Search

A recent study from the School of Nursing focused on care trajectories and transitions at the end of life for individuals aged 65 and older. The research aimed to understand patterns of healthcare use in the last two years before death, categorizing decedents into five groups based on their care trajectories. The study highlighted the variability in care transitions, including the place of death, and emphasized the importance of improving quality of care in this critical period. For more information, the full article can be accessed for free at https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afae218. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the University of Gothenburg explores the relationship between childhood socioeconomic position and later-life frailty trajectories, with a focus on how adult socioeconomic position may mediate this association. The research, based on data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, identified three distinct trajectories of frailty progression and found that childhood socioeconomic position significantly influenced the likelihood of experiencing a "High and increasing frailty trajectory." The study highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health throughout one's life course to promote healthy aging and reduce health disparities in later stages of life. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted at University College Hospital Galway explores the impact of "vascular-geriatric" services on short-term outcomes in vascular surgery. The study found that care models that include both surgeons and geriatricians have improved peri-operative outcomes in orthopedics and surgical oncology. The meta-analysis of eight studies showed that vascular-geriatric models were associated with lower mortality rates, lower risk of infective complications and delirium, and no difference in length of stay or 30-day readmission rates compared to standard care. The researchers suggest that further studies are needed to determine the most effective design of the geriatrician-surgeon partnership. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Hospital Universitario have conducted a study on potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) in older patients in primary care. They developed and validated an algorithm using the statistical programming language RStudio(R) to estimate the frequency of PIP according to STOPP/START criteria. The study found a high prevalence of PIPs in patients aged 65 years, with polypharmacy (the use of multiple medications) being the most common risk factor. The research provides valuable insights into the pharmacological treatment of older patients and identifies those at risk of PIP. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Nestle Institute of Health Sciences in Lausanne, Switzerland, has found that a biological age clock based on clinical blood tests can predict the health trajectories and mortality risk in dogs. The researchers compared correlations of standard clinical blood parameters with survival probability in humans, cats, and dogs, and developed an algorithm that predicts biological age in canines. The study also showed that restricted caloric intake can lower biological age in dogs. This research has important implications for veterinary practice and further research in the field of aging. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Universidad Cientifica del Sur in Peru has found that the prevalence of frailty and activities of daily living (ADL) disability may be higher in high-altitude Andean regions due to chronic hypoxia, malnutrition, and physical challenges. The study aimed to evaluate the association between frailty and ADL disability among older adults residing in the Totos district in Peru. The researchers found that frailty was associated with an increased prevalence of ADL disability. These findings could help inform government intervention plans to manage disability and frailty in older adults living at high altitudes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at West Virginia University explores the increasing functional disability experienced by older adults in the United States. The study examines the contributions of demographic variables and health conditions to functional disability among adults aged 45 and older. The findings replicate previous research that age, sex, and racial background differences influence functional disability. The study suggests that physical and emotional health may be potential pathways for intervention in midlife. For more information, the full article can be accessed for free through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the School of Medicine focused on the prevalence of frailty among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) attending a primary care clinic. Frailty, traditionally considered a geriatric syndrome, can occur at a younger age among PEH due to risk factors such as poor nutrition, addiction, and loneliness. The study found that a third of the participants were frail and over half were pre-frail. The researchers concluded that screening for frailty among PEH and offering appropriate interventions could improve their service and help reverse frailty. [Extracted from the article]

A recent survey conducted by researchers at King's College London examined the practices of doctors working in geriatric medicine across 22 European countries regarding do-not-resuscitate (DNR) decision making. The survey found that Ireland had higher rates of discussing DNR orders, receiving training in DNR discussions, and greater acceptability of DNR orders in society compared to the overall European average. The study highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the differences in DNR practices among European countries, particularly in the context of resuscitation success rates for older patients. [Extracted from the article]

