Articles tagged with Older Adults
A study found that high-trauma nonspine fractures in older women and men are associated with low bone mineral density and an increased risk of a subsequent fracture. The researchers analyzed data from two U.S. studies and found that low bone mineral density was strongly associated with high-trauma nonspine fractures.
Researchers found significant improvements in memory gains and perception of cognitive abilities in participants who completed a computer-based brain fitness program, surpassing traditional educational training.
A population-based study found that having a primary physician and high continuity of care lowered emergency department use among elderly patients. Additionally, rural residence, low socioeconomic status, and higher physician-to-population ratio were associated with increased emergency department use.
Researchers tested a pilot program to change older adults' beliefs about aging, resulting in increased physical activity and improved mental health-related quality of life. The program, which combined attribution retraining with weekly exercise classes, showed significant increases in walking levels and age-expectation survey scores.
A recent study found that CT colonography is effective in detecting new and significant abnormalities outside the colon, including cirrhosis and tumors, in elderly patients. The study also showed that a high percentage of patients had at least one malignancy, with extracolonic malignancies being more common than previously thought.
Using donated kidneys from older donors with health conditions can alleviate organ shortage among older adults, reducing waiting times and improving survival rates. Patient survival rates were similar across age groups, with 91% of patients over 60 receiving ECD kidneys surviving the transplant.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine report a 43% increase in functional impairment among obese adults aged 60+, while overall odds of ADL impairment decreased for non-obese populations. Obesity's quality-of-life effects may be deteriorating, highlighting the need to prevent disability.
A recent study found that expanded criteria non-beating-heart kidney transplants from ECD donors are not suitable for elderly patients with ESRD. The risk of graft loss and death was significantly higher in these patients compared to brain-dead SCD donors.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that older adults' ability to engage multisensory attention remains intact with age. Despite previous research suggesting otherwise, the study showed that older adults can speed up and slow down their brain's processing of relevant information, similar to younger adults.
A study published in Journal of Vascular Surgery found increased aortic arch calcium content and complex arch morphology are associated with higher risk of embolization during carotid artery stenting in patients over 75. This may lead to the use of alternative techniques to reduce risk.
University of Illinois scientist Karen Chapman-Novakofski conducted a nutritional study in Botswana, revealing that the elderly lack variety in their diet and have limited access to milk, fruits, and vegetables. The research aims to inform policy changes and support healthy eating habits for this vulnerable population.
Elderly patients with DVT are less likely to present typical symptoms and receive treatment outpatient. Researchers suggest that these patients represent a high-risk group due to the combination of DVT and COPD.
A retrospective cohort study found that elderly patients who started dialysis between 1990 and 1999 experienced significant improvements in survival rates. Patients aged 65-74 years at the start of dialysis showed a 23% improvement in survival, while those aged 75 or more saw a 15% gain.
The EU-funded sleep research project has investigated the effects of partial sleep loss on human health, finding that individuals' ability to perform complex tasks decreases with restricted sleep. The study also revealed changes in the immunological system, including increased C-reactive protein levels.
A new UCLA study found that vulnerable elderly patients enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid received only 65% of recommended tests and treatments, indicating significant room for improvement. The study examined quality of care for common conditions such as depression, diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure.
New studies support continued colorectal cancer screening among healthy elderly Americans, with screenings leading to earlier stage of CRC diagnosis and improved survival. Researchers found that adenomas were detected more frequently in older patients, and asymptomatic patients had significantly improved survival rates.
A new systematic review of trials comparing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) found that survival to 10 years was similar between the two procedures. CABG was more effective in relieving angina, but had a higher risk for procedural stroke, while PCI led to more repeated revasculari...
Researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine and Regenstrief Institute advocate for collaborative dementia care model that extends beyond primary care doctor's office into patients' homes and communities.
A 20-week randomized trial found that perindopril improved exercise capacity and maintained health-related quality of life in elderly participants. The degree of improvement was equivalent to that reported after 6 months of exercise training.
The USC team aims to design visual displays that enhance certain parts of an image to help people with AMD digest visual information better. They will use techniques from computer vision and computational neuroscience to build visual displays that compensate for neural loss.
