Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
A recent study analyzed patients treated with Keppra and found it to be well-tolerated and more effective in the oldest age group, those 60 years and older. The rate of epilepsy occurring in the elderly is twice that of people under 65, making treatment challenging due to multiple health conditions and medications.
Late-life anemia significantly increases the risk of death and hospitalization in older adults, regardless of underlying conditions. Anemia affects about 13% of people over age 70, with approximately 30% cases remaining unexplained.
A study of 33 elderly men with advanced prostate cancer found that external beam radiation therapy was well-tolerated and effective in keeping the cancer at bay. The patients experienced no unusual interruptions in treatment due to illness from radiation, and many remained alive and disease-free for several years.
A nationally representative sample of 7,889 men aged 75+ reported undergoing PSA screening tests, with 32.5% of elderly men screened in the past year. This highlights concerns about physicians suggesting unnecessary screenings to patients.
A new study reveals that vitamin D levels predict the risk of falls among women, with 45% of nursing home residents suffering from deficiency. Vitamin D supplements are proposed as a solution to prevent falls and related health issues.
A study found that nearly 70% of women aged 50-64 and 40% of those 85-90 had received mammograms in the last two years, despite limited benefits. The research suggests that over-screening can be costly and wasteful, particularly for healthy individuals.
A study found that people with Alzheimer's disease show increased activation in the default network, a set of interconnected brain areas responsible for passive mental processes. This could be an attempt to compensate for memory problems caused by normal aging or Alzheimer's.
A long-term study found that regular physical activity in postmenopausal women is associated with better functional status and fewer physical limitations. The researchers also discovered that consistent physical activity levels over time are crucial for maintaining physical function.
The University of Florida's smart house utilizes computer and sensor technology to provide automatic assistance for elderly residents. The system includes devices that track movement, alert caregivers, and adjust lighting and entertainment systems, aiming to improve the quality of life for aging individuals.
The PATH program encourages interactions between children and older adults, reducing fear and increasing understanding. The program has a positive impact on both generations, with older adults feeling validated and contributing to the lives of younger participants.
The SCOPE study found a significant 42% relative risk reduction in fatal/non-fatal strokes in the Atacand group compared to the control group. The study showed that Atacand offers important clinical benefits by reducing the risk of stroke in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension.
Researchers found that memory-enhancing drugs increase PKA activity in the prefrontal cortex, impairing dynamic working memory in older animals. This suggests that these compounds may exacerbate age-dependent decline in working memory.
The University of Minnesota is receiving a $1 million grant to expand its assisted living services for the elderly using telemedicine technology. The VALUE project will bring healthcare services directly into the homes of elderly people who lack access to affordable care.
A new study highlights the need for improved care of vulnerable older adults with conditions such as bedsores and incontinence. Leech therapy shows promise in relieving pain from osteoarthritis, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
A recent study found that only 17.7% of eligible substance abuse treatment programs provide specialized care for older adults, despite the increasing number of people over 65 in high-risk states like Iowa, Florida, and Arizona. The study highlights the need for developing strategies to manage late-life alcoholism.
A study found that vibrating insoles can significantly improve balance and reduce sway among elderly participants. Younger individuals also showed reduced sway with stimulation, suggesting the potential of noise-based devices to enhance motor control performance.
A recent census study found that white families are less likely to live in extended family households than black families, which has shifted over time. This shift started in the late 1960s and was more pronounced among whites, with a significant decline in intergenerational living compared to blacks.
A randomized, controlled clinical trial found that Tai Chi Chih increased immunity to the varicella zoster virus in older adults at risk for herpes zoster. The study showed significant improvements in both immunity and physical functioning without any negative effects.
A new study finds that tai chi chih significantly increases immune cell levels and improves physical functioning in older adults with shingles. The exercise program was comparable to hip replacement surgery in boosting immunity and reducing symptoms.
A new study has found that a phone support group program helps older adults with HIV/AIDS develop coping skills, reducing stress and suicidal thoughts. The 12-week telephone intervention program appealed to participants who faced barriers in accessing traditional support groups or counseling services.
