Articles tagged with Older Adults
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.
A study found that invasive management improves quality of life and reduces major adverse cardiac events in elderly patients with CAD. Patients aged 75 or older with chronic angina benefit from revascularisation procedures.
A study of over 3,000 senior citizens found that some drinking among the elderly may fight age-related brain injuries like silent strokes and white matter disease, but any level of alcohol intake may shrink brain matter. Light drinkers had fewer white matter lesions than abstainers or heavy drinkers.
A recent randomized controlled trial suggests that preventing falls among elderly people remains a challenging task. Despite improvements in adherence to interventions, injuries and subsequent harm persist. Researchers emphasize the need for continued research and practice to address this critical public health issue.
A study found that an oral immune-enhancing nutritional supplement improved preoperative host defence, reduced postoperative infections, and preserved renal function in elderly and high-risk patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass. The supplement contained L-arginine, 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and yeast RNA.
Research by University of Michigan cognitive neuroscientist Patricia Reuter-Lorenz found that older adults activate both hemispheres of the brain to perform memory and information processing tasks. This bi-hemispheric processing may help compensate for age-related short-term memory and mental speed declines.
A recent Duke University Medical Center study found that women and the elderly remain underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials, with only 25% of trials including women and 9% including patients over 75 years old. This underrepresentation undermines evidence-based care for all cardiac patients.
A study found that physical maladies such as diminished energy and sleep disturbances can reliably indicate depression in the elderly. However, symptoms like work inhibition and weight loss are poor discriminators of depression in older adults due to factors like aging process and ill health.
A large-scale population study found that low cholesterol concentrations were associated with higher death rates among elderly people. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,500 men aged 71-93, suggested that long-term persistence of low cholesterol concentration increases the risk of death.
A study found that two nutritional screening approaches, one for identifying hospitalization risk and another for detecting warning signs of poor health, were comparable in recognizing elderly at risk. The screenings assessed factors such as weight change, eating habits, medication use, and functional limitations.
A 10-year study of elderly Dutch men found that those who consumed the most black tea had a significantly lower death rate from ischemic heart disease. High catechin intake was associated with healthy lifestyle practices, such as a balanced diet and regular activity.
The UCSF program will support senior-level nurses in executive roles with $45,000 over three years to develop key leadership competencies. The focus is on addressing complex issues in healthcare through a comprehensive leadership project and mentorship.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology finds that family caregiving for elderly patients with cancer translates to an average yearly cost of $1,200 per patient and about $1 billion nationally. Informal care is often overlooked when estimating total costs of cancer treatment.
A study found that nutrient-dense food supplementation significantly lowered serum homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels, indicating a reduction in cardiovascular risk. However, exercise had no effect on neuropsychological functioning or nutritional health in frail elderly subjects.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that elderly women with disabilities receive significantly fewer hours of informal home care than their male counterparts. Despite being the traditional family caregivers, these women often go unmet due to sociocultural factors.
A study found that disabled elderly women receive approximately 15.7 hours of informal home care per week, compared to 21.2 hours for men, and are more likely to rely on children for support. Married disabled women also tend to receive fewer hours of informal care from their spouses.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that older adults who feel they have control over valued roles tend to adopt healthier behaviors and live longer. The study suggests that maintaining a sense of control over the most important role can help prevent premature death.
A Yale University study found no correlation between household hazards and elderly falls, contradicting common wisdom. Instead, researchers recommend targeting proven methods like increasing muscle strength, improving gait and balance, and proper medication management.