A study of 447 patients with multiple myeloma found that thalidomide improved overall survival and response rates compared to standard chemotherapy. The MPT regimen was associated with significantly better outcomes, making it a potential new treatment option for elderly patients.
A large-scale study of 2,889 older women found that poorer sleep is associated with worse physical function during the day. Women who slept less than six hours per night walked slower and took longer to complete daily activities. Maintaining good sleep hygiene is crucial for optimal daytime function in older adults.
A survey of elderly Spaniards found poor knowledge about cancer, with many believing it's contagious or a punishment. The study highlights the importance of improving cancer education programs for older adults.
Researchers from NIH identify sources of bias in previous studies, suggesting strategies to reduce severe influenza outcomes among the elderly. The authors emphasize the need for better flu vaccines and new approaches, including antiviral drugs and targeted vaccination for high-risk individuals.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases report highlights frailty selection bias and non-specific trial endpoints as reasons behind the exaggeration. Few trials have included elderly people, especially those aged at least 70 years, which accounts for three-quarters of all influenza-related deaths.
The increasing elderly population will pose significant challenges in cancer care, including inadequate training of healthcare professionals and inappropriate ageist attitudes. Improved technology may help address some issues, but a digital divide and escalating costs threaten the accessibility of cancer treatment.
Decreased inhibitory ability in late adulthood can lead to prejudice, social inappropriateness, depression, and gambling problems. Poor inhibition also predicts increased rumination, leading to depression. Scheduling social activities earlier in the day may help mitigate these issues.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that urbanization significantly increases the risk of major depressive disorder among elderly Nigerians. The study also highlights a significant gap in treatment for this condition, with only 37% of lifetime cases receiving any form of treatment.
As China's population reaches 336 million over 60 by 2030, the country faces a growing burden of care for senior citizens. The one-child policy may leave some older Chinese without a family member to care for them, forcing them to rely on limited caregivers or facilities.
The UK Human Rights Act's implementation has been criticized for providing little more than lip service to the human rights of elderly people in care. Despite acknowledging good care, a parliamentary report highlights a lack of understanding among service providers and policymakers about the act's principles.
The first comprehensive national survey of older adults' sexual attitudes and behaviors found that most people ages 57-85 consider sex an important part of life. However, nearly half reported at least one sexual problem, including lack of desire, vaginal dryness, or erectile dysfunction.
A comprehensive survey found that most older adults (57-85) are sexually active and view intimacy as crucial to life, but face high rates of 'bothersome' sexual problems. Healthier individuals report more frequent sex, with physical health playing a stronger role than age.
A study suggests that 20 weeks of Taiji exercise can increase antibody response to influenza vaccine in older adults. The study found that the Taiji group had higher antibody responses and a greater percentage of participants achieved protective levels compared to the control group.
Researchers concluded that warfarin reduces stroke risk by 52% compared to aspirin in patients over 75 with atrial fibrillation. The study found no significant increase in bleeding risks associated with warfarin use.
Researchers found that mobility is a key factor impacting quality of life for older adults. Interventions targeting mobility limitations may improve HRQOL and overall well-being among seniors at risk for disability. The study highlighted the need to develop effective interventions to preserve or improve mobility in this population.
A diet rich in protein may help slow the deterioration of elderly people's muscles. Researchers found that both young and elderly volunteers experienced increased muscle protein synthesis after consuming a moderate amount of protein-rich food. This is crucial for maintaining health, independence, and preventing muscle loss.
A Michigan Medicine study found that half of seniors have geriatric conditions affecting daily living, such as falls and incontinence. The study highlights the need for clinicians to address these common conditions, which can lead to disability if left untreated.
The Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial (HYVET) found that lowering blood pressure significantly reduces both stroke and mortality in patients aged 80 and over. The trial, which began in 2001, involved 3,845 patients from across the world and stopped early due to significant reductions in overall mortality.
Elizabeth Stine-Morrow's "Dumbledore hypothesis" suggests that aging adults can compensate for age-related cognitive changes by allocating effort differently. Older readers with good comprehension spend more time building a 'situation model' and pausing to integrate new information.