A report from St Michael's Hospital discusses research findings on geriatrics and gerontology, specifically focusing on the provision of hydration to patients in an acute care setting. The researchers audited the hospital's practices and found that while almost all patients had access to a drink and water jug, not all were able to independently hydrate themselves. The researchers aim to improve patient hydration to reduce malnutrition and improve recovery rates. The full report can be accessed for free through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from researchers at Federal University Rio Grande do Sul explores the relationship between muscle power enhancements and functional gains in older patients. The study included 302 older patients from two randomized clinical trials, with an average age of 86.7 years. The researchers found that muscle power gains were most notable in patients who showed improvements in the Short Physical Performance Battery and gait velocity, highlighting the importance of muscle power in functional recovery. This research provides valuable insights into the role of exercise interventions in acute care units for older patients. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Institute for Biomechanics in Zurich, Switzerland have conducted a study on geriatrics and gerontology, specifically focusing on frailty in prematurely aging PolgA mice. The study found that frailty became evident in these mice at around 40 weeks, with females exhibiting slightly more physical decline compared to males. The findings contribute to understanding frailty onset and sex-specific patterns in this mouse model, highlighting its significance in investigating aging and related disorders. The full study can be accessed for free online. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Adamson University in the Philippines examined the association between healthcare access and quality of life among senior citizens in Pampanga. The study found that the senior citizens in the study had high healthcare access and moderate quality of life. The research highlighted the importance of healthcare access in enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens, particularly in terms of accessibility and affordability. The study suggests that further research is needed to explore the relationships between healthcare access and specific quality of life domains. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University in China have developed an effective screening model for subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in older adults based on gait analysis and eye tracking. The study included 412 cognitively normal older adults, with 230 diagnosed with non-SCD and 182 with SCD. The researchers used gait analysis and eye tracking to measure 161 features and found that 22 parameters showed significant differences between the two groups. The model based on gait analysis and eye tracking achieved better detection of SCD compared to traditional screening tools, providing an objective and accurate method for early identification of SCD in the community. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Aino University investigated the relationship between walking speed and higher-level functional capacity in community-dwelling older women. The study found that decreased walking speed was associated with factors such as grip strength, cognitive aspects like processing and spatial perception, and the use of technology. The researchers concluded that maintaining physical and cognitive functions, particularly hand function, is crucial for preserving or improving walking speed, which is considered a barometer of health. This research provides valuable insights into the factors that affect the mobility and overall well-being of older women. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the RAND Corporation discusses the outcomes of Medicaid rebalancing efforts in relation to home- and community-based services (HCBS) for older adults. The study found that access to HCBS may help prevent or delay nursing home transitions among older adults. The research examined the association between Medicaid's Balancing Incentive Program (BIP) and long-term institutionalization (LTI) among dual enrollees aged 65 and older. The study found that the outcomes of Medicaid rebalancing efforts may differ across different enrollee subgroups, with BIP exposure associated with a lower hazard of LTI among Hispanic/Latinx enrollees but the opposite being true for non-Hispanic White enrollees. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has provided new insights into the impact of multimorbidity (having two or more chronic diseases) on older adults in the US. The research found that the burden of multimorbidity varies depending on the number and types of conditions, as well as the timing of onset. Factors such as age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and health indicators also influence the impact of multimorbidity. The study suggests that strategies to mitigate the effects of multimorbidity should take into account sociodemographic characteristics. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Duke University investigated the relationship between being overweight and longevity in older adults. The study used a method called Mendelian randomization to analyze data from the Health and Retirement Study and the Long Life Family Study. The researchers found that being overweight between the ages of 75 and 85 was associated with improved survival beyond age 85. These findings suggest a causal relationship between overweight and longevity in older adults. The study was published in Frontiers in Aging. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Hanyang University College of Medicine investigated the efficacy and safety of choline alphoscerate (a choline-containing phospholipid) in individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. The study involved 100 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either aGPC or a placebo for 12 weeks. The results showed that the group receiving aGPC experienced a significant improvement in cognitive function compared to the placebo group, with no serious adverse events reported. The study suggests that aGPC may be a safe and effective intervention for individuals with mild cognitive impairment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh examined the factors associated with the use of fall risk increasing drugs (FRIDs) in older adults. The study focused on two widely accepted definitions of FRIDs, one from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the other from the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (SNBHW). The researchers found that while there were slight differences in the risk factors for FRID use between the two definitions, they were largely similar. Factors such as chronic health conditions, hospitalization in the prior year, higher medication counts, and lower physical activity were associated with FRID use. The study provides valuable insights into the use of FRIDs in older adults and highlights the need for further research in this area. