Articles tagged with Older Adults
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A landmark study by NC State University researchers found that African-American seniors with sleep trouble have poorer memory performance. The study of 174 subjects aged 65-90 suggests that identifying and treating sleep difficulties may help preserve cognitive functioning.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry has found that restless nights significantly increase the risk of depression recurrence in older adults. The research suggests that sleep disturbances can act as a precursor to another attack of depression, even in individuals who have not experienced symptoms before.
Nearly 20% of octogenarians studied had dysphonia, while 14% experienced painful swallowing. Despite expressing interest in treatment, many seniors lacked awareness and received inadequate care from primary care physicians. The study highlights the need for better education to improve quality of life outcomes.
A retrospective cohort analysis involving over 280,000 patients found that statin use was associated with a 28% increased risk of postoperative delirium in elderly patients. The study also revealed that longer surgeries and age over 70 years increased the risk of delirium.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center developed a minimally invasive procedure to bypass narrowed aortic valves in high-risk elderly patients. The study showed that this procedure can be performed safely without stopping the heart and offers effective treatment for those who were previously considered too frail for s...
A study found that an audio relaxation program lowered blood pressure more than listening to Mozart music in a group of elderly people with high blood pressure. The program used binaural sound and guided relaxation techniques to lower systolic blood pressure by 6.4% compared to a 5% reduction from Mozart music.
A study found that older problem gamblers are three to four times more likely to harm themselves than younger counterparts. They prefer non-strategic games, which may accelerate the downward spiral of gambling problems.
A study by Brandeis University suggests that age-related differences exist in how people view their past, present, and future expectations. Younger adults tend to be more optimistic about their future, while older adults are more realistic and accurate in their predictions.
Dr. Torke, an assistant professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, will conduct a large study on surrogate decision making for hospitalized older adults. The two-year, $200,000 award is sponsored by the John A. Hartford Foundation and supports physician-scientists focused on improving healthcare for older adults.
A study published in Neurology found that taking cholesterol-lowering drugs after a stroke or mini-stroke lowers the risk of another stroke in both young and elderly individuals. The study involved over 4,700 participants aged 18 and older, with significant reductions in LDL 'bad' cholesterol levels.
A study found that older adults with insomnia are less sensitive to changes in skin temperature, making it harder for them to detect when their body is too hot or cold. Warming the skin can facilitate sleep onset despite this decreased sensitivity.
A study found that older adults who slept more during rehabilitation had less functional recovery and took longer to recover. The study suggests that interventions to improve sleep patterns may promote functional recovery in older adults.
Researchers analyzed data from over 700 elderly patients and found no significant reduction in all-cause mortality among those vaccinated against flu. Despite initial reports of a large mortality benefit, the study controlled for various variables and concluded that any potential benefit was small and statistically non-significant.
A study analyzing prescription data found that anti-psychotic drug use increased by 20% among elderly patients with dementia after safety warnings were issued. The warnings, issued between 2002 and 2007, aimed to reduce the risk of stroke or death associated with these drugs.
A University of Chicago study found that over 13% of elderly Americans experience mistreatment, with verbal and financial abuse being the most prevalent forms. The study also revealed wide variations in mistreatment depending on age and ethnicity.
A recent study found that elderly trauma patients are undertriaged and less likely to be transported to trauma centers compared to younger patients. The study suggests that unconscious age bias among emergency medical services personnel may contribute to this disparity.
A study found that older adult dementia caregivers have significantly worse sleep patterns than non-caregivers, with less total sleep time and increased daytime sleepiness. Caregivers also reported lower subjective sleep quality and higher depressive symptom scores.
A study found that older runners were less likely to become disabled and may survive longer than non-runners. Regular exercise, including running, was associated with improved health outcomes, including lower levels of inflammatory markers and better cognitive function.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine tracked 500 older runners for over 20 years, finding that regular running delays disability and reduces the risk of early death. The study's findings support the theory that 'comparing morbidity' - compressing the period of declining health - can extend high-quality life.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that eating broiled or baked tuna and other fish high in omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent silent brain infarcts, which are associated with dementia and stroke. The risk was lower for those who ate these types of fish regularly.