Older adults experience cognitive decline that affects their ability to comprehend humor, according to Washington University researchers. However, this decline does not mean they cannot understand humor, and previous experiences, preferences, and personality play a significant role in humor comprehension.
A new study found that hip and knee replacements are rarely performed in patients over 100 due to concerns about short-term life expectancy. However, the research suggests that these procedures should not be denied solely based on age and that the benefits may outweigh the risks.
A new study found that racial disparities play a significant role in the development of disability among older adults with arthritis. The study, which included over 7,200 respondents, showed that African Americans and Hispanic/Spanish groups experienced significantly higher rates of disability compared to whites.
Research suggests that older adults with poor health literacy have a higher risk of mortality compared to those with adequate literacy. The study found that individuals with lower education levels had poorer health outcomes, including increased rates of cardiovascular disease deaths.
The Lancet Series explores inappropriate prescribing in elderly people, with evidence suggesting overprescription of drugs and inadequate patient involvement. Drug-drug interactions are also a significant concern, with 46% of elderly outpatients at risk of potentially significant interactions.
Researchers suggest using insecticide-treated bed nets for adults and older children to protect against malaria. The strategy could substantially enhance protection of vulnerable groups by reducing mosquito transmission.
Sweden's baby boom highlights the need for efficient care services for older adults in the US, with a focus on moderate needs. The country's system of local, service-based care helps keep seniors independent longer.
Research abstract finds self-reported sleep complaints among the elderly increase the risk of completed suicide. Poor sleep quality, independent of depression, predicts an increased risk for eventual death by suicide.
A new study found that even slightly abnormal pre-operative red blood cell counts can increase the risk of death or cardiac events after major non-cardiac surgery. Researchers analyzed data from 310,311 veterans and found that maintaining a normal red blood cell count may be beneficial for elderly patients facing surgery.
A new study found that both newer atypical and older conventional antipsychotics are associated with increased mortality in older adults with dementia. The risk appears to be highest for conventional antipsychotics.
A Pitt School of Medicine study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that adding a medication to a standard treatment regimen for major depressive disorder in the elderly improves chances of recovery. The study showed that recovery rates increased from 40% to 60% when adding a second drug to the treatment.
Researchers found that a 45-minute walk restores the muscle-growth-stimulating effects of insulin to levels comparable to those seen in normal young adults. This breakthrough suggests that moderate aerobic exercise may slow the rate of muscle loss in aging.
A replication study found that financial resources, health, and meaning in life positively influence quality of life. Emotional support, companionship, and intimacy also play a significant role in enhancing quality of life among older adults.
A recent study showed that exercise, specifically resistance training, can reverse the genetic fingerprint of aging in healthy senior citizens. After six months of twice-weekly resistance training, older adults' mitochondrial function and muscle strength improved significantly, with some even surpassing those of younger adults.
Researchers found that older adults with a history of excess weight in midlife or earlier had worse physical performance than those who were normal weight throughout adulthood. Maintaining healthy weight may prevent or delay physical disability as we age.
Research suggests that older-adult dieting won't lead to reduced physical function, with women losing muscle but maintaining aerobic fitness and strength. Weight regain also doesn't negatively impact physical performance, as long as the regained weight is not excessive fat.
A University of Alberta study found that seniors are being stereotyped as grouchy and inflexible, with caregivers holding misconceptions about aging and Alzheimer's disease, while most seniors are adaptable and seldom angry. The study highlights the need for more education about aging and dementia to promote positive care.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded new Hartford Doctoral Fellowships to eight outstanding doctoral students to support their research in geriatric social work. The fellowships include a $50,000 dissertation grant and matching support from home institutions.
Research suggests that older adults excel in situations where they rely on emotions and past experiences, but struggle when faced with unfamiliar information. The study highlights the importance of tailoring advice to the individual's cognitive abilities.
A study by Ohio University researchers found that one-third of sexually active older adults with HIV/AIDS have unprotected sex. The study suggests that more prevention efforts may be needed to target this specific group.
A study of 4,681 older adults found that chronic depression can cause Type 2 diabetes, even after adjusting for lifestyle factors. The study suggests that high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, may be the culprit behind this link.