Articles tagged with Older Adults
A new phase 2 trial is underway to evaluate the efficacy of HER-2 targeted regimens in elderly patients with HER-2 positive metastatic breast cancer. The study aims to delay or avoid conventional chemotherapy while maintaining tumor control.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation found that elderly patients can benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) just like younger individuals. The study of 5,399 patients revealed that older patients were as likely to experience life-threatening electrical shocks but had higher ra...
A new study found that participants who received the dietary supplement Juven experienced significant increases in lean body mass, while those who received a placebo did not. Blood concentrations of IGF-1 also increased among Juven recipients, but the correlation with improved muscle mass was not statistically significant.
Research from Carnegie Mellon University finds that volunteering decreases the risk of hypertension by 40% in older adults, suggesting a positive lifestyle factor. The study suggests that social connections and interactions through volunteer work can promote healthy aging and reduce disease risk.
A study of 783 older adults with diabetes found a two-fold increased risk for dementia among those experiencing hypoglycemia events. Clinically significant hypoglycemia was also associated with a greater risk for subsequent severe hypoglycemic events.
New research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that older adults use less effective reference frames to visualize nearby objects, leading to difficulties with daily tasks like dialing phones and grasping objects. This study sheds light on the cognitive changes associated with aging and their impact on hand-eye coordination.
A new study from the University of Colorado School of Medicine found that elderly drivers are often more open to discussing their driving status than clinicians initially thought. The research suggests that health care providers should start conversations with elderly drivers earlier, perhaps at age 65 when Medicare benefits kick in.
A new study found that exposure to general anaesthesia may increase the risk of dementia in elderly patients by 35%. The research analyzed data from a prospective population-based cohort and found that participants who received general anaesthetics were more likely to develop dementia. This increased risk was significant even after adj...
A nationwide poll of over 18,500 adults found that healthy behaviors like exercise and a balanced diet are associated with better self-perceived memory abilities. Those who engaged in more than three healthy behaviors were 111% less likely to report memory problems.
A study finds that private Medicare Advantage plans have cost Medicare an extra $282.6 billion since 1985, with $34.1 billion overpaid in 2012. The plans' strategies include cherry-picking healthier beneficiaries and recruiting patients from the Veteran's Administration to increase profits.
A new study found that insomnia symptoms in middle-aged and older adults are associated with greater future use of costly health services, including hospitalization. Insomnia is common among this population, affecting over 40% of respondents, and may be a preventable indicator of poor health outcomes.
A recent study suggests that age-related atrophy of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) may contribute to difficulties in processing and remembering everyday events. The researchers found that older adults with MTL atrophy performed poorly in separating and chunking events, which can impact memory for everyday activities.
A study of 3,690 older adults found that even short-term use of strong anticholinergics causes memory problems. Taking multiple drugs with weaker anticholinergic effects also has a negative impact on cognition over time.
The study found a significant increase in the number of older Finnish adults with fall-induced TBI from 1970 to 2011, with an age-adjusted incidence rate that rose by 289% among women and 315% among men. The total number of individuals affected also increased considerably.
Recent research on TBI in the elderly highlights the need for specialized diagnostic tools and treatments due to unique characteristics of older brains. Studies have found associations between lifetime TBI and dementia risk, as well as differences in cognitive function and medical history between those with dementia and a history of TBI.
A recent study published in Clinical Gerontologist found that older adults with high levels of depression and low social needs fulfillment are more likely to experience financial fraud. The study, which included 4,440 participants, revealed a 226% increase in fraud prevalence among the most psychologically vulnerable population.
A matched cohort study found that MACE service patients had lower adverse event rates and shorter hospital stays compared to usual care. Functional status did not differ between groups, but MACE service showed better Care Transition Measure scores.
Research finds that palliative radiotherapy significantly improves the quality of life for elderly patients with painful bone metastases. The treatment, which involves a single fraction of radiotherapy, has been shown to be effective in all age groups, including those over 75, despite some variability in response.
A new review from the University of Luxembourg suggests that social media can provide valuable additional support for older people with sickness and diseases. The study highlights the potential benefits of social media, including enhanced feelings of control and self-efficacy, as well as access to health-related information and social ...
