Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
Researchers found that high-performing elderly adults showed significantly more bilateral activity in the prefrontal cortex compared to low-performing older adults and young adults. This suggests the possibility of using training or drugs to enhance cognitive function in the elderly by increasing brain recruitment.
Researchers found that marked crosswalks increase the risk of injury for older adults, who face a 3.6 times greater risk when crossing at intersections without traffic signals or stop signs. The study suggests that older pedestrians should avoid relying on marked crosswalks and instead use signals or signs to identify safe crossing areas.
A study involving 83 elderly women found that patients with depression, limited autonomy, and institutional living are at risk of toxicity and reduced treatment effectiveness. Dr. Gilles Freyer's research aims to evaluate risks and benefits for elderly patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
A severe shortage of geriatric-trained nurses and healthcare professionals threatens the well-being of older Americans, with only a few percent of RNs certified in geriatrics. The authors call for increased investment in geriatric education and training across all healthcare disciplines.
Researchers at Stanford University have tested the effectiveness of mirtazapine, a non-tricyclic antidepressant, against paroxetine in treating depression in elderly patients. Mirtazapine was found to be equally effective as paroxetine but with fewer side effects and improved onset of action.
A large study of older adults with heart failure found that those with diastolic heart failure had significantly higher mortality rates than those with systolic heart failure. Diastolic heart failure, which affects the heart's main chamber filling with blood, has a much higher prevalence among elderly patients and is responsible for mo...
A survey of 3,457 Americans found that elderly Medicare beneficiaries experience better satisfaction with their coverage, including improved access to care and reduced out-of-pocket costs. In contrast, privately insured individuals reported more problems with accessing necessary services and paying medical bills.
A new study by Cornell University finds that women who care for spouses are more likely to retire earlier, while men who are caregivers delay their retirement. The study, which analyzed data from over 700 employees and retirees, highlights the significant impact of caregiving on retirement decisions.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a prehabilitation program improved balance, muscle strength, and mobility in physically frail elderly individuals. The program, which included physical therapy and resistance band exercises, significantly reduced disability scores compared to a health education group.
A Yale University study found that a 6-month exercise program improved muscle strength, balance, and mobility in physically frail elderly people. The program also reduced disability scores by 45% and nursing home use among participants.
Researchers highlight the importance of selecting an antiemetic with low potential for drug interactions in elderly cancer patients. Granisetron, a 5HT3 receptor antagonist, is considered a safe choice due to its low risk of cardiovascular toxicity and adverse interactions.
Leading oncology experts emphasize the need for additional research among elderly cancer patients with co-morbid conditions and those taking multiple medications. They advocate for equal access to treatment options as younger patients, highlighting a lack of focus on this critical patient population.
A shortage of geriatric doctors and nurses poses a significant challenge to the aging population in the US. With only 9,000 geriatric doctors currently available out of 20,000 needed, the authors suggest that students in health professional education programs should have required content in caring for older adults.
A recent study published in JAMA found that ginkgo biloba provides no measurable benefit in memory, attention, or concentration in healthy older adults. The study, conducted by researchers at Williams College, tested the effects of ginkgo on memory and cognitive function in 230 volunteers over 60.
Dr. Poland urges healthcare providers to improve influenza vaccination rates among the elderly, citing decades-long progress as 'unacceptably slow.' He proposes several strategies to achieve universal vaccination, including standing-order programs and reimbursement by Medicare.
Participants with lower physical functioning experienced rapid progress toward higher functional levels after taking Tai Chi classes. Additionally, those with lower health perceptions and depression reported more significant improvements in physical function.
A new study published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that exercising boosts the confidence of older adults. By promoting fitness-related variables like weight, energy and eating habits, public health interventions can help build confidence to continue exercising, leading to long-term behavioral change.
A study of over 600 elderly women found that low hemoglobin levels are associated with a significant increase in the risk of mobility problems, such as difficulty walking or climbing stairs. The findings suggest that mild anemia may be a significant health issue for older women.
The AT1-receptor blocker Atacand significantly reduces non-fatal strokes in elderly patients with mild hypertension while maintaining cognitive function. Lowering blood pressure also shows no significant increase in cognitive decline or dementia risk.