Researchers analyzed 1173 cases of community-acquired pneumonia and found that flu vaccination was not associated with a reduced risk. The study suggests that the vaccine may not be effective in reducing influenza infection in elderly individuals at risk of pneumonia.
A study by Indiana University researchers reveals a significant communication gap between older adults and their surgeons, with only half of concerns discussed during consultations. This mismatch can lead to poorly tailored treatment recommendations, emphasizing the need for effective communication.
A new study found that a protein produced by fat cells may increase the risk of heart attack in older adults. Adiponectin levels were associated with a higher risk of heart disease events, particularly among those with high levels.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that Ritalin, used for Attention Deficit Disorder, can improve seniors' cognitive abilities and gait, cutting the risk of serious falls. The study suggests using Ritalin to reduce fall risk in older adults by targeting cognitive deficits.
A new study reveals that treating overweight or obese elderly individuals costs Medicare 6-17% more over a lifetime than treating those with a healthy weight. This translates to an extra $15,000 for overweight individuals and $26,000 for obese individuals.
Researchers at Yale University found that fall prevention educational campaigns and interventions can reduce elderly falls by 11%, resulting in fewer hip fractures and head injuries. The study suggests that embedding fall risk assessment and management into clinical practice can lead to significant cost savings.
A University of Georgia study found that participating in a walking exercise program can decrease elderly disability risk by 41% and increase physical function by 25%. The study also showed that walking increased aerobic capacity by 19% compared to a control group.
Researchers found that a higher MMSE score threshold of 27 can more effectively detect dementia in highly educated older adults. This new criterion may facilitate early detection and timely treatment of the disease.
Dr. Greg Sachs is conducting a two-year pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating an outpatient palliative care program for patients with dementia into primary care practices. The goal is to provide improved symptom management, enhanced family support, and assistance with difficult decision making.
Older adults with severe hip or knee osteoarthritis who undergo joint replacement surgery experience significant improvements in osteoarthritis symptoms, with most patients returning to regular activities within a month. The study's findings support the use of joint replacement as an option for older adults with severe osteoarthritis.
A recent study found that older adults are less likely to commit the sunk-cost fallacy, instead viewing situations from a balanced perspective. This allows them to recognize that past investments cannot be recovered by continuing to invest time.
Research from the Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial (HYVET) found that reducing blood pressure can lead to a significant reduction in dementia risk. The study, which included over 3,300 participants, showed that antihypertensive treatment was associated with a 13% lower incidence of dementia.
Researchers found that coronary arterial calcium scans can detect overall death risk in elderly adults, predicting those likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. The study validated the use of CT scans to assess death risk, enabling physicians to advise patients on lifestyle changes and preventive measures.
A new screening tool, Everyday Cognition (ECog), evaluates basic mental functioning in everyday activities, revealing potential cognitive impairment. The ECog helps clinicians identify individuals at risk for developing dementia, enabling earlier diagnosis and intervention.
A study of 506 healthy older adults found that subtle neurological abnormalities are associated with increased disability, depression, and cognitive decline. Those with three or more such abnormalities were more likely to die or experience a stroke over eight years.
Researchers found that subtle neurological abnormalities in disability-free older adults can predict cognitive and functional declines. The study used standardized neurological exams to devise a scale measuring these abnormalities, providing evidence for the value of standard neurological exams in predicting future brain health.
Researchers found that older adults are just as socially satisfied as younger counterparts, contrary to conventional wisdom. The study suggests that older adults' perception of their experiences brings them more satisfaction, enabling them to find uplift in everyday life.
Researchers found that actively engaging in health control strategies can prevent chronic health problems and functional limitations in older adults. The study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that these strategies may be particularly effective in preventing decline during the early stages of physical aging.
A study of 28 spousally bereaved seniors found significant sleep disruption, with grief-related differences in alertness and reduced daytime regularity. The research highlights the importance of maintaining good sleep hygiene to mitigate the negative effects of disturbed sleep on mental health.
A new study published at SLEEP 2008 found strong associations between disturbed rest/activity rhythms and mortality rates in older, community-dwelling men. The research, which included 3,053 men aged 67 years and older, showed that those with lower amplitude (i.e., weaker) rhythms had higher mortality rates than those with stronger rhy...
