistent evidence that home care visits improve the lives of elderly individuals. The studies, conducted over the last 20 years, involved nearly 29,000 people aged over 65 and examined various outcomes such as mortality rates, falls, hospitalization, and quality of life.
A diet rich in animal protein has been linked to lower odds of functional decline in elderly individuals. Men who consumed the most animal protein had a 39% reduced risk of experiencing declines in activities of daily living and higher-level cognitive functions.
A recent study by Queen's University Belfast highlights the disparities in cancer care for older patients, citing 'undertreatment' and a 'survival gap'. The editorial argues that clinical trials should be without an upper age limit to redress these disparities and improve outcomes.
A new study found that binge drinking among older moderate drinkers significantly increases mortality risk compared to regular moderate drinkers. The study highlights the importance of focusing on drinking patterns and absolute amounts of ethanol consumed as predictors of health outcomes.
Research found that antihypertensive medications may increase the risk of serious injury from falls among older adults, particularly those with a previous fall injury. The study suggests that clinicians should weigh the potential harms and benefits of medication in this population.
The number of excess deaths caused by hot weather in England and Wales is projected to surge by 257% by the mid-2050s due to climate change and population growth. The elderly, particularly those aged 75+, will be most at risk, with rising temperatures expected to lead to increased mortality.
Researchers found that plyometric exercises can improve explosive and aerobic performance in sportspeople without extensive rest periods. Young football players showed significant improvement after consecutive days of training sessions.
Carnegie Mellon University researchers Roberta Klatzky and J. David Creswell develop a new sensory integration model to explain the mechanisms underlying unconscious priming, which affects how we think and behave in social contexts. The model provides a clearer understanding of when and why primes influence behavior.
A recent study found that nearly half of hospitalized adults aged 65 and older require assistance making decisions due to cognitive impairment. Family members or children often fill this role, with significant implications for patient care and outcomes.
Researchers found that younger adults outperform older adults in visual working memory tasks, with a higher capacity for 'high definition' recall. This suggests that while older adults may store similar amounts of information, their memories are less detailed and impaired in recollection.
Older adults who received brief cognitive training showed improvements in reasoning ability, speed-of-processing, and everyday tasks. Even booster sessions had lasting benefits up to 10 years later.
A significant minority (21%) of the Dutch public supports assisted dying for elderly individuals who are not seriously ill but feel tired of living. Those with higher education and less trust in doctors tend to be more supportive of this option.
A study found that only about a third of older adults can take care of themselves independently. The research analyzed data from over 8,000 older men and women and revealed that many adapt by using assistive devices or receiving help from others.
A study found that 52.9% of older adults in the US have experienced bothersome pain, with multiple sites common among those with pain. Pain is strongly associated with decreased physical capacity, including weaker muscle strength and slower walking speed.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science reports a high rate of anisometropia in older adults, with 32% meeting the definition of differing prescription components. The prevalence of anisometropia increased significantly with age, particularly among those over 75 years old.
A third of older adults admitted to the ICU were classified as frail, increasing their risk of death, illness, and adverse events. Frailty is characterized by a loss of physical and mental strength, making patients more vulnerable to complications.
The EORTC task force evaluated physiological reserves and biomarkers of aging in elderly patients with cancer. They identified potential biomarkers that may indicate functional biological age, such as inflammatory markers, telomere length, and genetic predisposition for longevity. The study provides a guideline for integrating these bi...
Older adults initiate chronic dialysis in the hospital, and those with prolonged hospital stays and life support receive limited survival and intensive healthcare. Healthcare intensity around dialysis initiation affects patients' outcomes, guiding physicians to determine the best care.
Researchers found that adding a corticosteroid to standard treatment significantly improves both short- and long-term visual acuity in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). The study showed that patients treated with the combination therapy had better long-term vision compared to those only treated with...
A study found that supervised exercise in older sedentary adults reduced the progression of heart injury, as measured by troponin T levels. The findings suggest that it's never too late to start a physical activity program to improve cardiac health.