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana -Iztapalapa in Mexico City have conducted a study on geriatrics and gerontology, focusing on the gene co-expression networks in musculoskeletal aging. The study found that gene regulation programs play a role in how phenotypes respond to aging, and that the functional organization and modularity of genes decline with age. Women were found to maintain better gene functional organization throughout life compared to men. The study suggests that the loss of gene co-expression could be a universal marker of aging. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing, China, examined the biomechanical performance of different screw configurations for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. The study used finite element analysis to compare the mechanical response of various fracture types and fixation strategies. The researchers found that four non-parallel cannulated screws (FCS) were the most ideal configuration for treating femoral neck fractures, while biplane double-supported screw fixation (BDSF) showed potential for treating Pauwels type III fractures. The study provides valuable insights for improving the treatment of geriatric orthopedic injuries. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Universidad de la Republica in Montevideo, Uruguay, has found evidence of healthier aging and positive cohort effects on verbal fluency. The study examined the cognitive decline in older adults and whether cohort effects extend beyond cognitive levels. The results suggest that decline in verbal fluency across age is less pronounced for later born individuals, supporting the hypothesis of cohort effects. This research enhances our understanding of cognitive decline in older adults and demonstrates that cohort effects on cognition impact the entire range of verbal fluency trajectories. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy highlights the high prevalence and complexity of over-the-counter (OTC) medication misuse in older adults. The study found that older adults are the largest consumers of OTC medications and are particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with these medications. The research, which involved 144 participants recruited from 10 community pharmacies, revealed that 79% of participants demonstrated at least one type of misuse when describing how they would use their OTC selections. The most common types of misuse were drug-drug and drug-label misuse. The study emphasizes the need for additional efforts to improve OTC safety for older adults. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Caen Normandy (UNICAEN) in France has found that fluctuations in brain activity throughout the day are associated with cognitive performance in healthy aging. The study analyzed data from 101 participants aged 50-69 and found that higher levels of theta fluctuations in the salience-control executive inter-network (SN-CEN) were linked to poorer memory performance and higher rates of tau/neuroinflammation. On the other hand, higher levels of gamma fluctuations were associated with better executive performance and lower rates of b-amyloid deposition. The findings suggest that considering daily EEG fluctuations can contribute to a better understanding of cognitive changes in healthy aging and may have implications for assessing cognition in older adults in a clinical context. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Capital Medical University aimed to develop a Quality of Life (QOL) assessment scale for older patients with Neuro-co-Cardiological Diseases (NCCD). The study involved participants from a registry of patients with NCCD and utilized the Rasch model within the Item Response Theory framework to assess the scale's quality. The resulting Neuro-co-Cardiological Diseases Quality of Life scale (NCCDQOL) demonstrated good reliability and validity, indicating potential for clinical application. This research provides valuable insights into geriatrics and gerontology, specifically in relation to improving the quality of life for older individuals with NCCD. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Florida explores the use of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) and other ChatBots in gerontology research. These technologies have emerged as tools for interacting with information in a way that resembles natural human speech. The researchers conducted brainstorming sessions to identify potential uses of ChatGPT in gerontology research. This study highlights the need to better understand how ChatGPT can advance the field of gerontology. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Islamia University of Bahawalpur have published a new study on geriatrics and gerontology. The study focuses on constructing growth charts for body surface area (BSA) using the quantile regression approach and growth charts of different Gaussian Percentiles (Z-scores) against age. The research found that BSA percentiles increase after the age of 5 until the age of 22, then decrease between age 22 and 35, and finally increase again after age 35. The study concludes that using continuous BSA percentile and Z-score curves with quantile regression and Z-score approach is more accurate and can be applied to construct other growth charts in medical and physiological sciences. [Extracted from the article]

