Articles tagged with Older Adults
A new study found that initial prescriptions of benzodiazepines for older stroke survivors often include excessive doses, posing a risk of dependence, falls, and other harmful effects. Guidelines recommend avoiding benzodiazepine prescriptions if possible, but some cases may require limited use under close monitoring.
Older adults exposed to extreme indoor heat showed small reductions in end-exposure core temperature and heart rate when using electric fans. However, these changes were of questionable clinical importance and did not exceed previous suggestions for significance.
The study found an estimated 2.56% of US adults 40 years and older have glaucoma, highlighting the need for public health planning. Disproportionate impact on black individuals underscores the importance of targeted prevention efforts.
A new study found that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in older adults. The Polsenior2 study revealed that middle and high FGF21 levels were associated with increased mortality risk, particularly when adjusted for age, co-morbidities, and blood parameters.
A recent poll found that 74% of people over 50 would not trust health information generated by artificial intelligence. Only 32% of older adults reported it's very easy to find something accurate online. Health systems, academic institutions, and government agencies can use the results to improve health information accessibility.
A cross-sectional study found that as hospital COVID-19 burdens increased, older racial and ethnic minority adults were more likely to die or experience major morbidity. The adverse outcomes were greater in magnitude among minority populations compared to white individuals.
A WSU-led study found that older adults tend to experience more discomfort in high heat, but it doesn't affect their mood as much as younger adults. Emotional responses to heat are highly individualized and moderated by age.
A new clinical model developed by researchers at Uppsala University accurately predicts the risk of hip fractures in the elderly. The model identifies patients at high risk without requiring bone density measurements, allowing for earlier preventive treatment.
A new study found that brain endurance training (BET) improves attention and executive function, as well as physical endurance and resistance exercise performance in older adults. BET outperformed exercise-only training in terms of cognitive and physical performance improvements.
A nationwide clinical trial found that electronic letter-based nudges significantly increased influenza vaccination in young and middle-aged patients with chronic diseases. The results suggest a scalable, cost-efficient strategy to boost public health.
The conference will feature comprehensive coverage of various topics in cardiovascular medicine, including can't-miss sessions. ACC Middle East chapter teams will also compete in the ACC FIT Jeopardy competition.
A recent clinical trial analysis found that patients with truly unmethylated MGMT promoter do not benefit from temozolomide treatment, challenging current treatment protocols. This study aims to transform the treatment landscape for older adults glioblastoma patients by identifying biomarkers for more personalized therapies.
Researchers identify modifiable determinants of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and arterial transit time (ATT) in older adults. A higher BMI was associated with lower CBF and longer ATT, while cardiorespiratory fitness linked to longer ATT in specific brain regions.
A case study of a 65-year-old woman with scurvy highlights the need to consider vitamin C deficiency in patients with restrictive eating patterns and limited social support. Vitamin C deficiency is more common than expected, especially among those with low socioeconomic status or substance use disorders.
A new study found that lower-income adults with Medicare Advantage plans struggling to pay for dental, vision, and hearing services despite coverage. Higher-quality plans had better dental coverage, but not for hearing and vision.
Virginia Tech researchers publish real-time data to better understand what happens when people lose their balance. The study uses wrist-worn voice recorders to capture immediate, self-reported data from participants, providing a more reliable understanding of the circumstances surrounding balance loss among older adults.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine will investigate factors that facilitate or hinder conversations between physicians and patients about medical misinformation. The study aims to develop a toolkit to increase health literacy and counter misinformation among older adults, who are disproportionately affected by hea...
Researchers found that living with dementia in communities with senior centers providing adult day health and social services was associated with fewer hospitalizations and lower Medicare costs. The study suggests that senior centers can minimize healthcare costs and acute care usage among those with dementia.
A new study found significant disparities in at-home test use among older adults, with those having a college degree or higher and higher incomes being more likely to use them. However, Black older adults were less likely to use these tests compared to other racial/ethnic groups.
The new pictograms are designed to make medication instructions clearer and safer for older adults. Developed with a team of researchers and collaborators, the pictograms will be used across public healthcare institutions and pharmacies in Singapore.