An undergraduate student can win a $4,000 scholarship and travel stipend to the Gerontological Society's Annual Meeting. The award is based on academic performance and must be nominated by faculty from their institution.
Researchers at University of Illinois found that physically active older adults perform better in executive control tasks, which require more conscious effort. The study suggests increased physical activity is beneficial for older adults, improving their cognitive functioning and reaction time.
A study found that elderly patients with multiple prescription medications have difficulty identifying them, dosages, frequencies, and indications. The study suggests that this issue may be more widespread among elderly patients who are disoriented or medically unstable.
A recent study by Dr. Mark S. Kaplan and colleagues found that regular physician visits and dental check-ups are strongly associated with lower rates of smoking among older adults. The study analyzed data from the Canadian National Population Health Survey, which surveyed over 73,000 households across Canada.
Researchers found that elderly patients with lymph node involvement in colon cancer experienced a 30% reduction in mortality at five years after diagnosis with both chemotherapy and surgery. This contradicts the common assumption that age is a deterrent for these treatments, allowing doctors and patients to make more informed decisions.
A study by researchers at Ball State found that older adults who performed low-volume, high-intensity resistance training once a week maintained their muscle strength over time. In contrast, those who stopped exercising after three months experienced significant declines in thigh muscle strength and size.
Elderly individuals with untreated systolic hypertension are three times more likely to experience adverse cardiovascular events than those with normal blood pressure. Early treatment for high blood pressure significantly reduces cardiovascular risk, particularly among those free of detectable disease at study entry.
A significant proportion of elderly people in the UK experience poor hearing, with around a quarter failing a whispered voice test. The study highlights challenges in improving detection and management of reduced hearing, as well as increasing ownership and use of hearing aids.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that high levels of homocysteine correlate with lower cognitive test scores and decreased cognitive function in the elderly. Higher plasma concentrations of folate and B-12 were associated with improved cognitive performance.
A new study suggests that vitamin C can increase resting metabolism in older adults by combating oxidative stress, potentially leading to a reduction in age-related weight gain and associated diseases. Higher resting metabolic rates have been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
A new UF study demonstrates improved aerobic capacity in healthy elderly adults following both low- and high-resistance exercise training programs. This challenges the conventional view that strength training is not effective for improving cardiovascular and respiratory performance.
A recent study suggests that statins may inhibit calcium growth on aortic valves in elderly people, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. Researchers found that those taking statins had a 62% lower median rate of calcium accumulation compared to non-statins group.
Researchers found that reducing medication costs by 40% can add up to 90 years of life for heart patients over 75. Lowering prices from average wholesale price (AWP) to 20% below AWP extends life by 63 years, compared to only 48 years at AWP.
A high-protein diet supplemented with calcium and vitamin D was found to increase bone mineral density in older adults. The study showed that higher protein intake, particularly in combination with adequate calcium levels, can promote bone health and reduce the risk of fractures.
A study found that elderly patients' sense of caring, technical proficiency, and office environment are key factors in meeting their medical care expectations. Physicians who connect personally with patients, spend time with them, and demonstrate competence can earn high marks for caring.
A recent study demonstrated that including elderly patients in clinical trials for cancer treatments can produce useful results. The research found that two chemotherapy agents were effective and well-tolerated in metastatic breast cancer patients aged 60 or older.
Researchers found that elderly patients are less likely to undergo invasive procedures such as bypass surgery and angioplasty after age 75. Despite a decline in procedure use among older adults, many elderly patients remain willing to consider these treatments when recommended by their physicians.
Research suggests that older eyewitnesses are more prone to making false identifications, especially those aged over 69. This is particularly concerning for age groups used in identification parades, calling into question the effectiveness of mug-shots in identifying potential criminals.
Researchers found that continuous ACE inhibitor users had a lower average decline in muscle strength and walking speed compared to intermittent users of other antihypertensive drugs. The study suggests that ACE inhibitors could be used to slow physical decline in elderly people without congestive heart failure.
A new index by Yale researcher Sharon Inouye assesses the risk of mortality in elderly populations by identifying high-risk medical diagnoses. The index identifies 10 conditions associated with higher mortality risk within one year of hospitalization.
