Articles tagged with Older Adults
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A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that 434 out of 3,340 older adults screened positive for dementia, but only half received a definitive diagnosis. This highlights the need for improved follow-up care and awareness to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure timely treatment.
As people age, their lenses become four times stiffer, increasing the risk of eye injury. The study recommends using safety systems like seat belts while driving and wearing impact-resistant glasses or protective lenses in sports or work environments.
Researchers extended the lifespan of blood vessel cells from elderly donors, enabling successful culture of engineered blood vessels. This breakthrough advances tissue engineering towards treating vascular disease.
A study found that chronic CMV infection is associated with frailty in older women, particularly those with high levels of inflammatory markers. The research highlights the importance of understanding the causes of frailty and developing potential treatments to improve outcomes for aging populations.
A study shows that ramelteon effectively reduces insomnia symptoms in elderly individuals, targeting the suprachiasmatic nucleus to regulate biological rhythms. Approximately half of older adults experience insomnia at least a few nights per week, affecting an estimated 60 million people in the US.
A study found that resistance training significantly improved blood sugar levels in older Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes. The participants who underwent 16 weeks of resistance training showed a substantial reduction in body fat and increase in muscle mass, similar to the effects seen when weight loss is achieved through other means.
Researchers found that individuals over 80 with active root caries had twice the odds of cardiac arrhythmias. The study suggests that oral health issues in older adults can be a marker of general physical decline and may require serious attention.
Researchers found that high cortisol levels lead to poor memory performance and a smaller hippocampus in older adults. Stress also affects young adults and children, causing reversible memory impairments and higher cortisol levels in low SES children.
A randomized study of 829 older adults found that ramelteon significantly reduced time to fall asleep and showed no rebound insomnia. Ramelteon targets the brain's suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) and has a new mechanism of action, providing an alternative treatment option for insomnia.
Researchers found that primary care providers are equally likely to diagnose and treat depression in older African Americans compared to whites. The study highlights the importance of managing depression in the elderly due to multiple existing illnesses.
A review of nearly 1.8 million people age 52 and older revealed that hospitalized individuals are more likely to commit suicide. Researchers conclude that hospitalization may be a factor in suicidal tendencies among older adults, with women at increased risk.
A new study finds that fear of falling is surprisingly common among middle-aged African-American adults, affecting their activity levels and overall health. The phobia can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, causing individuals to become weaker and more prone to falls.
A study by Debarchana Ghosh found extreme inequality in health care resource availability, with western and southeastern Kansas counties facing significant challenges. The research identified 'high health care resource regions' and 'low or very low health care resource regions,' highlighting the need for policy-makers to address these ...
A four-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms RSV as a substantial burden of disease in adults, similar to influenza A. The study calls for the development of an RSV vaccine for elderly and high-risk adults.
A head-to-head retrospective analysis of 18,000 elderly patients with AMI found that five commonly prescribed statins were equally effective for secondary prevention. The study highlights the need to consider costs when selecting statins.
The study found that mortality decreased over time for both young and old patients, but the risk of postoperative stroke remained unchanged among older patients. Older patients undergoing elective procedures may experience similar outcomes to those of younger patients if there is a clinical need for CABG.
A study found that 1 in 6 elderly patients with clinically important vertebral fractures had unreported osteoporosis diagnoses, highlighting the need for better screening and treatment strategies.
A clinical trial found that elderly patients with locally advanced limited stage small cell lung cancer can benefit from combined modality therapy, with similar two- and five-year survival rates compared to younger patients. However, severe pneumonitis was more common in the elderly group.
A study of 474 older adults found no association between mercury exposure and adverse neurobehavioral effects. The research suggests that low blood mercury levels may not pose a concern for this vulnerable population, requiring further studies to confirm the findings.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that smoking doubles the risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in the UK. The study suggests that up to 30,000 cases of visual impairment may be attributable to smoking, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking and promoting p...