A new study suggests MDCT is more accurate than echocardiography for measuring annular size in TAVI candidates. This improvement can lead to better procedure success and valve selection, potentially changing the decision for 55% of patients.
A study found that the shingles vaccine halves the occurrence of this painful skin and nerve infection in people over 65. However, vaccination rates are low in the US, particularly among black people and those with low incomes.
A study by Krystal Warmoth found that older adults who categorize themselves as old and frail experience a cycle of decline, leading to reduced physical activity, poor health, and stigmatization. This self-fulfilling prophecy can result in a lower quality of life.
A recent study by Rush researchers found that older adults subjected to elder abuse face a greater risk of hospitalization than their non-abused peers. The study, which analyzed data from over 6,600 community-dwelling older adults, showed that reported elder abuse was independently associated with increased rates of hospitalization.
Research suggests that motor skills decline gradually after the age of 64, but healthy older adults can still create accurate internal models for action. This study aims to help clinicians identify abnormal loss of function in patients by pinpointing when deficits begin.
The new awake imaging device enables motion compensation reconstruction, removing blur caused by motion and allowing for transparent pictures of the functioning brain. Researchers aim to better understand brain development in babies, teens, and individuals with neurological conditions.
A recent Harvard study found that consuming fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids significantly lowers the risk of mortality among older adults, with blood levels linked to extended lifespan. The research suggests that adequate omega-3 intake can extend years of remaining life.
A study of 126 inactive older adults with cognitive complaints found significant improvement in cognitive function after 12 weeks of physical and mental activity. However, there was no difference between the intervention and control groups, suggesting that the amount of activity may be more important than its type.
Researchers found that despite voluntary temperature setting standards, hot water temperatures remained dangerously high in 41% of homes, posing a scald hazard to young children and the elderly. The study suggests equipping faucets with anti-scald devices as a potential solution.
Studies found that individuals with dementia and TBI may have distinct clinical characteristics, such as higher fluency and verbal memory scores. Additionally, elderly patients with TBI are at higher risk of premature death due to underlying health conditions or complications after injury.
Researchers found that pneumonia patients are nearly twice as likely to develop depression and cognitive impairments, which can lead to disability and nursing home admissions. Hospitalization for pneumonia also increases the risk of losing daily life activities.
Researchers found that boiled Greek coffee consumption was associated with improved endothelial function and reduced blood pressure, even in those with high blood pressure. The study suggests that the polyphenols and antioxidants in this type of coffee may be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that most medical subspecialty practices are unable to accommodate patients who use wheelchairs, citing transfer issues as the primary barrier. A new study suggests hydrochlorothiazide may be a safer treatment option than chlorthalidone for elderly patients with hypertension, due to its lower risk of electrolyte imbal...
A new study found a link between post-discharge activity levels and the risk of hospital readmission in elderly patients within 30 days. Activity levels were tracked using wearable devices, revealing that those with lower activity were at higher risk of rehospitalization.
A study by Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University Center for Aging Research found that many older adults resist stopping cancer screenings, even when they may not be beneficial. The researchers suggest developing specific messages for older adults to address concerns about screening and trust in physicians.
A multicenter study found no significant difference in combined outcomes of death, stroke, heart attack, repeat revascularization or new renal replacement therapy between on- and off-pump coronary bypass surgery in elderly patients. The results suggest that both techniques are safe and effective for this age group.
A home-based DVD exercise program called FlexToBa has been shown to improve flexibility, toning, and balance in older adults. Participants who used the program for six months saw clinically important improvements in physical function tests compared to a control group.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that antipsychotics with high binding affinity of alpha2 adrenergic and M1 muscarinic receptors are associated with a greater risk of stroke in elderly patients. The study also suggests that stroke risk is highest in the initial weeks of treatment and for those with higher daily doses.
A large epidemiological study found that short-term exposure to outdoor heat increases the risk of hospitalization for COPD and respiratory tract infections in the elderly. The risk was consistent across all age groups and genders, with a strong association between heat and hospitalizations.
A new study suggests that pneumococcal disease may be shifting its burden from infants to adults in Latin America, with significant economic implications. The research highlights the need for increased monitoring and surveillance to understand the full extent of the disease in the region.