A new study from Shanghai Jiao Tong University explores the use of technology in community-based interventions for promoting active aging. The researchers conducted a systematic review of existing interventions that integrate digital technologies and identified the challenges and opportunities associated with these interventions. The study emphasizes the need to understand the nuanced roles of technology in community-based interventions and calls for guidelines to assist designers, policymakers, and community staff in effectively incorporating technology into these interventions. The research provides a starting point for accumulating knowledge and practice in utilizing technology for active aging interventions and highlights the lack of innovative and strategic approaches in this area. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Leipzig in Germany highlights the importance of oral health in nursing care for elderly populations. The study aimed to gather data on caregivers' attitudes towards the implementation of standardized guidelines for oral health promotion and evaluate their knowledge in this area. The majority of participants had a positive attitude towards the guidelines and hoped that their implementation would improve safety and competence in oral healthcare tasks. However, the study also revealed a need for further education and training, as well as the development of standardized tools for screening and assessment in oral care. The researchers suggest that translating the guidelines into other languages could enhance their usability for a wider range of users. [Extracted from the article]

A scoping review conducted by researchers from the University of Alberta explores the therapeutic effects of music intervention embedded with binaural beats on the health and well-being of older people. The review highlights the potential benefits of using binaural beats as a noninvasive therapeutic modality for older adults, but also notes a lack of dedicated studies in this area. The research emphasizes the need for further investigation into the applications and efficacy of binaural beat interventions for older individuals. The full article can be accessed for free through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) explores the potential therapeutic target of General Control Nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) in age-related diseases. GCN2 is a component of the integrated stress response and has been studied across various organisms. The research provides an overview of GCN2, including its structure, activation mechanisms, and potential significance in age-related diseases such as neurodegeneration, inflammatory disorders, and cancer. The study also discusses the barriers to effectively targeting GCN2 for disease treatment and promoting healthier aging. For more information, the full article can be accessed through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A scoping review conducted by researchers at Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos explores the characteristics of peer-led physical activity programs for older adults. The study found that there has been an increase in publications on this topic since 2018, with a focus on randomized clinical trials involving participants of both sexes. Peer leaders in these programs are typically around 65 years old, with some receiving specific training for leading physical activity programs. However, there is a lack of detailed reporting on the specific characteristics of peer leaders, highlighting the need for more comprehensive documentation to enhance the understanding and implementation of these programs for older adults. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto examined the effects of an educational workshop and a 10-week outdoor walk group (OWG) compared to a workshop and 10 weekly reminders (WR) on increasing outdoor walking in older adults with difficulty walking outdoors. The study found that the OWG was not superior to WR in increasing outdoor walking activity, health-promoting behavior, or successful aging. However, the OWG did show improvement in walking capacity through an increase in walking self-efficacy compared to the WR group. The study suggests that community implementation of the OWG should be considered. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington has found that normal aging is associated with significant changes in the cervical spinal cord's vascular anatomy and hemodynamics. The study utilized contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging to investigate these age-related changes in male Fisher 344 rats. The aged rats exhibited tortuosity in the anterior spinal artery, elevated vascular resistance, and lower baseline blood volume compared to adult rats. Additionally, the aged rats showed no response to a hypoxia challenge, which was observed in the adult rats. The study provides valuable insights into age-related hemodynamic differences in the cervical spinal cord. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care has found that perioperative neurocognitive disorders are often overlooked and undiagnosed. The study aimed to determine correlations between preoperative and postoperative scores on three cognitive tests: the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), the Clock Drawing Test (CDT), and the Test of Gestures (TEGEST). The results showed that the TEGEST is a suitable tool for assessing cognitive functioning before surgery among patients at risk of developing perioperative neurocognitive disorders. The study suggests that changing the rating scale for the TEGEST could improve its effectiveness in identifying patients at risk. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo in Mexico explores the impact of gut microbiota on aging and frailty. The study highlights that aging is a natural and complex process that involves the progressive decay of the body and a decrease in cell function. The research suggests that alterations in the gut microbiota, which occur during aging, can lead to dysbiosis and contribute to frailty in older adults. The findings propose that the microbial structure of the gut can serve as a biomarker for promoting healthy aging and improving geriatric care. [Extracted from the article]