A new study by the American College of Physicians found that treating older adults with flu-like symptoms can be cost-effective, but preventing them through annual vaccinations is more beneficial. Vaccination decreases hospitalization needs and mortality rates, making it the best strategy for older adults.
Two new studies found that elderly lung cancer patients benefit equally from aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment, contradicting common assumptions. Fit elderly patients should be fully briefed on treatment options, including potential risks and benefits. The studies suggest presenting the full range of treatment options to ...
A Canadian study found that appreciation and emotional reactiveness to humor doesn't change with age. However, the ability to comprehend more complex forms of humor diminishes in later years due to decreased cognitive abilities. Older adults still enjoy a good laugh but struggle with understanding nuanced humor.
Studies link early life risk factors to dementia onset and suicidal tendencies in older adults. Drivers Rehabilitation Programs may improve elderly driver safety. Most doctors fail to recognize early signs of Alzheimer's and cognitive impairment in their patients.
Many low-income Medicare beneficiaries will struggle with high drug costs despite new proposals in Congress. Beneficiaries living on $10,000-$20,000 annually face significant financial hardship due to limited coverage and increased out-of-pocket expenses.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that frontal lobe function can impact false memories in older adults. Contrary to common assumption, age-related cognitive decline may be linked to declines in executive control functions rather than memory skills themselves.
A study reveals that elderly humans and patients with Alzheimer's disease exhibit increased T cell reactivity towards Abeta, a protein linked to the aging process. This selective increase in Abeta-reactivity has implications for developing Abeta vaccines and may be connected to disease susceptibility and progression.
A recent CDC study reveals that elderly individuals are at a higher risk of severe complications from dengue infection, including hospitalization and hemorrhagic fever. Clinicians must conduct thorough clinical examinations to avoid delayed diagnosis and treatment, which can lead to further complications.
A mandated food additive to combat high fetal development risks may inadvertently harm seniors due to low levels of vitamin B-12. The condition, which affects nearly half of US deaths annually, has been linked to cardiovascular diseases and mental confusion in some cases.
A new treatment model at Saint Louis University Hospital eliminates traditional methods for caring for elderly patients with delirium. By placing patients in a Delirium Room with constant supervision, the hospital has significantly reduced fall rates and mortality rates.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that middle-aged and older alcoholics are at greater risk for suicide than young alcoholic adults. The researchers also discovered an association between increased age, mood disorders, and medically serious suicide attempts.
Researchers are investigating how exercise affects immune function in older populations, aiming to prevent infections and improve health outcomes. Preliminary data suggests moderate exercise may boost immune function measures and reduce mortality caused by influenza.
The study found significant disparities in self-reported versus diagnosed alcoholism rates among elderly individuals, with certain groups, such as those in poor health or aged 75+, being more likely to be under-diagnosed. The researchers identified key risk factors that can inform targeted screenings and interventions.
Researchers discovered a significant link between obesity and periodontal disease among individuals aged 18-34 years. The association was found to be 76% higher than normal weight individuals in this age group.
A federal task force study has found that there is insufficient data to support the practice of routine dementia screening in primary care settings. The study suggests that the potential benefits of early diagnosis may outweigh the risks, but more research is needed to confirm this.
The world's population is aging rapidly, with a quarter of the US population expected to be over 65 by 2030. Various models of care are discussed, including those in the UK, USA, Germany, and Italy. Governments must take initiative to configure or restructure long-term care, examining social and ethical values and public policies on el...
Researchers argue that age differences in memory studies are influenced by stereotype threat and social contexts. Older adults perform similarly to younger adults when making objective decisions and judging character.
Researchers found lower levels of metabolic activity in mitochondria of older people, underlying insulin resistance. Physical activity can enhance mitochondrial number in muscle through activation of AMP kinase.
A new study by the University of Minnesota found that 8% of nursing home residents were already taking antiepileptic drugs on admission, while another 3% were prescribed them within three months. The study suggests that many primary care providers underestimate the use of these medications among elderly nursing home residents.
A study by Rebecca E. Lee and Abby C. King found that exercise programs can increase physical activity in sedentary older adults. The researchers reported a significant increase in physical activity among women who enrolled in an exercise-focused program compared to those in a nutrition-focused program.