A new study found that supervised exercise sessions improve cardiopulmonary fitness in an elderly population awaiting radical cystectomy, a common treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The results suggest that preoperative exercise training may reduce postoperative complications and hospital stays.
A study by Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University found that older adults with severe mental illness have a higher rate of medical emergency department visits and longer hospital stays. The study highlights the need for more intensive care models that consider psychosocial factors.
A small proof-of-concept study found that intranasal insulin can improve cognitive function in patients with type 2 diabetes. The treatment worked by improving vascular functions and regulating signaling among neurons, leading to better learning and memory performance.
Elderly patients who start dialysis after age 75 have a high mortality rate, with half dying within one year. Healthier elderly patients do better than those with declining health.
A human clinical study has demonstrated that participants taking Natura Therapeutics' NutraStem Cardio showed a significant increase in cognition compared to age-matched individuals taking a placebo. The results improved decision-making speed across a two-month test period.
Exercise programs designed for older adults appear to reduce the risk of injuries caused by falls, including fractures and other serious injuries. The review of 17 trials found that these programs can significantly decrease the rate of falls resulting in medical care, serious injuries, and fractures.
A comprehensive review from the American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of personalized care for older adults with cardiovascular disease. The statement highlights key factors such as lifestyle changes, medication regimens, and revascularization strategies that can provide benefits and risks.
A University of Missouri researcher has developed an intervention program to help older adults living independently better prepare for health emergencies. The program, which involves discussing hypothetical scenarios with support network members, was found to create better emergency plans than traditional methods.
A study found that elderly patients with severe injuries, such as falls or motor vehicle accidents, are often undertriaged and sent to non-trauma centers despite having a higher risk of mortality. Trauma centers provide specialized care, resulting in lower mortality rates and shorter hospital stays.
A study found that taking a memory test significantly increases the perceived age of older adults, shifting their subjective age from 58.59 to 63.14 years old. The effect is specific to memory tests and does not occur in younger adults or those taking different types of cognitive assessments.
A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology found that people's preferences for a robot's appearance change depending on its intended use. Older adults tend to prefer human-like robots for social interactions, while younger participants prefer robotic faces for decision-making tasks. The research suggests that the design of an ass...
Researchers found that seniors over 90 improved their walking speed, balance, and reduced falls with strength training. The 12-week program boosted muscle power and mass in the lower limbs.
A new study published in Obesity found that physical activity and weight loss conducted together results in improved body composition and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. The study showed that intentional weight loss can have positive health benefits for older adults, particularly when accompanied by physical activity.
Aging adults' loss of driving independence negatively impacts their ability to work and engage in formal volunteering. However, social connections within immediate environments are not immediately compromised. Planning for driving cessation can help seniors maintain activity and community engagement.
Research found that older adults retain ability to make accurate judgments about others' emotions using acquired knowledge. When partners were separated, both older and younger adults were equally good at estimating how their partner was feeling.
University of Utah engineers developed a wireless sensor network that can detect falls without wearing devices. The system uses radio-frequency sensors to track a person's location and distinguish between falls and benign activities.
A study by Evan Fletcher and colleagues found that white matter loss in the fornix may be an early sign of cognitive decline in healthy elderly individuals. Changes in fornix volume were highly significant predictors of cognitive deterioration.
A recent retrospective study found that chemotherapy improves median survival among elderly patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) by more than 6 months. The study analyzed data from 10,428 patients aged 65 and older who received chemotherapy between 1992 and 2001.
A study found that older adults undergoing spinal stenosis surgery are at higher risk of major medical complications. Preoperative factors such as ASA class and spinal fusion significantly increased the risk of heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, and sepsis.
Patients with heart failure who see a physician within a month of hospital discharge have better survival rates compared to those without follow-up care. Continuity with a familiar physician is most beneficial, reducing risk of readmission and death by 3-8%.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that a virtual adviser, named Carmen, significantly increased walking among older Latino adults with low literacy levels. The participants who received personalized feedback and encouragement from Carmen showed an eight-fold increase in walking compared to the control group.