A study of 2,226 women aged 60 found that fewer complaints of sleep maintenance insomnia and less daytime napping were associated with successful aging. The research highlights the importance of good sleep for healthy aging, suggesting healthcare professionals should prioritize sleep improvement.
A study of 3,000 older men found that disrupted rest and activity biological rhythms were associated with a higher risk of death. Men with more robust rest/activity rhythms had lower mortality rates, highlighting the importance of regular sleep routines for health and longevity in older adults.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are enhancing motion-capture technology to benefit older adults, enabling frequent assessment of physical function and improving exercise effectiveness and safety. The technology preserves privacy while providing valuable insights for healthcare providers.
A study found that bright lighting reduced cognitive deterioration by 5% and improved functional limitations by 53%. Melatonin also improved sleep and reduced depressive symptoms. The combination of light and melatonin had a positive effect on mood, while individual use of melatonin was associated with adverse effects.
A unique case study found a 115-year-old woman had an essentially normal brain with little evidence of Alzheimer's disease. The findings question the inevitability of cognitive decline in elderly individuals and suggest potential for preserving brain function.
A pilot study showed that older adults with early memory decline who drank Concord grape juice daily experienced improved list learning and trends of short-term retention and spatial memory. The study, led by Robert Krikorian, found significant benefits in cognitive function.
A new study found that elderly men with higher IGF-1 bioactivity have a significantly lower mortality rate compared to those with low bioactivity. The researchers used a new method to measure IGF-1 function, which revealed the association between high circulating IGF-1 bioactivity and extended survival.
Researchers found that short-term use of antipsychotics in older adults with dementia increases the risk of hospitalization or death. Atypical and conventional antipsychotics both carry a significant risk of serious adverse events, with the former being three times more likely to cause harm than the latter.
A study published in The Lancet found that metabolic syndrome increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in elderly individuals. However, it was not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Instead, individual components of metabolic syndrome were linked to a higher risk of new-onset diabetes.
A new study by the American Urological Association finds that elderly men experiencing moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms are significantly more likely to fall. Symptoms such as urinary urgency and nocturia increase the risk, highlighting the need for precautions to prevent falls.
A randomized clinical trial found that anti-inflammatory drugs celecoxib and naproxen had no effect on cognitive function in older adults with a family history of Alzheimer's disease. In fact, naproxen may have a slightly detrimental effect, according to the study published in Archives of Neurology.
A significant difference in sleep disturbances was found between Alzheimer patients and their caregivers. Poor sleep quality was linked to various health problems such as depression, daytime sleepiness, and increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
A study found that older adults with higher levels of nighttime fragmentation, respiratory symptoms, diabetes, and pain were more likely to nap. Naps can be a reflection of needed sleep, suggesting that health problems may be contributing to disrupted nighttime sleep.
A study by Rush University Medical Center found that elderly patients with chronic illnesses who receive virtual care from a team of medical experts make fewer emergency room visits. This coordinated approach also improves patients' understanding of their medications and enhances communication between physicians.
Researchers found that lower wealth is associated with increased stroke risk up to age 65, while wealth is not a predictor of stroke beyond age 65. This study suggests that addressing the large wealth gap at age 50-64 may help reduce disparities in stroke incidence.
A University of Chicago study reveals that older adults are more socially engaged in their communities, despite popular stereotypes. Many people in this age group volunteer, attend religious services, and spend time with neighbors on a weekly basis.
Elderly patients over 70 years old benefit from frequent mammograms, which can detect breast cancers earlier and reduce surgical procedures. The study found that 19 of 24 cases of breast malignancy were initially identified on screening mammography.
A new University of Michigan study finds major gaps in hospice care availability across the US, attributed to low Medicare funding and reliance on charity. The study shows that communities with lower average incomes and education levels have fewer hospices, while areas with higher incomes and educated populations have more.
A recent Geisinger study found that reviewing patient files in the Electronic Health Record reduces elderly patients' use of psychoactive medications linked to increased fall risk. This decrease in medication usage has the potential to significantly reduce falls among the elderly, a major cause of injury and death.
A nine-week Iyengar yoga program improved elderly females' stride speed, flexibility, and single-leg stance. Participants experienced increased confidence in walking and balance, as well as reduced pain in some cases. The study suggests that yoga can help reduce the risk of falls by improving balance and stability.