A new study presents an innovative curriculum for nursing students, exposing them to geriatric care early in their training with the goal of increasing interest in specializing in care for older adults. The curriculum uses virtual standardized patients, providing a higher level of training and covering knowledge, attitudes, and skills.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that older adults who sustained a traumatic injury were more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias if they experienced falls. The study suggests that completing cognitive screenings in older patients after a fall could help detect dementia sooner.
A University of Sydney-led study found multiple surgeries contribute to memory and brain health issues in older adults, with physical differences observed in brain areas responsible for memory. Cognitive decline is noticeable with each additional surgery.
A new study found that a high body roundness index over 6 years was associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in adults older than 45. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, suggested that BRI may be a valuable predictor of cardiovascular disease risk.
Research finds poor sleep quality directly relates to mortality risk, even before adjusting for lifestyle factors. Dementia is associated with increased mortality risk among individuals with better sleep quality, males, and older White adults.
Researchers found that older adults who were more attuned to their heartbeat were better at spotting liars and phishing emails. This study suggests that training people in body awareness could improve deception detection skills, particularly among the elderly, who lose an estimated $28 billion annually to financial scams.
A new study published in Communications Psychology found that older adults (60+ years) are more susceptible to social influence when making impulsive financial decisions. In contrast, younger adults tend to stick to their original preference even after seeing others opt for the impulsive option.
Older cancer survivors are at a higher risk of stroke, heart attack, and hospital admission for heart failure. Chemotherapy is also linked to elevated rates of these conditions.
A new study found that individuals with low financial knowledge are more likely to expect never retiring. Those who were overconfident in their financial knowledge also fall into this category. The findings suggest that many people who claim to never retire may be unaware of their financial situation and lack a plan for retirement.
A new poll from Michigan Medicine shows that nearly half of people age 50 and older plan to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. However, some older adults with high risk of severe illness appear unlikely to seek the vaccine, highlighting the need for increased encouragement from clinicians and other sources.
A randomized trial of 50 older adults undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty found no difference in pain scores or other outcomes between liposomal bupivacaine and standard bupivacaine. The study suggests that the use of liposomal bupivacaine may not be worth considering for geriatric patients with hip fractures.
ASU has created an Edward R. Roybal Center to develop and adapt technology-enabled lifestyle and behavioral interventions for older adults with cognitive decline. The center aims to help individuals maintain independence while managing challenges of aging.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 studies involving 103,000 participants found that older adults experiencing dizziness are over 60% more likely to fall in the future. The study confirms dizziness as an independent predicting factor for falls.
A randomized clinical trial shows that transitioning insomnia care away from long-term sedatives to cognitive behavioral therapy can be achieved through a mailed, direct-to-patient approach. This method reduces sedative use and improves sleep outcomes in older adults.
Researchers found that cancer survivors with overweight or obesity are more likely to develop a second cancer, especially obesity-related ones. This study highlights the importance of promoting weight management and increasing awareness of second cancers among physicians and cancer patients.
Aging brains struggle to clear out outdated information, leading to slower processing and more frequent forgetfulness. Beta-band neural oscillations play a crucial role in regulating working memory, with older adults showing a stronger link between these oscillations and their ability to delete irrelevant information.
A recent study published in Health Data Science reveals a significant association between socioeconomic status (SES) inequality and the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Individuals with medium and low SES had a 10% and 22% increased risk of AMD, respectively, compared to high SES individuals.
A new study by University of Oklahoma researchers identifies key measurements of brain blood flow and ability to compensate as better predictors of mild cognitive impairment than traditional risk factors. The findings provide hope for preventing or treating memory problems early before they progress to dementia.
Researchers found limited evidence to support antidepressant use in older adults for most pain conditions, highlighting the need for a multidimensional approach and non-pharmacological strategies. Antidepressants were associated with increased negative effects, such as falling and injury, compared to placebo groups.
A new poll shows that 21% of people aged 50 and older used cannabis in the past year, with 12% using it at least monthly. The study highlights potential risks of cannabis use, including risky driving and addiction, as well as the importance of discussing its use with healthcare providers.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that neighborhoods with poorer redlining scores have higher peak summer temperatures and reduced neighborhood walking time for older adults. However, affluent neighborhoods with more favorable built environments showed reduced walking in extreme heat due to alternative transportation options.