A study has identified that ophthalmology clinics are an ideal setting to screen elderly patients for depression, dementia, and functional impairment. Easy-to-use screening tools have been shown to be effective in identifying at-risk patients and improving healthcare outcomes.
Researchers found that elderly patients often experience a loss of function after hospitalization, with over 50% of those 85 and older experiencing functional decline. This decline can lead to institutionalization, increased burden on caregivers, and higher healthcare costs.
A study of 917 patients found that functional decline was steady and not marked by a sharp point in time, challenging the Medicare hospice model. The researchers suggest that alternative care systems are needed to provide adequate support for frail elderly individuals with progressive decline.
A study of 4,615 elderly individuals found that physical health problems had a greater impact on their health behaviors than mental health issues like depression. Regular contact with healthcare providers may encourage better health practices among this population.
A randomized controlled trial found no change in prescribing patterns among primary care physicians despite enhanced information on benzodiazepine use. Inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing remains a significant concern due to its impact on elderly patients.
A brain scan technique called functional MRI reveals differences between healthy elderly persons and those with poor memory, indicating less effective data storage. This finding has implications for diagnosing normal memory problems versus the early stages of dementia.
A new study published in JAMA found that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of dementia in older adults. The study analyzed data from 373 dementia patients and 373 control subjects, finding that moderate drinkers had a 54% lower risk of dementia compared to abstainers.
The number of ramipril prescriptions for elderly Ontario residents increased significantly after the release of HOPE's results, peaking at 304/100 000 in May 2000. This surge in prescribing was attributed to widespread media coverage of the study's success.
A Pittsburgh study found that even among those with normal weight, excess fat distribution in the body increases insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes risk. The study of elderly men and women with normal glucose tolerance showed that two-thirds of those with type 2 diabetes were not obese.
A new study found that providing integrated medical and health care services can reverse disparities in health outcomes between African Americans and whites. The research, published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, compared health status and survival rates of elderly African American and white participants enrolled in ...
Research suggests that lying awake for long periods and having disrupted sleep patterns increase the risk of death among older adults. Interventions aiming to improve sleep quality may also prolong life and enhance overall well-being in this age group.
Elderly persons who developed dementia showed similar performance in word pair memory tests without semantic link as those without dementia. However, implicit recall tests improved prediction of dementia risk. Researchers recommend using memory tests that also consider semantic and implicit memory.
A study confirms that individuals born more recently have higher rates of alcohol dependence, contrary to the age effect seen in other diseases. The study's findings suggest a potential 'epidemic' of alcoholism among young people, although underreporting and familial factors may also play a role.
A new model of team care, IMPACT, significantly improved depression treatment outcomes in older adults compared to usual care. Patients assigned to IMPACT reported greater reductions in depression symptoms and improvements in daily functioning.
A Canadian study found that older adults tend to remember general facts about life events, while younger adults focus on specific details. The findings may relate to subtle brain differences associated with aging.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that depression is more deadly for men over 70 than women, despite occurring less frequently. Depression was associated with increased mortality rates in men after accounting for other factors, while chronic and remitted depression had no significant impact on mortality rates.
A study found that approximately 13% of elderly individuals had high iron stores, while those consuming more fruit and whole grains had lower risks. The study suggests that a typical Western diet and unsupervised iron supplements may increase the risk of developing chronic disease.
A new set of guidelines, known as Clinical Glidepaths, aims to improve treatment decisions for older adults by considering individual probabilities of life expectancy and function. The 24 paths cover various common problems faced by elderly patients, allowing clinicians to tailor care to each patient's unique needs.
A recent study found significant differences in healthcare quality for elderly individuals across various ethnic groups. Black patients showed greater disparities compared to white patients, while Hispanic women had even more pronounced gaps in breast cancer screening rates than black women. The study highlights the need to address the...
The study found that COX-2 inhibitors led to a substantial increase in NSAID prescriptions and expenditures among elderly patients in Ontario. The listing of these medications had an immediate impact, accounting for 48% of prescriptions and 66% of expenditures for NSAIDs.