A new checklist-based tool helps doctors assess health risks in older adults, considering factors like age, medical conditions, and functional status. The tool, called a 'mortality index,' has been validated with over 20,000 adults and can help seniors engage with their primary care provider to discuss informed health care maintenance.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that older adults who play video games experience better emotional well-being, with those who played reporting higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. In contrast, non-gamers showed more negative emotions and a greater risk of depression.
Researchers argue that traditional notions of healthy and successful aging fall short for many Canadians living with chronic diseases. Instead, they advocate for supporting older adults to live well according to their own definitions of health.
A study from the University of Arizona suggests that learning to use Facebook can improve cognitive function in older adults. Participants who used Facebook performed about 25% better on tasks measuring updating and mental performance compared to those who didn't use the site.
Researchers found that distracting older adults during memory tests increased their performance to match that of younger adults. The study's findings have significant implications for designing learning strategies and equipping senior-housing with visual distraction cues to aid memory recall.
A study found that elderly patients are significantly underrepresented in clinical trials, with only 33% of highly cited trials excluding them. Researchers recommend increasing age diversity to better represent the median age of advanced NSCLC patients.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that thigh fat is a significant predictor of mobility loss in otherwise healthy older adults. The research suggests that preventing age-related declines in walking speed requires addressing not only muscle mass but also body composition changes.
A UCLA study found a link between untreated depression and decreased effectiveness of the shingles vaccine in older adults. Patients with depression showed a weaker immune response to the varicella-zoster virus, making them less responsive to the vaccine.
Aerobic exercise increases critical brain structures and improves cognition in children and older adults. Physical activity also reduces susceptibility to diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
A study suggests a link between untreated depression and decreased response to the shingles vaccine in older adults. Depression treatment, however, boosts cell-mediated immunity and increases vaccine effectiveness.
Early-onset prostate cancer is linked to high levels of androgen receptor activity in young patients, leading to gene rearrangements that promote cancer. This discovery could lead to new diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic, and prevention strategies for the disease.
Researchers at UIC will study how young adults use e-cigarettes, snus, and other new tobacco products, seeking to understand their motivations and potential effects on tobacco dependence. The study aims to develop effective ways to convey factual information about alternative tobacco products to young adults.
The Gerontological Society of America has received a three-year grant to build upon its success in training geriatric social workers. The grant aims to establish a National Center on Gerontological Social Work Excellence, focusing on collaboration with the VA and mobilizing the HGSWI Alumni Network.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that older adults spend less time fixating text and show lower brain activity when using e-readers compared to paper books. This is likely due to better text discrimination on backlit displays, benefiting older readers. No issues with comprehension were reported.
A four-month instructional dance program for Latino seniors aims to increase their level of physical activity, balance, and cognitive function. The BAILAMOS program, led by UIC associate professor David Marquez, seeks to prevent disability among this disadvantaged group.
Research finds older bikers three times as likely to be seriously injured in crashes compared to younger adults. Middle-aged bikers also face increased injury risks, particularly fractures and internal organ damage.
A UCLA-led study found that older adults' general mistrust of the government and AIDS-related conspiracy theories significantly impact their willingness to get tested for HIV. Despite venues offering free testing, 45% of participants had not taken an HIV test in the past year.
Researchers found that easy mood-boosters like candy helped seniors perform significantly better on tests of decision-making and working memory. The study showed that a good mood can help overcome some cognitive declines with aging, providing good news for older adults.
Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have found a link between poor sleep, memory loss and brain deterioration in older adults. Boosting 'slow wave' sleep may help restore memory, suggesting a potentially new treatment avenue for age-related memory loss.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that older adults with hearing loss declined in cognitive abilities 30-40% faster than those with normal hearing. The study, involving 1,984 participants, suggests that hearing loss may be linked to social isolation and brain energy diversion.
A study of 1,984 older adults found that hearing loss was associated with a 41% faster rate of decline in global function and a 32% faster rate of decline in executive function compared to those with normal hearing. Individuals with hearing loss also had a 24% increased risk for incident cognitive impairment.