Researchers analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study to assess the number of patients whose health is at risk from being uninsured. At least 23.3% of participants aged 51-57 were uninsured at some point, with a higher proportion in late middle age., Urgent policy measures are needed to expand coverage for this group
This study found that 71 percent of older adults used some form of alternative medicine in 2000, with chiropractor being the most commonly used. The findings suggest that older adults are using alternative medicine due to chronic health issues and dissatisfaction with conventional healthcare.
A long-term study found that lack of regular vigorous physical activity was the strongest predictor of functional decline in older adults with arthritis. Engaging in exercise or physical activity can reduce functional deterioration by up to 32 percent, according to researchers.
Researchers found that older adults are more likely to accept false claims after repeated warnings, highlighting a paradoxical effect of warnings. This phenomenon has important public policy implications for protecting older consumers from scams.
A new study found that drug therapy can be as effective as invasive cardiac procedures for elderly patients with heart attacks. The research analyzed data from over 158,000 Medicare patients and showed that a more intensive medical management style was associated with improved survival, regardless of the level of invasive treatment.
A study found that 19.8% of European home care elderly patients used at least one potentially inappropriate medication, with regional variations and associations with factors like polypharmacy and depression. Differences between Eastern and Western Europe highlight the need for targeted interventions.
A new study finds that treating depression in older adults improves their ability to perform tasks critical to independent living and slows physical decline. The study used collaborative care management and found improved outcomes for patients with late-life depression.
Research suggests that higher education helps older adults compensate for brain pathology and maintain cognitive function by engaging the frontal cortex. The study found a correlation between years of education and increased activity in the frontal lobes of older adults.
A new study by Penn State researchers suggests that elderly residents do not necessarily reduce school tax bases, but policy changes like property tax rebates can decrease spending. The study found that loyal senior citizens willing to pay higher taxes for the school district can support educational funding if they feel an emotional at...
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that spouse caregiving situations are associated with potentially harmful behavior, compromised mental and physical health, and increased mortality risk. Researchers highlight the need for screening and intervention efforts to address this issue.
A study found that over 28% of elderly individuals received potentially inappropriate medications, with women receiving more than men. The use of these medications has not decreased, highlighting the need for further understanding of their rationale.
Researchers found comparable weight loss results in patients over 60 compared to those under 60 undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Both age groups also experienced significant reductions in obesity-related diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
A recent study found no correlation between increasing flu vaccination coverage in the elderly and declining death rates. The authors suggest that this disconnect may be due to disparities in who is likely to receive vaccination, particularly among those with fragile health. This finding has implications for influenza vaccination policy.
A study of 265 pairs of caregivers and care recipients found that spouses are more likely to be abusive when experiencing health problems or caring for a needy spouse. Researchers warn that such situations should trigger screening and intervention efforts to protect the elderly person.
A study by McGill University researchers found that COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx increase the risk of heart attack by 24% in users who have not previously suffered a heart attack. Aspirin use can help mitigate this risk, but only in those taking low doses of Vioxx.
A study of 3,107 older adults found that screening for osteoporosis using a bone density test reduced the incidence of hip fractures by 36% compared to usual medical care. The study provides new evidence for the effectiveness of osteoporosis screening in preventing fractures.
Eating baked or broiled fish regularly has been linked to a reduced risk of stroke in older adults. A study found that consuming broiled or baked fish one to four times per week was associated with a 28-32% lower risk of ischemic stroke, while fried fish and fish sandwiches increased the risk by 37-44%.
A recent study found that most physicians prescribed potentially inappropriate medications for elderly patients, but adding awareness and education led to changes in prescribing practices. The researchers suggest using tools like the Beers criteria to identify these medications and plan interventions to improve elderly care.
Falls are a leading cause of death from unintentional injury in the US, with 7% of households reporting a fall requiring medical attention. Homeowners can take steps to prevent falls by installing protective devices such as grab bars, handrails, and safety gates.
A study of over 1,500 cervical cancer patients found that older women received less surgery and radiation therapy than younger counterparts. Treatment choices were influenced by tumor stage, medical conditions, and advanced age, which independently affected survival rates.