Researchers found that varied cognitive training, not repetition, primed older adults to learn a new working memory task. Participants who practiced with multiple working memory activities showed the most improvement on reading span assessments, outperforming those who rehearsed the same task for all four weeks.
A new study found that RSV vaccination programs targeting older adults with underlying health conditions are more likely to be cost-effective than general age-based strategies. Vaccinating people aged 70 years and older with chronic medical conditions is likely to be cost-effective based on commonly used cost-effectiveness thresholds.
A Singapore University of Technology and Design study identified key factors that influence a neighbourhood's walkability, including pedestrian safety, covered walkways, and opportunities for social interaction. The research aims to aid urban planners in creating people-centric built environments that promote healthier lifestyles.
A new study found that skin cancer incidence in young adults declined in Sweden around 2015. The decrease in incidence and mortality is attributed to increased awareness of sun protection, reduced access to sunbeds, and changes in lifestyle habits such as spending more time indoors. The study suggests that continued emphasis on sun pro...
A new study reveals a significant correlation between entorhinal cortex thickness and financial exploitation vulnerability, a potential early indicator of Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that assessing financial awareness could help identify cognitive changes in older adults.
Researchers found that vision impairments contribute significantly to the development of dementia in older adults, with a population attributable fraction ranging from 4.9% to 19.0%. The study highlights the importance of incorporating multiple objective measures of vision impairment into assessments to capture its impact on dementia.
Research explores relationship between cardiac metabolism dysfunction and heart failure in the elderly, revealing potential therapeutic targets for improved cardiac outcomes. The study highlights the critical role of Pdk4 and MIF in cardiac metabolism, suggesting innovative treatments to manage interconnected cardiovascular conditions.
A study found that RSV vaccination significantly reduced hospitalization risk among adults 60+ in the US, offering protection against severe RSV disease. The vaccine demonstrated effectiveness in high-risk populations, including those over 75 and with immunocompromising conditions.
Researchers aim to develop a voice assistant delivering customized cognitive stimulation therapy to improve the quality of life for persons living with dementia and their care partners. The project has the potential to positively impact a large population, including those in remote areas.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees experience similar declines in frailty over one year compared to Traditional Medicare (TM) enrollees. The researchers suggest that future work should examine the impact of specific services covered by health insurance on frailty and health trajector...
Researchers tested suvorexant's effectiveness in reducing delirium in older adults, with findings suggesting it may benefit hyperactive and mixed subtypes but not hypoactive delirium. The study included 203 Japanese adults aged 65-90 years hospitalized for sudden illness or scheduled surgery.
A study of 8,000 community-dwelling adults reveals that loneliness in later life is strongly associated with death ideation, but engaging in social activities, particularly religious services, can protect against this. The research highlights the critical issue of social disconnection and its link to a 'wish to die' among older adults.
A recent USC study reveals that interprofessional training in health sciences education has a lasting impact on practice. Nearly all graduates (81%) reported working in interprofessional teams one to three years after completing the program.
This study found that higher hypertension rates among Black adults persisted across levels of socioeconomic disadvantage. Living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods was associated with higher hypertension rates among people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
A new study explores how older adults in a South Florida retirement community coped with the pandemic, finding they grew stronger and more resilient. Participants discovered new interests, deepened relationships, and used technology to adapt, leading to increased confidence and life appreciation.
A comprehensive review emphasizes the importance of addressing frailty among older adults, identifying biological underpinnings and promising interventions. The review advocates for integrating frailty assessments into routine clinical practice to personalize care plans and allocate resources effectively.
For some older adults with kidney failure, waiting to start dialysis when their eGFR falls below a certain threshold can prolong life by roughly one week. However, this approach also means spending more time in hospitals or care facilities.
A study at UFSCar found that remote testing can be reliable for functional mobility and muscle strength, especially for those with dementia. This new methodology enables more frequent health sessions and better patient tracking.
A new study shows that healthcare costs, including medical care, prescription drugs, and long-term care, are among the top health-related concerns of older adults heading into the US election. Financial scams and fraud also made the top six concerns, with significant differences among age, gender, and political ideology.