A new geriatric assessment protocol has been developed by Yale researchers to identify often-overlooked problems in elderly patients, including depression and driving safety issues. The protocol resulted in more recommendations for patients and did not significantly increase clinic visit time.
Research suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help prevent chronic wounds, such as pressure ulcers and venous leg ulcers, in elderly female patients. Studies have shown a 35% lower risk of developing these wounds among HRT recipients.
A study of 289 caregivers found that over 70% reported positive feelings towards caregiving, associated with reduced depression and better self-reported health. Knowledge of these positive aspects can help professionals identify risk factors and needs in caregivers.
A brain imaging study has pinpointed cognitive mechanisms behind age-related memory difficulties and confirmed that certain factors can be reversed with the right guidance. Older adults have underutilized cognitive resources in the left frontal cortex that can be harnessed for more efficient memory processing.
A study of 78 older adults found that chronic, sub-clinical mild depression can suppress immune systems, leading to poorer responses to infections and diseases. The findings suggest that early detection and treatment of even mild depression may be crucial for better health in older adults.
An international study reveals that up to a third of patients with severe heart attacks may not receive reperfusion therapy, despite its well-known benefits. The study highlights variation in treatment practices and identifies factors contributing to underuse, including patient age, medical history, and geographical location.
Elderly women with depression are nearly twice as likely to develop heart failure over a 14-year period. Depression also increases the risk of physical illnesses like hypertension and diabetes that contribute to heart disease.
Researchers will study the effects of aging on the heart and evaluate an endurance exercise-training program's ability to improve diastolic function and serve as a therapy for congestive heart failure. The study aims to identify the precise dose of exercise necessary to restore normal diastolic function.
Researchers investigate the effects of musical training on young children's verbal and writing skills, as well as its potential benefits for older adults' cognitive preservation. The study, led by Dr. Christo Pantev, aims to uncover how musical training modifies brain development and its life-enhancing effects in the elderly brain.
A recent study by UF researchers found that only three out of 64 children's books published since 1985 presented grandparents negatively, while at least one grandparent was actively involved with grandchildren in all the books. The study highlights the positive portrayal of grandparents in modern children's literature, showcasing their...
A study by Cornell University researchers found that factors like poverty, low education, and social isolation are linked to inadequate purchasing power for a nutritious diet. The research also reveals that functional impairments significantly increase the risk of food insecurity among elderly individuals.
The new guidelines recommend increasing use of single antiepileptic drugs before combination therapies, while also addressing special needs for women and older adults. Estimated 2.3 million Americans have epilepsy, with half being female.
A recent study by the San Francisco VA Medical Center found that two-thirds of elderly people who are eligible for nursing home care receive it at home, often from family members. This type of in-home care is estimated to save the government billions of dollars annually.
The study found that 43.4% of elderly heart attack patients are anemic, and those with lower blood counts have higher mortality rates. Blood transfusions significantly reduce mortality risk in these patients, even at higher blood count levels than previously thought.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that elderly subjects had a lower white blood cell count increase after refeeding, indicating impaired immune function. This suggests that poor nutritional status in elderly patients may amplify the risk of infection or disease.
A recent study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that energy consumption from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats enhances memory performance in healthy elderly individuals. The researchers discovered that fat improved attention while protein enhanced recall over time.
A 250-participant study found that exercise programs reduced the risk of disability in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. The results suggest that physical exercise can play a crucial role in maintaining independence and reducing disabilities as people age.
Research finds that treating high-risk older adults with hypertension is more effective at preventing cardiovascular events than those with lower risk levels. The study suggests that doctors should not hesitate to treat patients with multiple risk factors.
A study of 754 older adults found that 76.6% reported restricted activity and women had higher rates than men. The research highlights the need for preventive interventions to improve health and functional status in older women.
The study, conducted by Virginia Tech researchers, analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. It found that regular soft drink consumption was not associated with dental cavities among adolescents, young adults, or older adults.
The University of Michigan School of Nursing is introducing a new concentration in care for frail and elderly patients, addressing the complex needs of this vulnerable population. Students will explore the holistic effects of frailty on physical, psychological, and social aspects of quality of life.