A study of 295 older men found that those who maintained daily physical activity had less cognitive decline than those who reduced or stopped activity. Physical activities of medium-to-low intensity, such as walking three miles per day, were associated with the least cognitive decline.
A study by University of South Florida researchers found that Medicare HMO beneficiaries who underwent colon resection incurred the same overall hospital charges as traditional Medicare patients, despite shorter hospital stays. The study suggests that Medicare HMOs failed to achieve their cost-saving goal in this instance.
A Northwestern University study shows that short-term exposure to social and physical activity improves cognitive performance and subjective sleep quality in older adults. The 14-day program included 90 minutes of daily activity, resulting in a 4-6% improvement in cognitive function.
A study of 1,518 older adults reveals that cumulative trauma across adulthood can worsen health in later years, particularly for those experiencing traumatic events between 18-30 and 31-64 years. Researchers found that younger adults were more affected by adult trauma than childhood adversity.
Researchers at VGTI found that aging mice have greater T cell clonal expansions, which are less effective in fighting disease. This leads to a reduced ability to fight off pathogens, making the immune system less diverse and capable.
A CT scan has identified air trapping as the cause of a puzzling cough among World Trade Center rescue workers. The test, which measures lung airways, reveals abnormalities not detected by standard pulmonary function tests.
The study found that older adults who received mental health treatment benefited considerably, refuting the notion that interventions are less effective for this age group. Mental health problems in later life lead to significant social, economic, and medical costs.
Researchers found that both young and old drivers struggled to detect important changes while using hands-free phones, leading to slower reaction times and increased errors. The impaired reactions were significant enough to pose a danger to drivers.
A three-year study of over 46,000 seniors in Washington state found that peak CAP rates coincide with flu season and are more common among men. Quitting smoking and getting influenza vaccinations can reduce the risk of pneumonia, while other factors like heart problems and dementia increase vulnerability.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that DHEA replacement therapy significantly decreases both visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat in elderly men and women. The therapy also improves insulin action, correlating with the reduction in visceral fat.
Researchers found that DHEA supplementation reduced visceral fat by 10.2% in women and 7.4% in men, improving insulin action and glucose levels. DHEA therapy also decreased subcutaneous abdominal fat by an average of 6%.
A study of 26,071 elderly individuals found that annual influenza revaccination was associated with a reduced mortality risk of 24% compared to first-time vaccination. Revaccination after an interruption resulted in a similar mortality risk reduction as seen after the initial vaccination.
A prospective, longitudinal study found that hospitalization and restricted activity significantly increase the risk of developing disability among older adults. The study, conducted at Yale University, involved monthly phone interviews with over 700 residents aged 70+, revealing that 55% developed disability, with hospitalization and ...
Researchers found that optimists had a 55% lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death compared to pessimists. Optimism was associated with better coping strategies and protected against changes in risk factors that affect cardiovascular disease progression.
A new study from Saint Louis University has found that a standard test for vitamin B12 deficiency may be too insensitive, leading to potential misdiagnosis. The research urges doctors to also test for levels of methylmalonic acid in patients suspected of having the deficiency, which can easily be reversed with treatment.
A study of 354 elderly patients found that 59% experienced cognitive decline immediately after surgery, with declines persisting three months later. The study suggests that early improvement followed by later decline is a common pattern in postoperative cognitive function.
A study found that 31% of acute medical inpatients lack mental capacity, but recognition by clinical staff is low. Increasing age and cognitive impairment are key factors associated with a lack of mental capacity.
A multidisciplinary approach is needed to address elder abuse, directly impacting quality of life and requiring urgent response from healthcare professionals.
The Lancet article highlights the under-reported issue of elder abuse, affecting 2-10% of elderly people and increasing mortality risk by three times. A multidisciplinary approach involving family physicians, nursing, social workers, advocacy organisations, and law enforcement is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
A review article suggests that age-associated executive function decline is due to frontal-striatal circuit changes, while medial temporal lobe memory system decline is more closely linked to Alzheimer's disease. Changes in white matter and neurotransmitter depletion also play a role.